George Arthur Gilchrist

George's life was a gift to the people he touched. Music was George's talent from God, and it was his gift to every person he met, from the youngsters who rushed at him with open arms squealing "I love you Mr. G!" to the college students, with whom he shared his knowledge of music. He received his early education in Three Rivers, MI and continued to a bachelor of music degree at Western Michigan University, majoring in piano, trumpet and voice, followed by a Master degree from Oakland University. He taught music education from kindergarten to graduate level students in Michigan and Florida. He enjoyed all types of music from classical to contemporary Christian. He was a minister of music at several churches in Michigan and Florida. He married Ellen Glupker and for 44 years this couple served as a musical duet in the calling of their lives. The enjoyment of his vocation brought him employment in churches from Daytona Beach, to Three Rivers and Kalamazoo. As a teacher, George most recently served at Paramount Charter School and St. Augustine's but his legacy lives on through his church ministries, puppet ministry and volunteering with the college and career music ministry with Pastor Mouw at Calvary in Kalamazoo. George loved gifting from the smallest gifts to playing a song for anyone, on any piano available. Cooking was a relaxing past time for George. He would trade a batch of cucumbers for his home made deviled eggs or lasagna. Always something home cooked from the master's hand and after dinner entertainment was always included as a part of the mealtime experience. As Pastor Peter Hauser, Southminister Presbyterian Church, Daytona Beach, said of George, "It is the deep 'caring' that you exhibit that holds groups you work with 'together'. That by the blessing you gave to others, you yourself are blessed. George, more than any other individual you have personified that truth in our midst. We shall miss you and all of your blessed gifts." Ellen was very blessed by all the phone calls, cards, emails, letters and visits by many friends, family and church family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Music Ministry at Calvary Bible Church, Kalamazoo, or the "Uganda Remembrance Mission Project" at Charleston Harbor Bible Church, South Carolina.