Obituaries

George William Wellington Sr., age 88, of Mackinac Island, Michigan, died on May 23, 2025, at his home. He was born on June 11, 1936, on Mackinac Island to Charles and Helen (Doud) Wellington.

George was a proud lifelong resident of Mackinac Island, whose deep connection to the community was evident in everything he did. He attended school at the Indian Dormitory on the island. His strong work ethic began early—at just thirteen years old, he sold newspapers on ferry boats, and by age sixteen, he was working as a lunch runner for the island’s carriage tours. By age eighteen, George began driving a horse taxi, a job he held for several years before joining the Mackinac Island State Park as a horseman for the State of Michigan. He served the park and its visitors with dedication for thirty-nine years until his retirement. George remained active in the place he loved, working full-time as an island tour guide with Mackinac Island Carriage Tours and Service Company until 2017 at the age of eighty, sharing his wealth of knowledge and stories with countless visitors.

George was a proud member of the Mackinac Island Fire Department for over forty years and a devoted parishioner of St. Ann’s Catholic Church.

George had a deep love for the outdoors and could often be found with his beloved dog, Bailey, or caring for his horses. He was rarely still—always busy with a project from sunrise to sunset. A loyal Green Bay Packers fan, he also enjoyed watching Judge Judy and Wheel of Fortune, and once even appeared on the television show Dirty Jobs. George's life was a reflection of commitment—to his work, his community, and the people and animals he loved. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

George is survived by his daughter, Carrie Wellington of Mackinac Island; daughter-in-law, Ellen Putnam of Mackinac Island; grandchildren, Jennifer and Sarah; great-grandchildren, Owen, Jace and Isabella; brother, Captain Jon “Jack” Wellington, and sister, sister - Mary Alice both of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; as well as many nieces and nephews who will all miss him dearly.

George was preceded in death by his wife, Lois “Geraldine” Wellington; sons, George Wellington Jr., Richard Wessel, William Wessel siblings; Jim, Helen Ann, Dorothy and Jean.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 7619 6th St. Mackinac Island, MI 49757, from 3:00 PM -8:00 PM. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church on Mackinac Island at 11:00 AM with the burial following immediately and a luncheon after at the Mackinac Island Community Hall, 7358 Market St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757.