Parcourez la nécrologie de George Reed Saturday October 28th 2023 résidant dans la province Ontario pour le détail des funérailles
When George Henry Reed was born on February 18th, 1938, it was the start of an amazing and full life. He lived his 85 years, on his own terms and was more courageous than his family thinks he even knew, right up until the evening of October 28, 2023.
George was the youngest of five children, born to Eva and Lorne Reed on St. Joseph Island. Most of his time in his youngest years would be spent farming on the Reed family homestead, but later he would soon leave his home to work in many places until he happened upon work in Parry Sound. That decision led to a chance blind date with the love of his life Alice. That one blind date led to Alice proposing to George, him saying yes, buying a ring after her proposal and then presenting the receipt to Alice to show that the ring was paid in full because Alice didn’t want to start their life together in debt. While that might have been very progressive and not very common for the time, it led to an amazing 57 years of marriage until Alice predeceased him in 2021.
George’s career in the propane business meant the family moved around a lot, but they found new adventures and experiences together wherever they happened to be. They were always together. If you saw one, then the other was not too far away. They lived in Cayuga, Sault Ste Marie Wawa, and then finally called Sudbury home for almost 30 years until they moved back to Parry Sound to be closer to their two children.
George wore many hats in his lifetime and not just his signature mesh brimmed hat. Of all of his roles in life, he was most proud of the role of best dad to his son Dan and his daughter Heather. He was steady, loving and really enjoyed being around them. If they needed something, he was always there. He was a phone call away to go to coffee or daily text if you were out of town. He would show up and be present for so many things. George was very close to his kids, and they had a wonderful role model in him when it came to what family means. Heather and Dan were guided by him in how they treat their own families today. His daughter-in-law Carrie and his son-in-law Jamie felt his genuine care and love also, and his loss is a huge void for them too. They couldn’t have asked for a better father-in-law.
Once called Grandpa, he was later affectionately called “Papa” by his four grandchildren; Hayden, Keara, Rory and Brody. Wherever the kids were, you would always see Papa nearby. If they were farther away, you would see him jump into his car and come running. He was always texting (with his random emojis) or Facetiming, always making sure that a card and a little present was ready to go for all occasions months in advance. With the oldest grandchild 18 and the youngest grandchild 14, George was a real gift to them, and as they each forge their own paths forward without him, they will remember him with adoration, kindness, for his sense of humor – whether it was intentional or not and will have so many memories to share about him in the future.
George had a sarcastic sense of humor with a sheepish little grin, followed by a little jolt of laughter. He was a man always on the move. He knew that walking and staying active were important in maintaining longevity. He made a lasting impression with his circle of friends and family in different cities, those who lived locally, and those friends at his retirement residence, The Gardens in Parry Sound. We, the family, wanted to say thank you to you all for the outpouring of love and messages. It is comfort to the family to see what this amazing man meant to you.
While we were so grateful to have George for 85 years, we never expected to say goodbye so quickly. He fought and faced every hurdle with such an incredible amount of courage and acceptance and his family is just in awe of his enormous strength and his unwavering conviction about what he wanted. In honour of this, the family asks that you please consider a donation to the West Parry Sound Health Centre Foundation, specifically, Palliative Care. Those remarkable people, nurses, doctors and healthcare professionals will never understand how grateful we are for your kindness and compassion in one of our saddest moments during George’s end of life care. You are all exceptional people.
A celebration of life will occur in the Spring of 2024 on St. Joseph’s Island. Details will be provided at a later date.
Saturday October 28th 2023
Décès pour la Ville:Parry Sound, Province: Ontario
avis deces George Reed Saturday October 28th 2023
nécrologie George Reed Saturday October 28th 2023
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de George Reed Saturday October 28th 2023 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.