George passed away quietly at home on Tuesday, November 22, 2016, leaving behind many who grieve his loss. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 69 years, Anne Marie Jack; his parents, Ethel and William Jack; 3 sisters; 3 brothers; and son-in-law, Terence O’Brien. He is survived by his children, Lynda-May, Maureen (Derek LaCroix), and Murray; his grandchildren, Brenda (Brendan Rigney), Shane, Kiara, Jordan, Janal, and Justin; and his great granddaughters Georgia and Miranda.
Born in Miami, Manitoba, George was a sixth-generation Canadian Scot with many happy family memories growing up in the Red River Valley. In his early teens George joined the Canadian Armoured Service Cadets and later the Cameron Highlander Militia. With the onset of WWII, at the age of 19, he was the 243rd Cameron Highlander to sign up. Once in England he transferred to the 8th Reconnaissance; and in his armored half-track steadfastly led a convoy on the front lines under heavy fire in France. He was heard to say…Man to man there is no better soldier than a Canadian…you could count on them, Canadians had lots of guts. After numerous heroic adventures, he was invalided to a British hospital and after fourteen months returned home with shrapnel in his spine. George carried his deep gratitude for life with him the rest of his 98 years.
George got a job with CNR on his return and met his beloved Anne at a neighbourhood dance in Edmonton. When they married he took a position with Imperial Oil refinery, and once again showed his courage by averting a near explosion; in the midst of general panic he climbed high up a gas stack and turned off the leaking valve. He and Anne moved from Edmonton to Vancouver with their three children in 1959, bought their first apartment building and George took on a commission sales position in furniture and floor coverings at Woodward’s. George was a man respected by all for his integrity and work ethic and dearly loved for his good humour which always prevailed.
George lived a good life with his devoted Anne. They joined Chalmers United Church in Vancouver where he served as Warden for five years and helped build the adjacent seniors’ home. In 1964 George and Anne moved to Quilchena and joined Shaughnessy Heights United, where he served as Warden and on various committees over the years. However, the greatest service to his community was achieved through George’s involvement with the Masonic Order. He joined Victory Lodge No. 94 in 1961 and subsequently Alliance Lodge No. 193; he held many offices, including Worshipful Master of Victory Lodge and Grand Secretary. George was the driving force behind the building of the Royal Arch Masonic Home and was a founding Director of the Board. He enthusiastically supported Anne’s involvement in the Eastern Star and Daughters of the Nile and his children’s involvement in Job’s Daughters and Demolay. He spent many volunteer hours driving cancer patients and families from the airport to the hospital and, as did his father before him, George was proud to receive his 50-year Masonic pin.
George and Anne loved to do things together and were life partners in all their pursuits. As business partners, they owned and operated a successful residential apartment company. They loved to curl and brought home many trophies; they loved to dance and spent many New Year’s at the Roof in the Hotel Vancouver with good friends; they loved to travel and had many adventures and cruises with friends and family. George was devoted to his family, who remain forever grateful for his exemplary legacy of love and goodwill towards all people.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the five wonderful caregivers, Cherrie, Josephine, Benedict, Margie and Imelda, community health nurses Jackie and Dorothy, and Dr. Horner. Their caring dedication provided quality of life to George in his final years.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de George Alexander
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death notice George Alexander
Jack – mortuary notice George Alexander
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