On Friday, Aug. 17, 2012, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend George passed away peacefully after a five-week hospital stay.
George was born on Feb. 19, 1933 in Sundre, Alberta to Christopher and Hazel (née McCutcheon). He had two brothers and four sisters. The family moved to Coquitlam, B.C. when George was 12 years old. It was there at the age of 16 that he met his future bride, Patricia Stafford. After a five year courtship, they married on Aug. 27, 1954.
George is survived by his wife Pat, daughters: Sandra Irving (Rick), Lynda Zonruiter (Harold) and son David (Kathie), grandchildren: Greg (fiancé Shea) and Katie Irving; Christopher and Rebecca Zonruiter; Laura and Melissa Sheets; sister Myrtle Goeson and many nieces and nephews.
George was predeceased by his parents, brothers Mervin and Jim, sisters Frances, Lorraine and Ruth; and many beloved brothers and sisters-in-law.
George’s interests were many: he loved hunting, fishing, country music, the Cariboo, animals, gardening and walking with his buddy, Bruce. He was a hard worker all his life and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone, anytime. Some of the organizations that benefited from his years of service were: Port Coquitlam Hunting and Fishing Club, he taught youth gun safety and shooting, the Kinsmen Club, Red Cross, 100 Mile Garden Club and 100 Mile Community Garden. He also liked to meet daily with the A&W coffee group to partake in his favourite pastime of all - talking and learning about other people’s lives.
A celebration of life will be held on Sat., Sept. 15, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at the Creekside Senior Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations in George’s memory may be made to Mill Site Fischer Place Auxiliary, Hospice or the Red Cross.
A life well-lived
leaves its gentle pattern
on the hearts of all…
and the world is
a lovelier place
because one person
touched it with
warmth and goodness
and grace
~ Jessica St. James
You passed with your mind intact, no pain and no regrets. What a gift you were. Rest in peace, Dad!
You were so loved, but will be missed
so much more than that!