Edmonton/Whitney Pier
It is with profound sadness that we, the family of George Edward Kirton, announce his passing on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at the Misericordia Hospital, Edmonton, AB. As per Georges wishes, cremation has already taken place during a private gathering at Pointe West Cremation & Funeral Service Ltd. in Edmonton.
Born on May 25, 1965 in Sydney, George was the first born and only son of Cindy (Doublette/Maxwell) Cambridge who raised George and his sister, Melinda on her own as a single parent. George’s birth father was the late Eleazor Edward Kirton. George shared a father/son relationship with his stepfather, the late Joseph Prince Cambridge. George is lovingly remembered by his mother, Cindy; wife, soulmate and best friend, Faye Mitchell and her whole family who joyfully embraced him. His relationship with her adult children and grandchildren was one shared with laughter and mutual love. George also leaves behind from previous marriages, three children, Richard, who resides in Nova Scotia; Amanda and Ryan, both of Ontario, and his two granddaughters, Amelia and Elizabeth, also of Ontario. Also left to mourn are his sister, Melinda of Sydney; niece, Tanisha of Edmonton; nephew, Chris of Ottawa and Suzie Q, also of Edmonton, all with whom he shared a special bond. George is also survived by his extended family, sisters, Charlotte and Crystal, both of Alberta; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; as well as several stepsiblings and godfather, Whitfield Best Sr. of Sydney.
Besides his father and stepfather, George was preceded by his grandparents, Annabell (Gero) and Harold Kirton of Sydney; Margaret (Maxwell) and George Morrison of Whycocomagh; as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.
George was a graduate of Sydney Academy, in Nova Scotia and worked several part-time jobs in and around Sydney before joining the Militia in 1982 where he worked as a military police officer, which ultimately led him to join the Canadian Armed Forces in 1984. George completed basic training in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia, and never looked back. This would be the beginning of a commendable 21-year military career as a Heavy Equipment Operator and Airborne Engineer with the 2nd Canadian Engineer Regiment. George saw several postings but was mostly attached to CFB Petawawa, Ontario. George served his country proudly and saw several deployments including Alert, Kuwait and Bosnia. Some of his proudest moments in his career were accomplishments achieved while in the military, particularly his commendation awarded by the Chief of Defense Staff following his tour in Bosnia. George achieved the rank of Sergeant before his medical release in 2003. (http://weblink.donorperfect.com/SgtKirton)
Upon release, George studied Business at the University of New Brunswick, and received certification in Landscape Design from the Community College in Woodstock, New Brunswick. Following certification, he established and operated his own landscaping company, Final Touch Landscaping & Design. George later went on to achieve his journeyman certification in the occupation of mobile crane operator-hydraulics and secured employment with Voice Construction Limited, North American Construction and later began his civilian career with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 955, where he worked passionately as an instructor in the areas of Heavy Equipment and Crane Operations. George achieved his Master Instructor, Level 1 certification from Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. A member of the St. Philip’s African Orthodox Church, in Sydney where he was ordained in 2009.
George was extremely passionate about the game of golf and was proud to put his experience in landscape and design to work in the development of the beautiful Lakes at Ben Eoin. George also enjoyed watching hockey and football and would often show his support to his local Edmonton teams but his adoration for Tom Brady and his New England Patriots was hard to watch to say the least. George had such a comedic personality and loved to make people laugh, so it was only fitting that in retirement he would enroll in comedy workshops and even debut in a comedy club open mike, naturally leaving everyone in stitches. George had such an infectious smile that touched so many, he will always be remembered as a positive, loving and selfless person.
In lieu of flowers, George asked that his family and friends donate in his memory to the National Scholarship Program through Support Our Troops Organization.
Visitation and memorial service to celebrate the life of George Kirton will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.) Whitney Pier on Saturday, April 10, 2021. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. with the memorial service to follow at 3 p.m. in the All Faith Chapel with Reverend Mother Phyllis Marsh officiating. Interment will take place in All Faith Gardens, Whitney Pier. ‘Covid Protocols’ will be in place during the service and for those not able to attend, ‘Live Streaming’ will be available at https://www.facebook.com/35925689617/live/
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
So sorrry to hear of George’s passing. His days spent in Whycocomagh, over the years, made so many good memories, for so many people. He created so many smiles and many tears of laughter. He will never be forgotten. My very sincere sympathy to his mom, sister and his entire family. Thinking of you all and sending prayers and love. Rest in peace, my friend!
