Obituary of George Houser Jr.

Life Legacy George C. Houser Jr., a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, of Easton, died Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at Saratoga Hospital. Mr. Houser was born May 25, 1931 in Cambridge, MA, to George and Mary Ruby Hillman Houser. As a boy, he lived in Chestnut Hill, MA and spent vacations at the family homestead, Brotherhood Farms, located in Easton, NY. He was educated at St. Paul's School, Concord, NH, where he developed a love of organ music which led him to become a recording engineer at the school, after graduating with honors from Harvard College Class of 1953. After marrying his wife Earline Merrill of Easton, he became permanently associated and later co-owner of Brotherhood Farms. Mr. Houser devoted much of his life to land use planning and the conservation of agricultural land. He was an original member of the Easton Planning Board and served for twenty years, ten of which he was chairman. He was instrumental in the formation of the local Agricultural Stewardship Association, receiving the first Farm Legacy Award in 2004, presented by ASA and American Farmland Trust. In addition, Mr. Houser was the first in the area to donate an agricultural easement. George was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, The Society of Mayflower Descendants, and the Ashlar Lodge of Greenwich. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Horace M. Houser. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Earline Houser of Easton; son, George (Dr. Ruth Loree Houser) and granddaughters Victoria and Julia of Easton; daughter, Charlene and grandsons, Addison and Austin of Las Vegas, NV; and his devoted companion cat, Hannah. Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Donations in Mr. Houser's memory can be made to the Agricultural Stewardship Association, 2531 State Route 40, Greenwich, NY 12834 or the Easton Library, 1074 Route 40, Greenwich, NY 12834.