George Liney passed away at home on January 3, 2021. He was 89 years old.
Born in New York City on September 25, 1931, he was the only son of Hildur (Larsen) and George Liney. Following his father’s death, he moved to Mandal, Norway, where he lived in a small coastal home among his extended family until 1951. At the age of 20, he returned to New York with nine dollars in his pocket and a rudimentary knowledge of English. With his unparalleled strength, dedication, and tenacious work ethic, he acquired fluency in English, graduating from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor’s degree in Economics in 1954. That same year, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving for two years in Heidelberg, Germany.
Following military service, Mr. Liney returned to school, earning an MBA from The University of Michigan’s School of Business in 1957. The following year, he met and married Pamela Valerie Jones at The Church in the Gardens in Forest Hills, Queens.
George and Pamela had three children whom he cherished, supported, and guided. Eventually, he would do the same for his eight grandchildren. He was an especially dedicated husband, father, and grandfather.
While studying for his CPA, Mr. Liney began a long and successful career in finance with the accounting firm Ernst and Ernst, and ended his varied and interesting international career with Synthelabo-Sanofi of Paris, France, after 13 years as Vice President of Finance at their U.S. division in Tarrytown, N.Y.
Mr. Liney was a member of Shenorock Shore Club in Rye, where he shared 47 years of laughter, great food, and recreation with his extended family and dear friends. Having grown up in a small fishing town on Norway’s Southern coast, he carried his love and reverence of the sea with him throughout his life, exploring the great fishing grounds of Long Island Sound, Montauk, and New England.
For the past 25 years, he spent most summers on Block Island, R.I., where he and his wife built a house of their own, and treasured clamming and fishing with family and close friends. He passed his love and passion for the sea on to all his children and grandchildren, as well as his son-in-law, Ed, which allowed him to continue fishing into his old age. A skilled seaman, he was an esteemed captain of his family, fair and true.
George Liney loved his family fiercely and was proud of every one of its members. A masterful storyteller, he imparted wisdom and amusement with every tale he recounted. He was always sure to emphasize the importance of family, bestowing his knowledge of the family’s lineage upon his children and grandchildren through both oral and written family histories.
He acted as a role model, showing all who knew him what it meant to be grateful and resilient. He lived each day with integrity, humor, and compassion for others, making all feel luckier for it. He exemplified genuine strength and perseverance in the face of adversity, all while maintaining a brave face. He devoted the latter quarter of his life to instilling these qualities in his grandchildren, in whom his legacy will persist.
He worked, loved, and lived profoundly. His life was full, and he was deeply loved. Fair winds and following seas, skipper. “O Captain, my Captain.”
In addition to his wife Pamela, Mr. Liney is survived by his children, Graham, Jill, and Janice and their spouses, as well as his grandchildren: Brandon, Pilar, Jessica, Olivia, Esmé, Rhys, Amanda, and Hunter.