From: Fred Matthews
I met George when he joined the Militia, I was instantly taken by his humour, and his smile, he was such a nice person, here it is 39 years later, I often thought about him, God Bless you’re Family, and Thank you for your service George, R.I.P buddy.
From: John Jessome (Sgt. Ret.)
Cindy, Melinda and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
From: Phyllis MacMullin
My sincere condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. God Bless.
From: Stella Walcott
Cindy and Melinda, I’m so very sorry for your loss. George will be missed. Thinking of you all and your family. RIP George.
From: Sandra and Larry Hrynick
We the family of John & Ingrid (Maxwell) Shannon would like to express our heartfelt sympathy to Cindy & Melinda in the loss of their loved one. I always enjoyed our time in George’s company never a moment without laughter. Our cousin will be remembered fondly. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. RIP George
From: Ingrid Shannon
My deepest deepest condolences to all the family. Cindy and Melidna my heart goes out to you both. George was a real great guy with the most affectionate smile only he could share if you were fortunate to know him. God bless you all he will be very deeply missed but never forgotten.
From: Philip Borden
My sincerest condolences to George’s family and close friends. I went to junior high with George, and he was the sweetest guy with a larger than life personality, always happy and smiling. It sounds like he carried this throughout his life. God bless
From: BettyAnne MacPhee (MacNeil)
My sincere condolences to Cindy and Melinda in your time of sorrow. George was a wonderful man and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Prayers and hugs Fly high with the angels. Rest easy
From: Cyndi Dithurbide
My thoughts and prayers are with you and family
From: Wanda Kirton
Cindy, Melinda, Faye and families; my condolences on George’s passing, this sweet man has been thru alot and now he is at rest. I will always think of George with his beautiful smile and friendly manner, he could lift your spirit by chatting with him and that is a gift. Glad for having known George and saddened to hear he has passed. My prayers are with his family.
From: Pat Jacobs
So sorry to hear of George’s passing, our condolences to Melinda and all the family.
From: Ecky & Lesley Corbett
I have many wonderful & funny memories of George when he would come to Blair’s in Whycocomagh when we were teenagers! He always kept you laughing & he always had that great smile & devilish look in his eyes & a huge heart! A bright light has left this world! I would like to send my Deepest Sympathy to his Mom, wife & all his family! Rest In Peace George
From: Cathy (MacKinnon) MacInnis
To George’s Mother, his sister Melinda, his children, his grandchildren, spouse, and extended families.
I am deeply sorry for the loss of George. He was definitely a one of kind of guy who had a heart of gold and was a friend to everyone. Although it has been many years since I last seen him, I will always remember is kindness and genuine smile.
God speed George. Rest Easy! I will see you on the other side. XO
My Deepest Sympathy to Cindy, Melinda, His Children, Grandchildren, Faye ,The Family and Friends 🙏 Always a Caring Word and A Loving Smile . A True Gentleman , George wil be Lovingly Remembered and Deeply Missed .💔 May His Precious Soul Rest In Peace 🙏
Rest easy Sapper. CHIMO
My deepest sympathies go out to George’s family and his many friends during this difficult time. I had the pleasure to work with George during his time in the Military. His infectious smile and positive personality were one of his greatest attributes. I’ve known George personally for over 30 years and he was indeed a true Gentleman, he made everyone feel at ease and comfortable when in his presence. I will miss him dearly, Rest In Peace George.
Rest In Peace George.
Sorry to here about the passing of an old buddy all those times in Bosnia were great memories never forgotten
My Deepest Sympathy to you Cindy and Melinda
Rest In Peace Sapper. Chimo
My sympathy to you Cindy And Melinda .
Rest In Peace George , may good times and memories, you will be missed my friend…
My condolences to George’s families. I knew George from our 2CER family in Petawawa. Many happy memories of the guy with the biggest smile but even a bigger heart!!!! I remember telling him once that if the military stopped making him happy he should become a comedian. I was happy to read in his obituary that he had the chance to get behind the Mike.
