I knew George from middle school. He and I would hang out behind the gym and smoke cigarettes between classes. As a bassist, I saw George as the musician I always wanted to be. He had a huge amount of talent. Andy Cass, a drummer in one of the first bands I was in with George, told me about his passing. I was shocked. George and I would get together and play old Duke Ellington tunes, George on piano and me on doublebass. Out of all the musicians I knew from that era so long ago, George was the only one with the talent and drive to make it. Save a seat for me in the bass section George!

Yvonne, Lydia, and Georgia,

My sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. George's contributions to the arts will be missed.

Yvonne, Lydia, and Georgia,

My sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. George's contributions to the arts will be missed.

To Yvonne, Georgia & Lydia,

Please accept my sincerest condolences at this difficult time. I, too, know what it is like to lose a father so suddenly. Hold onto all of those fond memories and let his kind spirit live on in you. Take care!

Dear Yvonne, Georgia, and Lydia,

All of us send you our love and condolences. George was a gentle, loving man, an excellent human being. I have fond memories of George with the girls at the pool. He was aces, the tippy-top best dad ever. I observed him teach on some occasions and I knew I was in the presence of a first rate teacher too.

We love you all, Lesley Suttile

We wanted to express our deepest sypathy to the entire Akehurst family and especially Yvonne, Georgia, and Lydia. George was a loving husband, father, and beyond talented musician. We saw his wonderful qualities weekly for ourselves being at your home with our daughters Dominique and Natalia for violin lessons. Even prior to them taking lessons, he was the music teacher at the preschool they attended and it was evident even then his gift for music, love of life, patience and gentleness with children.

Our family greatly admired George as a person, teacher, musician and for the natural rapport he had with all his students. Please know we will be forever grateful for what George gave to our children.....the gift of playing music.

George will be deeply missed. Despite how difficult and sad it will be for Dominique and Natalia to continue playing violin without George's amazing guidance at their side..... we know he would want them to continue playing. George will ALWAYS be in their hearts for a lifetime as they play and in our hearts. Dominique and Natalia know they had the GREATEST TEACHER THEY COULD HAVE EVER HAD.....GEORGE AKEHURST!!

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for allowing us into your home for the last seven years for lessons. May God give your entire family the strength needed to deal with this tragic loss. Your family will remain in our daily prayers.

With Deepest Sympathy and Love,

Paul and Colleen, Dominique, Natalia, Joseph, and Elaina Voitek

Yvonne, Georgia & Lydia,

I am sorry for your loss. May God watch over you.

Paulette Dodge (Penguin Video)

To the entire family: Although I did not know George on a personal level I certainly knew and respected his talent and community spirit. We saw a performance of the symphony as recently as this past tuesday and were delighted. His loss is shared by many. Please except our family's sincere condolences.

Aunt Yvonne, I am sending you love, and prayers from me and my family. My Uncle George was a great man, I didnt see him as much as I should have, but with that said the memories I do have with him will be forever cherished. He was a brillantly talented artist and the best Uncle. Geo and Lydia, I am here if you guys need anything. Even just someone to talk to...can't wait to see you guys again. Just wish the circumstances were different...

Dear Yvone,

I was so sorry to hear of your loss on that sad day. I certainly cannot understand what it would feel like to lose a spouse. I hope your sorrow will soon be replaced by only the good memories.

My deepest sympathy to you and your children.

If there is anything I can do for you while you are out please do not hesitate.

Dave

Dear Mrs. Akehurst, Georgia, and Lydia,

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are prayers are with you and your family.

All my Love,

Maggie

I was so sorry to hear of George's passing. I had a lot of fun playing in Stone Soup Symphony before moving to Vermont. He was a great guy and had so much energy!

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Akehurst family who I have known since elementary school. Mr. Akehurst was such a caring dad and I have great memories of spending time with him.

It was truly an honor to play music with George. I will treasure those times when I had the privlege to play in a quartet with him. He was an inspiring musician who was infinitely patient, warm, and accepting at the same time that he encouraged us to strive for excellence.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of George. He was instrumental in giving both our children a true appreciation of music and his impact on them will last a lifetime. With love and sympathy. Kim Schad and Jim Stone

George was by far my favorite music teacher. He always challenged me and taught me really fun music pieces. I also remember the day he taught me how to throw a curve ball after my piano lesson. I'll always remember him. Sincerely, Nate Stone

To the family of George: He was my favorite piano teacher ever. He meant a lot to me. I've know him since preschool where he played for us. I still remember that the day he didn't wear socks! I had a lot of respect for him and he made music fun. Sincerely Ian Stone

Yvonne, Georgia & Lydia, Our deepest sympathy to you. George was a wonderful man. He will be missed deeply. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May he rest in peace. Love, The Hummer Family

My deepest sympathy to Yvonne, Georgia, and Lydia. Everything George did was always brilliant and he always lifted the air with his light wherever he was. He was truly special and we love and miss him.

Our deepest sympathy to Akehurst family. We were lucky to have known George (violin teacher for our daughter, Portia). He was always kind, patient, optimistic and full of life. He seemed to have a special way of reaching children through music... a true gift. He will be sorely missed.

The Womer Family

My heart goes out to the family and friends of George. I worked and carpooled with George for quite a while when we worked at Telcordia in Piscataway. He was such a nice man - always positive and upbeat. It was a real honor to have known him....I wish everyone the best during this difficult time...

Yvonne, Lydia and Georgia, our prayers are with you during this difficult time. We are truly sorry for your loss.

George.... friendly, happy and kind to everyone. George gave our son, Michael guitar lessons when he was young. We will keep you all in our thoughts, hearts and prayers as you go through this very difficult journey.