If you ever had the chance to meet George Durham, you probably walked away with a lesson, a laugh, and a new way of looking at things. George had a way of seeing potential in people, in problems, and in possibilities, and he dedicated his life to helping others see it too.
George passed away earlier this year at age 84. While he may no longer be with us, his impact continues to live on throughout Aspire Living & Learning.
Over 40 years ago, George, his wife Kim, and a small group of colleagues set out to reimagine what support could look like for people with disabilities. Together, they founded The Institute of Professional Practice, planting the seeds of what would eventually become Aspire. Their vision was bold and unwavering. They were committed to offering person-centered services that recognized each person’s unique strengths and needs, especially those with complex and often overlooked challenges.
What started as a local effort grew into a multi-state, multi-faceted agency, thanks in large part to George’s insight, charisma, and belief in what was possible.
His brilliance wasn’t just in behavior analysis. It was in the way he made people feel seen and supported. He was a mentor in the truest sense. Whether you were a new clinician or a senior leader, George would sit with you, talk things through, and offer the kind of insight that only comes with experience and heart. And of course, George had a sense of humor all his own. He was known for telling long, winding stories that you only realized were jokes once he delivered the punchline 15 minutes later. Whether you laughed or cried, you always walked away with something valuable.
When behavior analyst certification became a thing, George didn’t wait for someone else to figure it out. He rallied his team to make sure Aspire was ready, putting systems in place to train and support future professionals. He wanted people to feel confident in their work, and he knew that great training made all the difference.
Outside the office, George was a builder and a sailor. Boats, home additions, weekend projects. He was always working on something. He once said his goal was to expand his house so much that he could make it all the way to Boston without stepping outside. He insisted he was getting close.
Though he officially retired in 2015, George’s influence lives on. It’s in the way Aspire trains new professionals, supports its staff, and remains committed to possibility and progress for the people we support.
We are deeply grateful for George’s leadership, his mentorship, and the foundation he helped build. Aspire would not be what it is today without him. To read more about George’s life, visit:
https://everloved.com/life-of/george-durham/obituary/.