Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued this statement on the passing of Maine sportsman and columnist George Smith:
“George Smith’s life was defined by his love for the Maine outdoors and his dedication to preserving this integral part of our heritage. The courage he showed as he dealt with the devastating impacts of ALS only furthered my admiration for him.
“George’s passion for hiking, hunting, fishing, and nature was eloquently expressed in his columns. His writings reflected his reverence for the beauty of every corner of Maine, gave a voice to the experiences of countless other sportsmen, and sparked a renewed appreciation for our state among his readers.
“As the executive director of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine for nearly two decades, George built a proud and enduring legacy of conservation. Current and future generations of outdoor recreationalists will be forever grateful for George’s advocacy.”