George V. Cowdrey II Oct. 30, 1937-Dec. 26, 2007
story updated December 28. 2007 1:00PM
George V. Cowdrey, II of Sylvania passed away in his home on Wednesday, December 26, 2007 of ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease). George was diagnosed in January 2007. George was born in Ottawa Lake, MI on October 30, 1937, to George and Ila (Burghardt) Cowdrey.
A retired teacher and principal with over 30 years in the Bedford Public School System, his legacy as an educator continues in the lives of the children he taught and the educational opportunities he championed for his students. George spent most of his career as the first elementary school principal at Smith Road School, a school that opened in the 1970s, and was known for its unique approach for educating young children. George had a sense of humor ranging from witty to ridiculously slapstick that kept everyone smiling.He made morning announcements a comedic learning opportunity for the children and teachers alike. George had an infectious smile and the ability to see the funny side of any situation. He was the kind of administrator that attracted the best teachers and he developed a loyal, talented staff. George spent a majority of his life giving back to the community as an educator, mentor, and friend to many and to his family, he was indispensable.
George held various teaching positions in Bedford Public and Washington Local Schools from 1961-1971. He was then appointed to chair the Education Specifications Committee of the new Smith Road Elementary School. George recommended an open education concept format (several rooms that open together and share a common space allowing student/teacher interaction/communication). This approach was adopted at Smith Road and George was appointed as the Principal of Smith Road Elementary School from 1971-1994. During this time frame, George also served as the Principal of Temperance Road Elementary School from 1990-1991. George retired in 1994 at age 55 while serving as principal at Smith Road. He later served as President and Recording Secretary of the Kappa Delta Phi Alumni Association.
George attended Blissfield High School from 8th through 12th grade. He received a Bachelors Degree in Education at Eastern Michigan University in 1961 and later obtained a Masters Degree in K-12 Education Administration.
George had a lifelong love of trains ranging from model railroads to live steam locomotives. He worked as a part-time employee of the Adrian Blissfield Railroad, and volunteered his time to the Northwest Ohio Live Steamers and more recently the Southern Michigan Railroad Society (SMRS). He served as an engineer running train excursions for SMRS, instructing new engineers and providing his guidance and support to the organization as a board member and secretary. George also had a reputation as a consummate handyman and he was known for his unique approach to repairing anything.
George is survived by his wife of 44 years, Salinda; his children, Lucinda Binni (Bassam), Katrina Walls (Robbie), George Cowdrey, III (Kristina); and grandchildren, Gavin Binni, Elizabeth Walls, and expected grandchild Kira Cowdrey in March 2008; and brother Carl Cowdrey (Theresa); and sister Betty Keezer.
Visitation will be held at the Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 N. Main St., Sylvania, on Friday, December 28, 2007 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The funeral service will be held on Saturday at 12:00 pm at Monroe Street United Methodist Church at 3613 Monroe St. in Toledo with viewing at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in Toledo Memorial Park.
The family suggests memorial contributions are to be made to one of the following organizations: Monroe Street United Methodist Church; The ALS Association Northern Ohio Chapter at 2500 E. 22nd St., Cleveland, OH, 44115; or the Southern Michigan Railroad Society at P.O. Box K, Clinton, MI, 49236.