George Pherigo

Harrisburg - On Sunday, December 27, 2009, George Lawrence Pherigo joined his wife of 47 years Jean Ellig Pherigo, his father Alfred Lawrence Pherigo, and his mother Myrtle Angeline Thompson Pherigo, and other welcoming spirits in the universe.

George was born on March 31st, 1938 in Litchfield, Minnesota. He is survived by loving siblings and their spouses, Harold and Sandra Pherigo of St. Cloud, MN, Diane and Steve Bragg of Litchfield, MN, and Arlene and Alex Howanski of Litchfield, MN. Devoted children, Cherlyn Gallagher and son-in-law Pete Gallagher of Mount Holly, NC, Dorianne Davis of Mount Pleasant, NC, and Aaron Pherigo of Harrisburg, NC. Grandchildren Noah Greene, Geoffrey Pherigo, Jacqueline Pherigo, Christopher Gallagher, and Reilly Gallagher, and great-grandchild Evan Greene.

He was intensely loved and admired by many more family members and loyal friends near and far. George’s life was epitomized by a yearning for knowledge and adventure. Beginning with a degree from St. Cloud State University and culminating in a doctorate degree, education was both his occupation, and his passion. After service in the National Guard, he began teaching, first in High School in California, then in Vocational School in Hutchinson, MN. He earned an award as Minnesota Vocational Teacher of the Year, and was an innovator in the field of Non-Destructive Testing. His expertise led him into the national offices of ASNT in Columbus, OH, then the Education and Training department of J.A. Jones in Charlotte, NC. Eventually, he began his own companies including Flawtech and PHDiversified in Harrisburg, NC. His career awards and recognitions are too numerous to mention, but those who knew him would know he valued the journey more than the finish line.

Along on that journey was his friend, partner and wife, Jean, every step of the way. Their travels took them to the ends of the earth, and their home was filled with mementos and memories of the friends they cherished. They never met a stranger, and simply loved to absorb and share experiences with every person who crossed their path.

After Jean’s death on Dec. 21, 2006, and his parent’s deaths since then, George fought a valiant battle against non-smokers lung cancer with the help of incredible doctors at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. George was a firm believer that when we die our energy is merely transformed - so he will always be with us, teaching and learning.

The family will receive friends at the Hartsell Funeral Home in Concord, NC from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 29. Memorial service and interment will be in Litchfield, MN. Per his request, memorials may be sent to the Pherigo Log Lodge Trust, 120 Lighthouse Road, Mount Holly, NC 29120.

Hartsell Funeral Home, Concord is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com.