Opening reading  Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Today is the time to celebrate the life of George Roberts.  Thank you all for being here, this afternoon.

I’m not a man of the cloth, but I feel that George wouldn’t mind because he told me many times that he was non-denominational. 

George was born on November 13, 1922.  He passed away Sep 24,  2007.

Like all Americans of his generation, he was faced with great challenges, first the great depression, followed by the greatest conflict the world has ever known — the Second World War. 

Like many of his comrades, he returned home and lived the quiet life of a good citizen. 

Shortly after the war George returned to Europe for a few years and among other things he began a life long love affair with French cooking.  

George was one of five brothers, of whom (Bill and Richard) are here today.  He was preceded in death by a first wife, Jean.  He was the father of three sons, George, Mark and Mathew and husband of Phyllis. 

His love of cooking stayed with him for his entire life.  I can testify to the quality of his work.  He also loved to read, especially about the history of the western world.

As I got to know George better I began to realize his deep feelings about his service to his country during the Second World War and especially his participation in one of the greatest events of that war, the invasion of Europe – D-Day.  Like all those who were present that day, it was “the” defining moment in his life.  He returned to France for the 50^th anniversary and again, for the 60^th anniversary of that event.  Even before that, George had begun a poem to honor those with whom he had served.  

At this time I would like to ask Richard to read that poem.

As I was thinking of what could best sum up Georges life, I thought of his love of cooking and with it the love of fine French wines.  I was reminded of the lines of the song “it was a very good year” 

“Now my days grow short, I’m in the autaum of my years.
I think of my life as Vintage wine, from fine old cages.
From the bream to the dregs 
it flowed sweet and clear
It was a very good year.”

 My wife, Marge, told me that she couldn’t remember George speaking badly of anyone.
I’d like to end with a prayer that means a lot to me and I believe was how George tried to live his life.
Closing prayer