November 5, 1937 - July 20, 2018
George Edward Waldo, B.Ed., M.A. (Admin), left this world gently after many years of declining health. His wife and children were by his side as he took his leave.
A humorous and feisty character, George was a teacher, a vice principal, a principal, a mayor, a gardener, a skier, a kayaker, an orchardist, a camper, a traveler, a lover of the outdoors, a lover of opera, and above all a family man. He tackled all these roles with abundant enthusiasm and energy until his health began to fail.
George was the recipient of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 and among other awards was granted The Freedom of the Municipality of Peachland, and Life Membership in The Okanagan Mainline Municipal Association. These awards were in recognition of his twenty three years of service to the community in his role of Alderman for four years and Mayor for 19 years.
George was born in Fife Lake, Saskatchewan, and grew up in Moose Jaw. His teaching career took him from Moose Jaw to Frog Lake, and then, as principal, to Fort McMurray in 1964 just as the Oil Sands were starting to be developed. There he met Ann, his future wife and best friend for the next 51 years. Together they taught in Fort McMurray, CFB Cold Lake, Calgary, and for five years in Povungnituk in the Eastern Arctic, before settling in Peachland for 35 years. In 2006 they retired to Sechelt to live quietly by the ocean.
George joins his mother, Rose, sister Kay, and brother Clarence who have gone before him. He is survived by his wife, Ann, by daughter Penny (Tim), sons Paul and John (Mike), five grandchildren, Alasuak, Kim, Iluak, Montgomery and Alexander, one great grandchild, Lexi Kay, and sisters Penny, Eileen and Marlene.
The family extends great gratitude to the wonderful caring staffs at Sechelt Hospital and Shornecliffe Residential Care Home and especially to Dr. Simon Reznick.
Remember me, as I remember you
With love,
With laughter,
With gratitude, for the journey shared, for life well lived With full heart, for I am free, you will find me Rising with the sun,
Waltzing with the breeze,
Lapping at the shore,
Buzzing with the hummingbirds,
Shining with the stars
I am free,
Remember me, as I remember you.
Celebrations Of LIfe will be held in Peachland at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 13 in the Peachland Community Hall and in Sechelt on Monday, August 20 at Pebbles Restaurant.
If you wish to make an In Memoriam donation, please give to the charity of your choice or The Rotary Foundation.