George was born in Victoria and grew up in Vancouver before graduating from Lakefield College School in Ontario. He married his beloved first wife Lou in 1954 and obtained his law degree from UBC in 1958. In 1973 George remarried and leaves behind the light of his life, Linda. He also leaves behind his adored sister Helen “H-Berg” Heaney; his devoted children with Lou and Linda, Lynne (Stewart), Wendy, Cate (Shane), Sue, Brett (Michelle), Scott (Kerry), Sara (Matt); eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and numerous other family members.
George practised law for over 50 years, most notably establishing the firm of Jones Emery where he specialized in tax litigation. George loved nothing more than a battle, taking on the “big guys” with delight, always fighting for the underdog. He worked tirelessly and relentlessly for his clients, often working pro bono. He firmly believed that access to the law was a right, which made him a fierce and passionate advocate, if not a wise businessman! George was able to end his illustrious career with the firm of Horne Coupar, to whom we are eternally grateful.
George was also passionate about sports, rugby in particular. Through his life, he started no less than four rugby clubs across Canada including the Ottawa Irish and the Velox Valhallians. He was instrumental in establishing the Canadian Rugby Foundation and the Braefoot Athletic Association. He coached or managed many baseball, soccer and rugby teams over the years and mentored countless people along the way.
George was a pillar of the Victoria community. He was an Honorary Patron of the Edercare Foundation as well as a past board President, he was a member of the Victoria Boxing Commission, and sat on countless other boards and commissions. Many years ago he was given the keys to the City of Victoria (which he promptly lost!). You could not walk down the street with George without someone stopping to say hello.
George acutely understood the unfairness of economic disparity and used his privilege to make a difference where he could. He was a strong believer in social justice and the concept of equity rather than equality. George tirelessly gave his time, his commitment, his expertise and his passion. He made a difference.
George will be missed by so many, no more so than his family. He was our anchor. He was truly one of a kind – there will never be another George Jones. To the very end, he kept his famous charm, sense of humour, love of the “f” word, and the indelible twinkle in his eye.
The care, support and love that the staff at Kiwanis Pavilion and the Cridge provided to George were true blessings to him and our family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkinson Canada, the George Jones Scholarship at the Canadian Rugby Foundation, the Kiwanis Pavilion, the Cridge Centre for the Family, or the Victoria Eldercare Foundation.
A Celebration of George’s Life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com.
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Father Walter Donald
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Bill Turner I was saddened by George’s passing. He was a good friend and interesting rugby coach. His pregame pep talks always made me feel up for the game. They were witty and often spiced with expletives. My only regret was that I wasn’t available to play as a stand in, in the Velox Father/son game with him,(Brett and Scott were too young). My most heartfelt condolences to all the Jones “hamburgers”.
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Bob Drinkwater George and I were great friends and played Golf regularly at Cedar Hill with Jim Docherty and Ken Hibbert who both predeceased him.. Along with a couple of trips to Puerto Vallarta the four of us also had our regular weekly lunches at the Strath. George was very special and will be sorely missed and long remembered. My sincerest Condolences to Linda and the Family.
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Kelly Anderson. (Ingraham) I want to share a story about George and my Dad, Len Ingraham. They were rascals together! One night I woke up to hear laughing at 2am…there were George and Dad on our front lawn in the uplands, putting on the lawn. They had turned all Moms plant lights so they could see! All their clubs on the driveway and balls everywhere. George was one of my Dads best friends. He stood by him thru thick and thin. I will always have fond memories of him swimming in our pool on Ripon road and him and Dad talking stories about Chinatown, the mafia retreat and some of the seedier parts of sleepy little Victoria. George always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile. I can picture him and Dad being rascals in heaven, drinking (one for the road), laughing and talking about the good old days. So sad for all of you. George made such a difference in so many lives.
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Manny Pereira My sincere condolences to Linda, Scott Brett, and the entire Jones family
It is very hard to describe George Jones in print, because he was, is and will always be larger then life because for those who were fortunate enough to have such a friend the memory of this man will only die when you die,I had the priviledge of knowing him and worked with him for many causes thru some of his friends who were in the position to help George help many who could not afford to participate in sports like rugby and soccer and many other sports,I’m forever Indebted to George and his helping friends who thru their generosity made it possible for a lot of kids to play and learn not just skills in sport but also skills about life.I Pray for my Brother,GRANT UNTO HIM O LORD AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON HIM…
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Leslie Ivens Cate, Shane and Family ~ I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. He was such a great man, and helped so many others. May he now rest and look over all of you. Cherish your memories
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Peggy York I offer my deepest sympathies in the loss of George . What a huge spirit George was through the years . He will be fondly remembered by so many people in the community and in the rugby world. He loved his children and enjoyed their successes.
Linda, you where the light of his life. I am very sorry for your loss.
May you all remember the good times you spent with George who was so full of life for so many of his years.
May he Rest In Peace.
Peggy York
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Howard & Jean Davey George Jones – What a fine man !
Brett and family, sorry for your loss, just hold on to those fond, loving memories.
