George Raymond Glines, 69, of Canterbury, passed away on May 11, 2023, surrounded by his family.
George was born on November 30, 1953 in Concord, NH to Raymond and Norma Glines. He was part of the 4 th generation to be raised on their family dairy farm in Canterbury, NH. He attended elementary school in Canterbury and graduated with the class of 1971 from Tilton-Northfield High School. During his school years, he was diligently involved in 4-H and FFA, winning several awards. After a short attendance at the University of New Hampshire, George returned home at 18 years old and took over
ownership of the farm from his father, setting the stage for the remainder of his life.
With long days and tight margins, the life of a dairy farmer can only be described as a labor of love, but the passion George had for his farm and all animals was infectious. His registered Holstein dairy cattle were his pride and joy, and he carefully bred generations of cow families with descendants still present on the farm today. His horses and dogs were well loved, and even the farm cats always knew who would take the extra time to ensure they had a full belly too. Throughout ever-present seasonal field work, he found true joy in working his crops with his favorite tractors, a Farmall Super M and an International 1466. His wisdom and love for agriculture passed on to his children, allowing the farm to continue into a 5 th generation.
George was also an active and beloved member of the Canterbury community, somehow always finding time to give back to his town, as well as the dairy industry. Aside from countless smaller volunteer roles, he served many years on the NH Holstein Board, Granite State Dairy Promotion Board, Merrimack County 4-H Advisory Council, Eastern A. I. Advisory Council, Canterbury Planning Board, Canterbury Board of Selectmen, Budget Committee, and as the Deacon of the Canterbury United Community Church.
Above all, George was the type of family man and friend that you are only lucky enough to meet a few times in life. He had a genuine smile and an easy-going way that made everyone feel instantly welcome. His open-minded nature and willingness to listen made his advice sought-out by many. Despite the demands of farming, he was never too busy to stop and visit, or drop everything to help someone in need. Anyone who has spent time with George will remember his love of telling stories and discussing town and family history.
He made sure his family always knew they were his highest priority. Annual 4 th of July family vacations to Goose Rocks Beach, numerous local day trips, nightly family dinners, and showing cattle at the fair are among some of the most cherished memories of his children. Later, when he became “Poppa,” nothing made him happier than spending time playing with his grandchildren, and he was equally adored by all of them.
George is survived by his children, Kate Mason (Jacob), Peter Glines (Nicole) and Eric Glines (Fiina);
grandchildren, Anna, Allison, Nora, Lillian and Hayley; his beloved companion of 8 years, Kathy Dickson and her children, Corey, Mark, Erin and Ryan and their families; his brother, Roy Glines and sister, Kathy Dole; his father-in-law, Frank Erickson; his brother-in-law, Robert Erickson; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his cherished wife of 30 years, Susan Erickson Glines.
Calling hours will be Thursday, May 18 th at Smart Funeral Home, 584 West Main Street in Tilton, NH from 5-8pm. A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 19 th at 10am, at the Canterbury United Community Church, on Center Rd in Canterbury, followed by a burial service at Maple Grove Cemetery. A reception will take place at Canterbury Woods Country Club, 15 West Rd in Canterbury, following formal services.