Making an Authentic Difference

George Kuhn with wife, Betty


Along with “our prayers and thoughts are with the family” and other expressions of sympathy at a time of loss, “making a difference” has become a staple of the grief lexicon.

Upon reading the death notice this week in the Traverse City Record-Eagle of George Kuhn, ‘making a difference’ was what immediately came to mind. 

We first met George and a van full of members of the then fledgling Traverse City Track Club in the late 70’s, as publishers of the Antrim County News, one of several community newspapers to which we were affiliated.

George showed up in support of Mancelona’s first “Nesset/Peterson” memorial/fundraiser distance run. It was clear from that initial meeting that this self-effacing aerobic exercise advocate not only had the respect of a legion of runners of all ages, but led out front by example. He invariably was among the top finishers in his age class.

Later our paths crossed again with the establishment of the White Pine Stampede, the state’s first point to point 50 km cross country ski race.

One of our writers named the event, and most Up North Publications staff had a hand in shaping and staging the event in one form or another.

The Georges (George Kuhn and his longtime ski buddy George Lombard), showed up to support the race, brought ski friends, and lent sage advice on how we could make improvements.

Over subsequent years and events our paths crossed. But we regret never telling him how much of an impact his presence and support meant.

Many of us take from life without fully subscribing to the “giving” balance of the ledger.

George Kuhn showed us how to do both…

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