George Desharnais

April 9, 1944 – March 8, 2026

George Desharnais, quick with a joke, a thought on the politics of the day, and lover of his pack of German Shorthaired Pointers, passed away on March 8 in Evergreen, Alabama. He was 81 years old. Born on April 9, 1944, to his late parents George and Philomena (Maffucci) Desharnais, George grew up in the town of Sleepy Hollow, NY, north of New York City. Drafted into the United States Army in August of 1967, George served his country during the Vietnam War, stationed in the Mekong Delta. Upon completing his active-duty service in April of 1969, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. John Fisher College in 1970, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Iona College in 1979. Following his retirement from a 30-year career as a revenue agent with the Internal Revenue Service, George made his way south to the Gulf coast of Florida before finally settling in Evergreen, Alabama, where he made his home the last 20 years. George’s first great passion was running. An avid marathoner, he competed in races all over the country, including his favorite, the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C., seven times. George also served as a coach for many years for Team in Training, the charity marathon program for Blood Cancer United. Later in life, George discovered and fell in love with the training and breeding of German Shorthaired Pointers. Upon moving to Alabama, he transformed his property into a veritable dog playground and boot camp, established his own GSP kennel, and devoted himself to learning the art and science of dog training. Over the years, George placed many amazing dogs with loving families, and the impact of his teaching spread to numerous young trainers in the GSP community. George also carried a lifelong love of music, playing trumpet throughout his life, and was a devoted follower of Boston College athletics and his adopted Alabama team, AuburnUniversity.

George is survived by his two sons, Gregory and Andrew Desharnais, sister, Joan Rose, nephew, Christopher Rose, nieces Stephanie Tuttle and Alison Madrigal, and their families, as well as his dear friend Linwood "Cliff" Grant. He is preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Richard Rose.

He leaves behind a life well and fully lived — measured not in miles logged or trophies earned, but in the dogs he raised, the runners he coached, the laughs he drew, and the love he gave to those fortunate enough to know him.

Services: A small, private family service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Blood Cancer United - Team in Training www.teamintraining.org