WTAJ last spoke to Camille “Bud” George back in 2012. He was wrapping up his final days in public office and looked over the work he had done for his community, the work he loved second only to his family.
In that interview he said, “This kind of job gave me more than money, it gave me a sense of what’s important. This kind of job gave me a direct passion for people and how important some of the simplest things are to some.”
Bud loved the people he served, and they loved him. They loved him enough to elect him for 19 consecutive terms in the state house.
His home of Houtzdale voted him mayor for the first time in 1965 and asked him back in 2011.
Local business owner Kenn Starr explained, “He really had the hearts of the local community and he made a difference. He was one that made a difference for a long period of time.”
Bud fought locally for the conservation of the public’s water. He was heralded as a champion of the working people and small businesses. He secured state funding for the Lock Haven Clearfield Campus, SCI Houtzdale, and the Clearfield Walmart.
Most important to Bud were the people in his district. At the end of the day, gaining their love and trust was the biggest accomplishment of them all.
Bud said,”When you say, ‘what am i most proud of?’, I guess I’m most proud that the people accepted me.”
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Bud George Memorial Scholarship Fund at Lock Haven University.