The man who led the Door County Parks Department for nearly two decades has died.
George Pinney, 66, died Friday night at Ministry Door County Medical Center.
Pinney served as director of the Door County Parks Department for the past 17 years. In April, he was honored by the Door County Board, which renamed Olde Stone Quarry County Park as George K. Pinney County Park. Pinney was instrumental in facilitating recent improvements at the park, including an upgraded boat launch, parking, picnic facilities and obtaining harbor of refuge status.
During Pinney's tenure the Parks Department secured more than $12 million in grants and expanded the parks system by 182 acres.
Door County supervisor and former County Board Chair Leo Zipperer says Pinney will be missed, but what he left behind will be enjoyed by others for a long time.
Friends of Door County Parks president Paul Graf says Pinney had a vision for the county's parks and that vision will be passed along to his successor.
Some of the other parks developed or improved under Pinney's watch include Cana Island Park, Carmody Park, Chaudoir's Dock Park, Ellison Bluff Park, John Miles Park, Murphy Park, Forestville Dam Park, Lily Bay Park and Meridian Park. Pinney also helped facilitate the Horseshoe Bay Cave entrance acquisition, oversaw the development of the Ahnapee State Trail in Door County and served as the Door County state snowmobile trails coordinator.
Pinney revealed earlier this year that he was being treated for bone marrow cancer.
A memorial service honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 6, 2012, at Sturgeon Bay Moravian Church.
The complete obituary for George Pinney can be found here.
