West Hawley, MA – On Monday, November 24, 2025, George Arthur Rice (84) died peacefully in his favorite chair, at home, after a period of declining health.
Born the first child to David and Lida Rice on September 15, 1941, he lived most of his life in West Hawley, building a house next to his parents, and then ultimately moving back into his childhood home on his beloved West Hill farm. Making hay was his favorite thing to do, and despite severe health limitations, he managed to get at least a 3rd cutting on all his hayfields this year. He couldn’t bear to see his hillside pastures empty, so still had a small herd of beef cattle at the time of his death.
George spent almost 2 years in Germany after being drafted into the army in 1964. While there he began exchanging letters with Gail Mougin, a girl his father asked to write to him, and married her a year after his return home. They went on to have 20 years and 4 kids together. They raised Belgian draft horses for several years, a particular dream of his. They remained friends and neighbors even after their divorce.
Always a hard worker, he excelled at running equipment. He worked for a couple local construction companies for many years before getting a backhoe and eventually an excavator and dump truck to be his own boss. He happily fit his digging work schedule around his hay schedule in the summer and snow plowing driveways in the winter. His quality work and fair rates made sure he was always as busy as he wanted to be. He cut just enough logs from the farm to pay the annual property taxes; he was a careful steward of the woods, the same as the fields.
Family left include sister, Paula Rice of Charlemont, daughter, Carla (&David) Clark of Hawley, sons, Eric (&Theresa) Rice of Suring, WI, Tom Rice of Framingham, MA and Charles (&Chelsea) Deraway of Grantham, NH, grandsons, Dawson and Landon Clark, Owen Rice, granddaughter and apple of his eye, Abigail Rice, step granddaughters, Rae Anne and Sanorraine, an aunt, several cousins, nieces and nephews. Gone before and welcoming him home were his parents, his firstborn son, Jeffrey Rice and his daughter-in-law, Melissa Rice, both gone far too soon, and all 3 of his younger brothers.
He also leaves his former long-time partner, Sue Deraway, and her family. He was especially fond of her grandson Austin, who was still living with him at the time of his death. He will be missed by many friends who shared countless phone visits and roadside chats with him. You all know who you are. He valued every shared word.
Last, but not least Sky, an extremely clever little dog who gave him so much joy over the past few years. She will miss performing all her many tricks for him – who will make empty Mountain Dew bottles for her to put in the recycling and remind her to shut the door behind her now?
The fields of West Hawley will never be the same. Hopefully there are endless fields and John Deere tractors at his next stop. There are no services at this time. A private graveside celebration of life is planned for the spring. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home, 104 Bridge Street, Shelburne Falls, MA.
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