We Remember

GILL, George

March 13, 1936 — March 16, 2013

George wrote his final chapter on March 16, 2013 at the age of 77. Survived by his loving wife of 13 years, Grace, and daughters Genevieve of New Zealand, Rowena of Vancouver and Valerie (Dan) of Victoria. George was also the adored Grandpa of Natalie, Tatum and Sarah. Upon marrying Grace in May 2000, he became a treasured member of her warm and welcoming extended family.

George was an individual – a loner, he would tell you, a little bit quirky and pretty much a klutz. This he attributed to his 6’5” height and his size 15 feet. Born of working class parents at Mt Sinai Hospital in the Bronx, New York, March 13, 1936, he grew up with a working knowledge of racism and discrimination. George’s first love was baseball. As a lad, his dad took him to major league ball games, and he later enjoyed selling programs at Yankee Stadium. After a year at New York City Community College in Brooklyn from 1954-55, he did a two year stint in the US Navy on an oil tanker in the Persian Gulf during the Suez Crisis. In 1958 he graduated from Hofstra University with both an Associate of Arts & Bachelor of Arts degree. During these years he notes: “Job in welfare office (fired). Job with Parks Dept (quit).” In 1965 George received his Master of Science in Administration & Supervision degree from St. John’s University, New York. In May 1962 he married Gloria, who sadly predeceased him in 1999 after a lengthy illness throughout which she was lovingly cared for by George at home. In 1968 they moved to Toronto with their family of three girls where they both taught school for 25 years. George notes as his greatest accomplishment: “I raised three nice kids.” His biggest disappointment: “I never got to pitch a major league baseball game.” George will be dearly missed by his childhood friends Peter Drew and Bob Horin. George is predeceased by his parents, his first wife Gloria, and his sister Barbara.

 

A Memorial Service will be held for George at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Rd, Kelowna BC, at 1:00pm, Thursday March 21st.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Centre for the Southern Interior, 399 Royal Avenue, Kelowna BC V1Y 5L3. A blood donation in recognition of the many transfusions George received over the course of his illness would be a welcome tribute. For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or share memories, you may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences”.

 

Service
Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 1:00pm

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

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Cancer Centre for the Southern Interior, 399 Royal Avenue, Kelowna BC V1Y 5L3

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for GILL, George is scheduled for Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 1:00pm. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone: 250-860-7077

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Valerie Grant says:
    March 18, 2013 at 5:30 pm

    Grace I am so sorry to hear of George’s passing. Although I only knew you for a short and on a casual basis the love between the two of you was so apparent. May your memeories together help you through this sad time

    Reply
  • Roger and Margaret says:
    March 18, 2013 at 7:59 pm

    Margie, Emma and Roger are thinking of our friends Genevieve and Natalie at this sad time.
    We also extend our condolences to Grace and hope that wonderful, loving and very fond memories of George are with you always.
    With love from New Zealand.
    Roger, Margie and Emma Hawkins

    Reply
  • Natalie says:
    March 19, 2013 at 12:23 pm

    Love you grandpa❤
    I will miss you xxx

    Reply
  • Bob Horin says:
    March 19, 2013 at 12:27 pm

    I extend my condolences to Grace Valerie, Rowena and to my god daughter,Genevieve.George was blessed by being surrounded by such caring people.
    George has been in my life for over 65 years.- Through childhood, the Navy(We even served briefly together on the USS Harris) George was definitely not cut out for a military career! and on through adulthood-
    He will be sorely missed.

    Reply
    • Rowena Gill says:
      March 22, 2013 at 8:56 am

      Thank you Uncle Bobby for remembering me in your condolences. I have a lot of stories from my dad’s and your childhood and navy days, and I remember you coming to visit us in Toronto when I was a teenager. I am also sorry for your loss too, and wish you the best

      Reply
  • Frances Krahn says:
    March 19, 2013 at 9:34 pm

    Dear Grace: We extend to you our deepest sympathy on the death of George. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

    Frances and Henry

    Reply
  • Joanna Blacklock says:
    March 21, 2013 at 6:19 am

    I know that the SLR Memoirs Group join me in sending our sincere sympathy. George was a v

    Reply
  • Joanna Blacklock says:
    March 21, 2013 at 6:25 am

    I know that members of the SLR Memoirs group join me in extennding our sincere sympathy to your family. George was a valued member of our group. His insight, knowledge and particularly his humour will bw sadly missed. We were all thrilled when he published his book, what a gem.Gone but not forgotten is so true for George.
    Joanna Blacklock

    Reply
  • Peter and Mary Weeks says:
    March 22, 2013 at 11:16 am

    Dear Mrs. Gill and Family,
    We are so sorry to hear about Mr. Gill’s passing. We are greatful to have met you both and happy we were able to be part of Mr. Gill accomplishing having his book finished and printed. We know this was important to you both and hope the picture Peter took of you both will be a small comfort to you. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
    Peter and Mary Weeks

    Reply

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They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke