06/02/2026
🤍 Remembering George: With Gratitude
Better late than never, but our hearts are still so full from Dad’s celebration of life.
We want to extend a massive, overdue THANK YOU to every single person who came out to honor, remember, and celebrate the incredible life of George Naftzger. To everyone who shared a story, shed a tear, or brought a smile to our faces, you reminded us just how deeply he was loved and how many lives he touched as an educator, antique lover, and the heart of this property.
We are so grateful for this beautiful community. Here are a few glimpses of the love, laughter, and memories we shared that day. 👇
✨ Special Shout-Outs & Appreciations
An event like this doesn't happen without a village, and we have some truly wonderful people to thank for making the day so special:
• To our wonderful caterers Ellustrious Events Daryll Brown &our staff: Thank you for keeping everyone fed, comforted, and cared for so seamlessly. The food and service were absolutely wonderful.
• To the storytellers: To everyone who stood up or sat with us to share memories of Dad's teaching days, his auction adventures, and his vision for the inn—those stories are a priceless gift to our family.
• To The Rose Society: for all their help weeding Dad’s beds with an expert eye for detail! They looked amazing thanks to your efforts!
• To Carol Rideout: for coming down from Michigan to tell all her wonderful stories of being my parents’ closet friend;
• To: my wonderful sisters who drove long distances to be here! Love you so! And To; my newfound family: My incredible brother Tim and my incredible sister-in-law Karen for traveling in from Washington a week ahead to make sure the property was looking its best! As well as the dynamic Duo from Kentucky my fabulous cousin Jimmie and my multi-talented cousin-in-law Brenda, who got so much done so fast I was in total awe all week! I love you guys and am so grateful to call you family!
• To: The Incognito Superhero; We owe a massive thank you to our incognito yard-work superhero right up to the day of the event! You know exactly who you are thank you for putting in serious hours behind the mower-even strapped into a headlamp tackling the grass in the dark-to get the grounds looking beautiful and peaceful for Dad’s memorial. We couldn’t have done it without your quiet strength, your night vision skills, and your big heart!
• To: Audio-Visual Wizard; This guy curated an amazing slideshow and with help from a lifelong friend Judy, who compiled the perfect soundtrack for Dad’s Day! Thank you for being such a rock star! I know you usually prefer to “not people”, but your kindness, creativity, and support shone through completely. Thank you for making sure Dad’s Tribute was perfect!
• To: Kevin McCarthy; My dear friend you showing up with your silver trumpet to play Taps took us all completely off guard in the most profoundly beautiful way. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house, but amidst the tears, there were so many cheers. Thank you for giving Dad- and all of us- such a breathtaking unforgettable tribute.
To: Our Dearest Dr. Angela Brulee’ My found sister; you haven’t just been our most legendary guest for six years; you completely adopted us as your family, and Dad loved you dearly. Your immense generosity in taking care of the catering for the memorial was such a beautiful blessing, but your presence in our lives is the greatest gift of ALL! Thank you for always being there for us!
Thank you all for helping us give him the beautiful send-off he deserved. Your support means the world to our family as we carry his legacy forward.
With all our love and appreciation!
