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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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.
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
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
Love you grandpa❤
I will miss you xxx
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.
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
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
I know that the SLR Memoirs Group join me in sending our sincere sympathy. George was a v
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
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