George was born May 12, 1942 in Montreal, Quebec. He spent his early years on the Thompson’s family farm with his Dad and his Dad’s family. When the family sold the farm they moved into the city of Montreal. As a teen George held jobs in the Montreal Forum, at the Stock Exchange, and on the St. Lawrence Seaway. In early 1970 George moved to Tahsis, British Columbia, with his mother, Kay, and Wendy his sister, taking a job as a millworker. This is where he met and married his wife Lorraine (nee Ponsford). The light of George’s life was his family. He adored his daughter Sheryl and son Russell. He was a strong family man taking an unflagging interest in all their doings. George was thrilled to be a grandfather to Dylan and Jared Izon, and Rhys Thompson. Time spent with them always transported him away from the cares of the day.
While raising a young family George took a job driving logging trucks for a remote logging operation on the coast moving the family with him. In Victoria George enjoyed working in the automotive industry for Bow-Wow Auto Parts, Pay Less Gas, Esso, and Metro Lexus Toyota.
George’s hobbies included car maintenance and restoration, fishing, and bowling. Most of his fishing took place on the west coast or in Pedder Bay. He was a great fan of Mayfair Lanes bowling leagues and won several awards for perfect 300 point games and perfect attendance. He and Russell won second place in the Victoria Volkswagen Club’s 1986 “Show’n’Shine” for restoring their 1967 “Bug”. In later years George participated in the Day Program at Beckley Farm Lodge where he took great pleasure in playing their games and befriending the people, clients and staff alike. George also treasured his time dropping into Sheryl’s workplace, Fairway Group Home, and visiting with the clients and staff every Friday.
George passed away in Victoria Hospice on May 13, 2015 after spending several years struggling with a weak heart and Vascular Dementia. Hospice gave George a peaceful and gentle end something the Dementia had threatened to steal away. He is survived by wife-Lorraine; daughter-Sheryl (Fraser); son-Russell (Melissa); three grandsons-Dylan Izon, Jared Izon, and Rhys Thompson; sister-Wendy Chouinard (Dan) and nephews Darren Crook and Kevin Crook. George had close relationships to all his in-law relations, and cherished his many nieces and nephews. Missed but never forgotten!
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
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Sheryl Thompson
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Sheryl Miss you very much today Daddy. I love you. xo
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Ken Martin So very sorry to hear about George’s passing he was a one of a kind.i have fond memories of driving around Montreal in some of his cars and when he and aunt Kay and Wendy moved to BC we lost contact but was never far from our thoughts. My condolences to all the family you were blessed to have had him in your life.
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Russ Thinking about you again today… Miss you.
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Russ Thompson Miss you today dad…
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Wendy Chouinard & Family Remembering a wonderful and caring brother. If not for your generosity, my new life and happiness would not have been. You were always willing to help no matter what kind of mess I got myself into. I’m so sorry that I wasn’t able to see you and have you meet my husband, Dan. I finally got it right!! My thanks to Lorraine for her unending love and devotion to you. My sympathies to Sheryl and Russ and their families, you were blessed with the best Dad. If there are cars in Heaven then you are riding in your many times painted MG convertible. I can’t remember what the last colour was, red, blue, green or silver. I hope there is lots of ice cream in heaven or you may not stay!! May God in His mercy bless your family and comfort them in their sorrow. You did make a difference in so many lives and you will be missed. Love, Wendy (Dan), sons Darren (Colleen) and Kevin.
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Barb Sinden Dearest Lolo,Sheryl,Russell and Families.
Sorry to hear of Georges Passing.
I know he will be in your hearts each and
every day.
Barb Sinden
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Eric and Pat Ponsford To Lolo, Sheryl and family, Russell and family.
We have many many wonderful memories of George, and all of you, and we will be able to laugh,love and cherish them for many years. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Remember to keep those wonderful members close to you and that will give you strength to continue on.
George Loved all of you very much and he was a proud husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother in law, and a good friend to so many.
Uncle Eric and I love all of you. Our thoughts and prayer go out to you .
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Rich pendlebury What an awesome Uncle.
Miss you already.
Rest in peace George
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John and Joan Ponsford To Lorraine, Sheryl, Russell, Melissa and families. So sorry we aren’t able to be there with you to celebrate George’s life and what a wonderful person he was. We all have so many wonderful memories of our family get togethers with George. He was always smiling and there if you needed a hand. Where ever George was there was usually a Pizza close behind. He loved the children and they all loved him.
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Neil Gurton With a heavy heart but a smile on my face I recall with fondness the many conversations I’ve had with George. As I visualize them in my head I picture standing outside with him. It never seemed to be inside. He was always on the go and either talking to Russ and I while we worked on a project, or showing us around while he talked up a project he was working on.
Whether it was the driveway or sidewalk on Condor, or the parking lot of Esso, I just picture George standing in the sun having a good ole chit chat. He certainly could have been called Curious George, as that moniker would fit. He had a curiosity for everything that created a zeal for life. A curiosity that means interest. A curiosity that leads to engagement, and George certainly was an engaging person. Never one for mere gossip, he was actually interested in what you were doing, and how you were doing.
Even in the later years he was never one content to sit about when maybe there was something else going on outside. He always sought out and managed to find some sort of nearby activity that he could join in and be part of the group. He loved the camaraderie, he loved the companionship, and we loved him for it.
It’s hugs and condolences we offer to the Thompsons at this time, but I believe it’s going to be the memories of George himself that are going to do the healing.
With our love,
-Neil and Christina
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Joanne Cottle So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing Sheryl. May you take comfort in having a guardian angel watching over you…..xo
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Carol Stewart (Ponsford) Uncle George will be missed. He always had a great sense of humour and loved to tease us and laugh with us. He always welcome us with open arms.
Rest now Aunty Lo and know he is in a great and magnificent place. I know it was a long road and he is at peace. Love and blessings to you all. Love you so much. ❤️
Carol
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Heather Hoffman Sending thoughts of comfort for your hurting hearts Sheryl and family – I’m so sorry for your loss. You will all be in my prayers…
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janene proulx I didn’t know George well but I did have the pleasure of seeing his face light up on Halloween when his grandson Rhys came trick or treating. He was filled with joy:) may he rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult time
Thinking of you Dad, I miss you so very much ❤