George Durning
1931-2018
George Herman Durning, 86, of New Glasgow, passed away
peacefully on Thursday, July 12, 2018, in the Palliative Care Unit of
the Aberdeen Hospital.
Born
in Economy, he was the son of Fred Graham Durning and Ella May
(Cavanagh) Durning.
George
retired as the accountant for Maritime Steel, New Glasgow, in 1996
after 40 years with the company.
He
was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church since arriving
in New Glasgow in 1954, where he served as elder for over 56 years and
was active in all aspects of church music.
George
was also a key member of the New Glasgow Lions Club, where he started
his selfless contribution and dedication to seniors through his art of
music which transcended the call of duty. His commitment was
legendary.
He
started his musical support to others playing the pump organ in his
home church in Economy at the age of 12.
George
performed at seniors’ facilities in and around Pictou County
and across Northern Nova Scotia for close to 60 years. As a result of
his selfless giving of his talents he was the recipient of many awards
and recognitions, including the Governor General’s Caring
Canadian award in 2003.
He
was involved with countless community choirs and musical events and
participated in Pictou Rotary Musical productions for 13 years, until
2017.
For
over 50 years George’s involvement in the New Glasgow Music
Festival included performing and accompanying singers and
instrumentalists of all ages. Many in the county know him as
« Grampy George » through his accompanying school
choirs.
His
head was full of melodies and lyrics that resulted in thousands of
original tunes, songs and poems.
He
is survived by his children, sons: David (Lara), New Westminster, BC;
Jamie (Phyllis), Halifax; Kevin (Cindy), Musquodoboit Harbour; and Ian
(Gabrielle), Surrey, B.C.; daughters: Helen (Darrel) Snortland,
Medicine Hat, Alberta; and Janice (Andrew) Alcorn, New Glasgow; 14
grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren; brother, Jamie (Elizabeth),
Truro. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Margaret, in 2010 and
his sister, Ruth Fisher in 2011.
Cremation
has taken place under the direction of R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55
Almont Ave., New Glasgow, where the family will receive visitors from
2-4 pm and 7-9 pm on Wednesday, July 18. A memorial service will be
held on Thursday, July 19 at 2 pm in the First Presbyterian Church,
208 McLean St., New Glasgow with Rev. Ken MacLeod and Rev. Bob
Cruickshank officiating. Donations may be made to the Palliative Care
Society of the Aberdeen Hospital, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of
Canada, New Glasgow Music Festival or any other charity of your
choice.
We’ve been
blessed in fullest measure
Happiness, a constant
treasure.
You filled our lives with
endless song
The music we will carry
on.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de George Durning 19312018.source
Décès pour la Ville: New-Glasgow, Province: Nova Scotia
