Obituary of George M. Cunningham

CUNNINGHAM GEORGE M. Age 89, took the high road to Scotland on Tuesday October 7, 2014. Born in Dalmuir, Scotland, he emigrated to the U.S. at the invitation of Dresser Industries. He joined Corning, Inc. in 1956 after graduate work at Penn State University. He is a Graduate Mechanical Engineer from the Royal Engineering Colleges of Glasgow and Paisley, Scotland and served a 5 year engineering apprenticeship with Rolls Royce Ltd. George retired as a Senior Research Engineer from Corning, holding 14 company patents. He taught engineering courses 11 years in Continuing Ed. at Elmira College. The quintessential Scot, George embraced his adopted country whole-heartedly. He founded the Scottish-American Society with the assistance from Rev. Earl Roberston and served tirelessly as Chief for 10 years. A bagpiper with the Caledonian Highland Pipe Band and a talented artist, he served as Vice-President of the Horseheads Art Guild. Friends were often serenaded with his repertoire of Scottish Songs. George was a 38 year member of the Horseheads Elks Lodge where he made many friends. A track star, George ran competitively track and cross-country for the Victoria Park Athletic Club, Scotland when he took Silver Medal in the 1947 Scottish National Championships. A first place in 6 mile meet against Oxford University, 1949 and Bronze medalist in Scottish Natl. 2 mile Steeple chase, 1948. Others too numerous to list; but included competing in 1948 Olympic trials for Scotland and in U.S.A., the gold medalist for AAU National cross-country championship in 6 mile race, 1954. George volunteered as cross-country coach at Corning Community College during the 1960's. The last seven siblings, George is survived by wife, Barbara J. Stevenson Cunningham, son George T. (Lynette) and grandchildren, Jenna, George R., Lindsey, of Syracuse, NY. son, Bryce S. (fiance, Eilene Irish) of Boston, Mass., nephew, Thomas Grant, niece Nicola Groghan, U.S. and extended family in Scotland. The family wishes to thank Arnot Ogden Medical Center Staff on 4B and 2B for compassionate care. Appreciation also to Dr. Thomas Rodgers and Elcor Rehab Unit. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the LYNCH FUNERAL HOME 318 WEST BROAD STREET HORSEHEADS ,NY on Monday October 20 , 2014 from 5-7 PM . Mr. Cunningham's Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday October 21 , 2014 at 10:30 AM at The First United Methodist Church 1034 West Broad Street Horseheads , NY 14845 . The Rev. Rhonda Kouterick will officiate . Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira , NY . In Lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorials be directed to Alzheirmer's Association 435 East Henrietta Road Rochester, NY 14620; The Scottish-American Society C/O Alastair Cormack, 76 University St. Alfred , NY ; The First United Methodist Church 1034 W. Broad St. Horseheads, NY 14845.