Rest In Peace George . I’m sure Darrell was waiting for you with a beer.
RIP George. I always enjoyed your company when all the retired sappers got together. Your laughs and sense of humor will be missed. Rest easy sapper.
Cindy, Melinda and Family: Extending our deepest sympathy to you during this most difficult time. May the memories you have shared help to comfort you in the days and months ahead. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Rest in Peace Sapper, you will be missed
Faye and Georges Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. George was one of the kindest, funniest and most respectful people I ever had the blessing of calling my friend. His smile and laugh filled a room and he will be so missed. Rest in peace my friend.. Donna
My thoughts and most sincere sympathies are extended to George’s family and friends. Thank you for your service .
Roger and I would like to extend our deepest condolences for Cindy and Melinda and family. George was an awesome person who I have known for many years. My heart hurts for the family and friends. Keep his memories alive with each one of you. Big smiles George as you always had one on your face….
I was deeply saddened to hear of George’s Passing, Sending my deepest sympathy to Cindy and Family, I will keep you in my prayers during this very difficult time. May God Bless You All.
George is/was a character! As a young Officer in 2 CER it was a pleasure serving with him. Rest In Peace George!
May you Rest In Peace brother Sapper CHIMO
We like to offer our Condolences to Cindy, Melinda & Family on Georges passing .We know you will miss him terribly..REST IN PEACE.
My condolences to your family especially your mom; many great memories and fun times during deployments or on courses or at the unit, you were always cheerful and a good friend. Rest In Peace
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS CINDY. CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
My Deepest Condolences Cindy, Melinda & Family
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.
George was an Amazing person and he lived life to the fullest and helped many people along the way. I know that nothing can take away the pain that you are feeling right now, but I want you to know that George was an inspiration to me and my family. My son Jackson will always know his Uncle George and he will live forever in our hearts.
Michael, Dawn-a-lea & Jackson
Condolences to George’s family on the loss of a loved one. May you rest in peace.
Mary Kirton
Sincere condolences to Aunt Cindy, Cousin Melinda and George’s wife, children and grandchildren. May he rest in eternal peace, and may the loving memories of George be of some comfort, during this difficult time.
The best way to honour those who left is to live our lives fully in their place. May peace and love surround you Cynthia, Melinda and all our families during this difficult time.
I will miss you brother in arm. George I will see you in the after life golf club. To Cynthia and Melinda my sincere sympathy I will see you soon.
UBIQUE
Our most sincere condolences to George’s family and friends. Although we lost touch in the past years, so many great memories of days we worked together over the many years, glad to have been able to call him a friend. George will be missed, Rest in Peace, CHIMO!
Ted & Tracey
I first met George as a junior NCO and then a section commander in our Platoon in the Airborne Regiment in 1994. He was a real soldier and fun to be around. He made our lives more enjoyable every day. Since we left the Army, we discovered that we both loved gold and over the past few years we played several great games together in Alberta and Nova Scotia. Our last round was a complete fluke meeting at the Ben Eion golf course. While the together golf was mediocre I will never forget that afternoon. Chimo Brother.
My deepest condolences to Cindy, Melinda and all of George’s family and friends.
Thank you for your service and may your R.I.P.
God Bless
I was shocked to hear the sad news of George’s passing. Sending my sincerest condolences to Faye and George’s family and friends. He was a kind, caring, comical man that always had a big smile for everyone. He was a pleasure to work with, will be missed by many and never be forgotten. Hugs to all.
Dear cousin Cindy and Melinda,
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of cousin George.
No words will make you feel better at this time but know you are in our daily prayers. George has definitely gone to soon. May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you during this unbearable time. His memories will live in your hearts forever. RIP dear cousin and thank you for your service.
Love, The Maxwell families of Truro, Toronto, Boston, Ottawa, etc.
George and I were members of 35 MP Pl for a couple of years back in the 1980s. Our paths crossed a few more times during our time in the CAF. What a great guy. He had a special way of putting everyone at ease with his humour. RIP George.
I was shocked to hear the sad news. I have many fond memories. Rest In Peace Brother.