George Albert Thurlow Obituary
George Albert Thurlow
(Affectionately known as “Georgie” to close friends and family)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, and friend on the morning of Friday, May 22, 2020 at the age of 92.
George is survived by his seven children and their spouses, Pat (Russ), Marty (Janet), Judy (Chris), Vivian (Ray), Sandra (Norm), Pam (Reg), and Stuart (Charmaine). He is also survived by his fifteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren, his brothers Don and Ray and Sisters Bev Anderson, Joan Hansen, and Margaret Harder, and numerous nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by his wife Pat, his grandson Daniel, his parents and two brothers, Harold and William, and two sisters Gloria and Betty.
George was born and raised in Calgary and wore many hats during his working years. He retired from Calgary Transit in 1971 and moved to Mara Lake where he and Pat owned and operated Mara Foodliner for a year, while also doing custodial work and then driving school bus until he retired for the second time. He loved camping with family and friends and traveling, especially to Mexico. He also loved to dance, and enjoyed boating, water skiing, and roller-skating in his earlier years. He and Pat also fostered dozens of children over the course of 25 years. He has been described as a hardworking family man, who is caring, gentle, and non-judgmental. He encouraged good manners, etiquette, and good sportsmanship. George spent the last ten years living in Calgary after having been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Thank you to all the caregivers and staff and Dr. Oyebanji at Riverview Bethany for all their kindness and support, both to Dad and his family during his stay there.
Dad, you are definitely in a better place. We know that we will all, someday, see your smiling, impish face again. You were a true gift to each of us and we will carry a part of you in our hearts forever. Your body is whole now dad, so carry on and have fun dancing with all those pretty angels…. our loss is heavens gain. Our Dad will be remembered with great fondness and be missed by all who knew him.
We love you so much Dad.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
