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Obituary: George Sarris

George N. Sarris, 73, of Traverse City, Mich. passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at Venice Regional Medical Center from a heart attack. He was born of Greek immigrant parents.

George leaves behind his wife of 20 years, Dianne Sarris and sister, Mary Ann Lexes of Grand Rapids, Mich., sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sandra and George Clark of Key Largo, many loved nieces and nephews.

George and Dianne are winter residences in Boca Grande as well as Oriental, N.C. Their summer residence is in Traverse City, where they own and operate the North Shore Inn on Grand Traverse Bay.

George graduated from Traverse City High School and the University of Michigan where he obtained an undergraduate, master’s and a Ph.D. in university administration.

In his professional career, George was a professor of political science and history at U of M.  He was the director of Admissions at Lake Michigan College, Dean of Students at U of M Dearborn campus, counselor with a social work degree and a history professor at Wayne County Community College in Detroit.

George ended his career in education to move to Traverse City where he continued to work in the hotel industry and develop other businesses. Throughout his life, he took great pride and pleasure in building and renovating many properties throughout Michigan, North Carolina, Boca Grande, St. John and St. Barths.

Family and friends were most important to him. He was a great mentor, teacher, and husband.  George was passionate about boating and politics. He was focused, had great vision, and followed his dreams to the fullest. He lived his life with integrity and humility.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the United Methodist Church in Boca Grande on Monday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m.