This is our 101st year celebrating Loftus Day, which honors Rotarians loved/lost in the past year. Following tradition, we will hold a short program on Friday, September 5th to remember George Nugent and reflect on our history, followed by a visit for those able to Mt. Hope cemetery. Please bring a bouquet of flowers (from your home garden, your favorite florist or roadside stand, etc), if you'd like to participate. At the end of the regular meeting, those wishing to go to the cemetery will gather.
At the cemetery, each member will be given a short bio on each person, map of the cemetery with the plot highlighted and photos of the headstone. You'll be given a different name every year so that you get to know different people's stories. You'll drive (or carpool) to the cemetery, find the grave of your assigned person, place the flowers, and depart when you wish. If you have questions, please contact cathy@lansingrotary.com
George Stephen Nugent, 90, of East Lansing, MI passed away on January 29, 2025. He was the son of the late Walter Stephen Nugent and Christine Louise (Bauch) Nugent. George was predeceased in death by his parents and his only sister Linda Louise Harrold. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 68 years Marilyn Patricia (Kelly) Nugent, children Stephen William, Kelly Jo and Christopher George (Laura), grandchildren Ashley Victoria (Stephanie), Andrew Christopher, Caroline Laura, Patrick James, Connor Paul and Josina Margaret Nugent and several nieces and nephews.
For George action always spoke louder than words. And this was evident by the quiet strength he always showed as a husband and a father. We will miss his laughter, his gentle smile, his words of wisdom and his blue eyes, always full of love.
George was born April 6, 1934, in Lansing, Michigan. He graduated from East Lansing High School in 1952 and Michigan State University in 1956 with a degree in Business. He was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He and Marilyn were married in December 1956. After two years service in the Army, stationed in Colorado Springs, CO, they returned to Lansing to start his banking career and raise their family.
George worked for American Bank & Trust in Lansing in several management roles culminating as President. He was President of the Michigan Bankers Association in 1981-82. He retired in 1995 as an Executive Vice President of First America Bank Corp. after 38 years of service. He was active in his community, serving as a board member and chairperson of the Sparrow Hospital Foundation, board member of The Lansing Symphony and Lansing Community College Foundation as well as chairperson of the Capital Region Community Foundation and 1978 chairperson of the Capital Area United Way.
George joined Lansing Rotary on October 1, 1963 with Rick Foster as his sponsor. George was also a Paul Harris Fellow +4 and created the George and Marilyn Nugent Endowment Fund which made them part of the Legacy Society that recognizes any individual who designates the Rotary Club of Lansing Foundation Endowment in memory of Jack Bates at the Community Foundation in their estate plan or makes a cash gift of $10,000 or more to this endowment fund.
