Once again we have been robbed of another “Pure Beautiful Soul”.
George Howard Strong, 83, at Health Sciences North, Sudbury.
After 2 months of fighting ongoing health issues, lost his battle on March 10th, 2022, leaving behind his three children Danny (Sherry), Kevin, Shelley, and son-in-law Pizza. Will also be missed by his 2 grandchildren Justin and Jennitra, and great-granddaughter Vienna. Loving and supportive brother Gerry, Sister-in-law Sandy, warm-hearted and vivacious sister Diane (Doug).
Uncle George kept a special bond with all his adored nieces, nephews. Had many supportive buddies that he held close to his heart and considered family.
He is predeceased by his Pop Fred and Mom Dorothy, stepmother Lyda, sisters Eddie, Shirley, Dot, Brother Freddie, sister-in-law Linda, nephew Darren, dear brother-in-law Mike Soroka, children’s mother Donna and husband-in-law Dave.
Through the years George kept up many lifelong friendships with military chums and band buddies by taking the time, pouring a “Rum Press” and making the call to reminisce and catch up.
But it was all those surprise phone calls that he would get from his nieces and nephews that he appreciated and cherished the most. They always made him feel so proud, respected, and loved.
George often shared precious memories and laughs of his childhood days growing up in “THE GATCH”. Most stories were about his loving Pop and family antics; but lots of laughs were about him and his brother Freddie, muscling up the neighbourhood and charming all the ladies.
Like most at a young age he worked at INCO. A dirty rotten job at the Cinder Plant that he learned to hate. So after a few pops, one night, at the Belvedere Hotel with his best buddy Bert (Toker) Bossey they decided to quit work and join the army. They signed up the next day. This decision made him the stand-up honourable man he is today. Starting off with basic training in Calgary, where he met his bride Donna. Then stationed in Cypress and Germany as a Peacekeeper with NATO where both his sons Danny and Kevin were born. Then to Victoria, B.C. where Shelley was born.
George continued to share many laughs and tears of all his cherished memories and experiences. Always sending his pay home to his Pop and always making sure his wife and kids were properly cared for and safe.
His appreciation for his “freedom” of his country meant everything to him and it was never taken for granted. He continued to give back through the following years as a member of the Royal Canadian Legion; attending every Remembrance Day ceremony, and handing out poppies yearly until 2021. His knowledge of drumming in the military landed him his proudest achievement.
George was selected to be the lead Snare Drummer and chosen to be the poster boy to represent “The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada” 100th Anniversary 1860-1960. These posters were publicly distributed all over Canada.
After moving back “THE GATCH” after the Army, he found himself back at INCO as a labourer and a crane man where he retired from. He lived in Copper Cliff where he raised his 3 kids.
His love for music continued through the years and formed the band “The Private Collection”, a popular well-respected band in Sudbury that gave him lifelong friendships, and gigs at all the kid’s grade 8 graduations.
This beauty of a man lived a very simple life and he liked it that way. He lived by life’s lessons and morals: Honour, Respect, Dedication, Accountability, Chances, Integrity, Giving Back, and Honesty.
George guided his kids with these same beliefs, the best way he knew how, while interchanging and playing the roles of both a mom and a dad.
And now, as a family, it is our chance to give back by giving Daddy and Uncle George the respect he demanded and so deserves, by continuing to live our loves with the morals he instilled in us all, and that meant so much to him. Keep smiling and embrace all the love, joy, and laughter he saturated our hearts with.
Everyone is invited April 30th/22 at the Steelworkers Hall on 66 Brady St, Sudbury to pay homage to our “Gorgeous George”, 3-5PM for family and extended family. Friends to join at 5PM. Tribute at 6PM. Entertainment at approximately 7:30PM.
In lieu of flowers donations to Diabetes Canada or the Royal Canadian Legion Lockerby Branch #564 would be appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of George Howard Strong Thursday March 10th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Sudbury, Province: Ontario