Longtime Moshannon Valley legislator dies

Camille “Bud” George was not a tall man, but he cast a shadow long enough to stretch from the Moshannon Valley across Pennsylvania.

The longtime legislator, who retired in 2012 after 18 consecutive terms representing the 74th District in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, died Friday.

George was a powerhouse figure in the Pennsylvania Democratic party.

“I’m very saddened,” said state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Rush Township. “I was fortunate to get to know him and understand the love he had for his district and the working men and women there.”

George had an annual picnic at Janesville Dam in Clearfield County that was attended in equal parts by local voters and party luminaries.

“When it came to the Bud George picnic, it was a must for anyone in politics to attend,” Conklin said. “I have seen U.S. senators. There were people coming in on helicopters. I saw governors there. It was a must-be-at every year.”

One of those governors was the late Bob Casey Sr. One of the senators, was U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr.

“The passing of Rep. Bud George leaves a hole in the heart of Clearfield County and our commonwealth,” the senator said. “Bud George was one of a kind — a dedicated public servant and family man. No state legislator fought harder in Harrisburg for the people of his district than Bud George. Bud was a loyal friend of Gov. Casey and me for decades. On behalf of the entire Casey family and families across Pennsylvania, our hearts are with (his wife) Edna, Bud’s children and grandchildren today.”

This story was originally published September 1, 2017 at 7:28 PM with the headline "Longtime Moshannon Valley legislator dies."