George passed suddenly, and quietly, at home, as was his wish. Predeceased by his loving wife Angeline in 2017, survived by 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. George was born in Port Hope, Ontario and left home at 14 to start his life adventure that would take him to Northern Ontario, across the prairies to settle and raise his family in Calgary before moving to Vancouver Island in 1979 and retiring to Brentwood Bay in 1986. George and Angeline were married for 64 years and were true partners in business, in raising a family and in life. He was inquisitive by nature and enjoyed reading books and online articles on a vast range of topics, then discussing them with family and friends. George found joy in something every day, especially the natural beauty of sunrises and sunsets. His lifelong dream to travel to his ancestral Ireland, was fulfilled in 2019, accompanied by his 4 children. He loved family gatherings – the laughing, teasing, conversations, and energy of being surrounded by those for whom he cared so deeply. His gentle humour, calmness, and pride in his family will always be remembered. He was much respected by all, much liked by his friends, and much loved by his family. He will be truly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Dr., Victoria, BC on August 20, 2021 at 2:00 pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com
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Paul Ronellenfitch
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Kevin Campbell For well over thirty years joining George for breakfast after mass in Brentwood was a highlight of my week.I really looked forward to our weekly discussions in our own way solving the world’s problems. I will miss you dear friend Sunday mornings will never be the same again..
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Patti Outram This is such sad and unexpected news! My heart goes out to family and friends. I know how much he will be missed. He was a shining example of a man who lived a full and good life. My sincere condolences!
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Dennis Schroeder In the four years since Angie passed away, I was in a little group with George, along with Bob Fowler and the late Gerry McGeough, that got together for coffee every Wednesday. Although I had met George several times before that, I got to know him quite well during these gatherings. George had a sharp mind, an excellent memory and a keen interest in every topic we discussed. We solved all the world’s problems (if only the leaders would listen to us) and had a lot of laughs too. I think our meetings were therapeutic for George, who talked to us about Angie frequently. He was proud of his family and greatly enjoyed that trip to Ireland with them. We will miss you a lot, George; it was a great pleasure getting to know you.
Our deepest condolences to the family.
Stephanie & Dennis Schroeder
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Joan Gilbert My sincere condolences. George was a special presence at the “Friday morning” gatherings. He always enjoyed the music. It was also lovely to be at George & Angie’s on some of those mornings. He will be missed.
Sincerely.
Joan Gilbert
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Dan Swift Reflections on my Father
Dan Swift (son #2)It’s hard to put into words how much a father means to a son.
He’s the guy you look up to; the man you want to be when you grow up.
You learn your values from your father; hard work, honesty, fairness.
Dad was an independent man and yet a real team player and the team he cared about most was his family. He and mom were partners and together they did their best for our family and for each other. They respected each other, enjoyed each other and set a good example for all us kids.
Dad was calm – didn’t see him get flustered very often – always trying to figure out a way to fix a problem. He was a gentle man but he had tough, hard-working hands that were strong and capable when he was young; gnarly and twisted as he got older. Those hands held me up when I was learning to walk, played catch with me in a Calgary sun-shower, built me a coffee table when I first moved out. All through the years when we shook hands, his big old hands would wrap around mine and I’d feel like a little kid again.
A hard-working man, hard-working hands, a loving heart.I loved him, I liked him and I respected him.
Most of all I’ll miss him.And that’s what a father means to a son.
Uncle George and Aunt Angeline we such special people in my life. I can’t think of one without the other. Although saddened that we have lost them both in our lives, I am honoured to have known them and proud to be related. Uncle Georges love and presence has been so evident in his life that he lives on in his children, as they clearly reflect his purpose for spending time with us all.