It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of George Theodore Sulzner III of Amherst, Massachusetts. He died unexpectedly on the morning of October 28th at Cooley Dickenson Hospital in Northampton Massachusetts. George was beloved by many for his infectious enthusiasm, his passion for his work as a political science professor, leader in Canadian Studies, and his boundless optimism, which he shared with his family, friends, and students.

George, and his twin sister, Barbara, were born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on December 3, 1937 to parents, George Theodore Sulzner II and Mary Kathryn Carr. At an early age, George nurtured a fondness for all things sport-related, with a particular penchant for baseball. His love for the game remained a favorite pastime throughout his life and formed the basis of life-long friendships. Although sports played a prominent theme in his youth, he developed a new interest in political science as an undergraduate at Muskingum College.

George went on to obtain a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Michigan in 1967 and came to the University of Massachusetts Political Science Department in 1968. George retired from the Department in 2006 having served, at various times, as Department Chair, Graduate Program Director, Undergraduate Program Director and mentor to countless graduate and undergraduate students. George taught American Politics, Personnel Management, Union and Management Relations, and Canadian Studies.

In 2009, he was one of twenty individuals to receive a 20/20 Vision Award from the Association for Canadian Studies in the United States (ACSUS) in recognition of extraordinary vision and distinguished performance. In 2011 George was presented with the prestigious Donner Medal for distinguished achievement, scholarship, and program innovation in the area of Canadian Studies in the United States.

During his tenure as president of ACSUS, he bolstered the organization’s finances, led the effort to sustain governmental funding for Canadian studies, promoted the cause of attracting new membership, and inspired his colleagues, nationally and internationally, to renew their commitment to this interdisciplinary endeavor.

In addition to his academic activities, George was an active labor relations arbitrator for the US Postal Service and the American Postal Workers Union for nearly 30 years, demonstrating to his students the importance of integrating knowledge and experience. During his tenure at the University, George’s zest for teaching and lively conversation made him a favorite among his students and colleagues. Between 2001-2007, George served as the Vice President and President for the Association of Canadian Studies in the United States, where he brought renewed enthusiasm and vitality to the organization.

George felt incredibly fortunate to teach and raise a family in such a beautiful, vibrant college town. He took full advantage of what the five-college community had to offer. George had beautiful tenor voice and sang with his wife Fran in the Valley Light Opera, Hampshire Choral Society, Berkshire Choral International, and the Unitarian Universalist Choir. He was a regular staple at UMASS basketball games, and was often spotted at Amherst breakfast spots, where he would gather with friends to catch up on politics, family, and sports. George never hesitated to share his opinion on matters, but was always generous and thoughtful, and wore his heart on his sleeve.

George was a loving husband to his wife, Frances Plumer, with whom he shared a love of music, art collecting, and family gatherings at their weekend home in Windham, Vermont. He was also extremely supportive and proud of his two daughters, Sarah and Katie, and a caring stepdad to his stepson, Stephen. George had a soft spot for animals and found great joy in his steadfast companion and daily dose of levity, Bean, the cat. Perhaps most endearing, however, was the delight George took in his role as Granddad to his five grandchildren, William, Lydia, Zeya, Arlo, and Connor. He was always up for a moonlight toboggan ride, a boisterous round of singing and dancing, or indulging in bear hugs as he embraced his loved ones hello and good-bye. George was loved by many, and the sparkle and zest he exuded for life will be deeply missed.

George leaves behind his wife, Frances Plumer; his daughters, Sarah and Katie Sulzner, and sons-in-law, Alex Darcy and Jerome Christensen; his stepson, Stephen Snyder; his sister, Barbara Greenwood and family; his former wife, Lee Bridegam; and his five grandchildren, William, Lydia, Zeya, Arlo, and Connor. A memorial service and celebration of George’s life will be held on Friday, November 9th at 1:00pm at the Unitarian Universalist Society, 121 N Pleasant Street, Amherst Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in George’s honor to the Unitarian Society of Amherst’s Music Program or Craig’s Place Shelter in Amherst.