Howard & Jean Davey
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Sara Neely I had the privilege of being an articled student to George at Jones Emery & Carfra, as it then was. I imagine that George, Alan and Jim are having a few good debates right now – they are all missed. To me, George was larger than life – a strong advocate who knew the Income Tax Act (that alone was daunting enough for a recent grad) and one who cared deeply for those around him. When I returned to Victoria 15 years ago, it was a pleasure to see him around town. He always had a kind word and that famous twinkle and smile. He gave so much of himself to his community – thank you George. I send my condolences to his family and friends.
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Bob Glazier Dear Linda, Brett and family. George was a very special influence in so many lives, including mine. He mentored me during my articles, later as a junior, then partner lawyer, – he even tried to get me out to Velox to play rugby ( didn’t work ) He was enormously proud of each of his kids, all equally, and of course Linda was the love of his life, ( he told me that many times ) I will hold my memories and respect for George in a special box in my thoughts, very very few individuals are in that place. He was a giant.
Bob Glazier
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Louise Mason Fond memories of George as a basketball dad. Thinking of you Scott. What a great dad – friendly, funny, charming, caring and nice to be around. Take care. Louise Mason
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Jim de Goede To Linda, Brett, Scott and other members of the Jones family. It was hard to read of George’s passing. There are certain people who bring a timeless joy to others and George was one of those. I will always remember him as a wonderfully supportive parent and great fun in whatever rugby clubhouse you found him in. You can’t buy character, you either have it or you don’t and Georgie had it in spades. My condolences to you all for your loss. Jim de Goede and family
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Bob Davis I played with George with the Ottawa Beavers Rugby Club in 1960 and then was a founding member of the Ottawa Irish Rugby Club with him in 1962. I have very fond memories of George and of another founding member, my good friend Jack Donaghy, and so many others who both played with George, and spent many wonderful times at parties hosted by George at his home in Rockliffe Park. The last time I saw George was when he came to Ottawa to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Ottawa Irish. May he Rest In Peace. All the best to the family.
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Andy Wachtel Brett, your stories about your father were so vivid that they have stuck with us to this day. Our condolences to you and your extended family. May his memory continue to be a joy and solace for you.
Ruth Annis and Andy Wachtel
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Pat Hall My Condolences to the family. George will be surely missed. He was such a guy. I am glad that I had the pleasure of meeting him through sports. Thank you and God bless rest in peace George.
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Mary Copp Dear Linda and family,
I am so sorry to hear of George’s passing. My husband and I have known George,Linda and family back to the 70’s. He was such a great help and mentor to my husband and I for many years.He was such an amazing man! His character and sense of loyalty was one of a kind. Georges’s sense of humor was amazing! He will be truly missed. I do hope all the wonderful memories will bring some comfort for all his family. You all, are so blessed to have had, a life with this incredible guy!
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Cathy Schofield I was sad to hear of George’s passing. This year has been a stressful one as a nurse but when I reflect back on my days with George at the Cridge I can’t help but smile. Every nurse has their favourites and George was one of mine. From his desire to learn French and play cards to help keep him sharp , to his laugh and love of his family. May he find peace .
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Ben Levinson My wife Carla and I have known George for over 50 years. He has been our lawyer and friend. Giving us such wonderful guidance both personally and in or business endeavours. I was so lucky to visit George just before the Covid lock down. We gave him a few sweets fron Pure Vanilla. Which he immediately satisfied his sweet tooth. Still had a laugh and a sparkle. We send our love and condolence to his family.
Ben and Carla
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Debbie Keay Sue, my heart goes out to you and your family at this time. My wish is that happy memories may give you comfort and smiles. xo
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Charles Ludgate George changed our lives for the better, always questioning to make things better, he will be missed, our lives are better because of George
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michael butterfield George was a great guy. He will be missed. He helped and influenced so many people. He had a great sense of humor.
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Richard Lee Dear Jones Family,
We are sorry to hear about George’s passing and send our condolences to you all. George was a great lawyer and even a greater friend. We will miss him dearly and his horse racing stories.
Richard,Rod,Helen and Ryan Lee
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Niki Hughes Linda, Sue and all the Jones Family –
I am so sorry and offer my deepest sympathies on the loss of George. I will always remember his spiritedness – the twinkle in his eye, his humour and the love he had for his family. About 10 years ago I went into to Horne Coupar, and imagine my surprise to see George Jones still working! His sense of purpose and championing of others really was endless. He gave so much. I know he will be missed by so many in his vast community, but none more than all of you. May you be light in your heart with the beautiful memories of having had him so close in your life.
A whole year has passed since last May, and Covid19 is still with us. Our friend George Jones QC isn’t.
We still have our happy and often humorous memories. We still have a spot in our hearts that hurts when we think of him.
Many people believe that a “saint” is a pious, gentle and probably mostly boring person who would never say a certain word that begins with the sixth letter of the English alphabet, a word that George used a lot.
It isn’t the words we say that count most. It is what we do that counts most.
“Love one another as I have loved you.” George Jones QC knew how to “do” law. George Jones QC also knew how to “do” love.
Rest in peace, George. +