January 29, 1945 – September 10, 2026
George passed away peacefully at the Victoria General Hospital on September 10, 2026 at the age of 81 years.
George was born in Oxbow, Saskatchewan but grew up on a farm near DeWinton, just south of Calgary. He attended the University of Alberta in Edmonton and graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. It was at U of A that he met his wife, Rita. They were married one week after their convocation and embarked on a 3 month honeymoon in Europe.
George started his career with Shell Canada in Burnaby, BC and transferred to Toronto 2 years later. They started their family soon after, having Brad and then Laura. In 1980 they moved to Calgary where they raised the family. George spent his entire career in the oil and gas industry. After 25 years with Shell Canada he accepted an early-retirement package. However he never truly intended to retire and soon pursued new opportunities. His interest had shifted to the design of complex chemical process and advanced process control systems. The first major challenge in this area was with Opti Canada, where he worked on the multi-billion dollar Long Lake project. He later joined Set Point, which was subsequently acquired by AspenTech whose major office was in Houston, Texas. George and Rita relocated and George travelled extensively, working on many projects all over the world. Work was demanding but highly rewarding, and George often said that this was the best period of his career. The intent was always to return to Canada and after 9/11 they moved back to Calgary, reconnected with old friends ,and enjoyed retirement activities until making that last move to retire in Victoria.
George was an avid curler, enjoyed golf, and loved playing bridge. He also had a keen interest in gardening and photography. A particular enthusiast of fine wine, he designed and built a wine cellar in the family’s Calgary home. Later in life he acquired a fondness for martinis which became his preferred pre-dinner cocktail. George loved discussions and debates and could always offer thoughtful insights and well considered opinions on serious topics. He and Rita enjoyed many wonderful trips all over the world and especially treasured the memories of their annual family vacations in Mexico. Organized for 16 years, these trips became a very special part of their family life.
Following a Parkinsons diagnosis 3 years ago George experienced a steady physical and cognitive decline. Despite this, he worked hard to remain active through exercise and various programs, always maintaining a positive attitude.
George was predeceased by his son Brad in 1998. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Rita; his daughter Laura (Mark); grandsons Ben and Jake; sister Margaret (Peter); and nephew Scott (Sera) and niece Michelle (Graham) and their families.
Interment will take place at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens in Calgary on October 24, 2026 at 2 PM. A Celebration of Life will follow at 3 PM.
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Lynne Foxall
Rita. I am so sorry to hear about your beloved husband George. If there is anything I can do to help you through this period, please don’t hesitate to contact me. May he always rest in peace. Love you lots. Lynne Foxall 🥰♥️🥰🥲♥️🥲
Harriet Chupka
Rita, we felt such a sadness for you and your family when I read your obituary. We have such fond memories of you and him. George was a blessed man to have experienced all he experienced. Most of all he was blessed to have you in his life. You created many memories together. Some bad with Brad’s passing but life is unpredictable. Cherish the good memories with a grateful heart and life will create even more good memories.
Much love,
Marv and Harriet
Sharon Mcintyre
Dear Rita,
Thanks for your email informing us of George’s passing.
These are trying times, but you will have wonderful memories which will fortunately last forever.
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Hugs,
Sharon McIntyre
Birgit & Joachim Becker
Dear Rita and Laura,
So sad to hear that George died.
Parkinson’s is a terrible illness- my mother had it for 18 years.
Worst for patients is that they are mentaly aware of physical decline.
George is at peace now after a long and courageous battle
He had a great family. It is very hard that he had to leave you.
Maybe it helps thinking of the many years you could live together.
Yours,
Joachim, Birgit, Jens & Björn from Germany
Jean A Anderson
Dear Rita. My sincerest sympathies to you and your family on George’s passing. May you both be at peace now. Regards, Jean
Bob Campbell
Rita, my sincere condolences on the passing of George. I and other team mates enjoyed curling with George on a biweekly basis at the three main rinks in Victoria. Our games were particularly enjoyable as they were usually followed by a beer, lunch and an interesting and challenging conversation and debate on political or events of the day.
George’s input was always backed up by much knowledge and insight.
John & Karen Sherman
Rita, our sincere condolences to you and family. We are fortunate to have known George as a good friend and Calgary neighbour. We have fond memories of times enjoyed with both of you over the years. Our thoughts are with you. John & Karen Sherman
Audreen Yaremchuk
Rita, I am so sorry for your loss
Audreen