Elliott, George Albert
ELLIOTT, George Albert. On August 4th, 2020 at Soldier’s Memorial Hospital in Orillia, George passed away peacefully with family by his side. He was in his 95th year, and was a proud Canadian Veteran who served in WWII. Born in London, Ontario to William George Daniel Elliott, and Annie Elizabeth Elliott. George was the last survivor of 3 children. By the time he was a teenager, he had moved to the Sault Ste. Marie area. He worked at several jobs including a hunting and fishing guide, a lumberjack, and a railway worker for the ACR (Algoma Centre Railway) By the time he was 18, he joined the Army with the RCR’s,“The Royal Canadian Regiment” in Base Borden. George always had an interest in firearms, so he quickly rose through the ranks to became a “Small Arms Instructor” This included; rifle, handguns, machine guns, grenades and mortars. After the war, in 1947 he married a local girl from Glencairn, Caroline Elizabeth Elliott,(nee Madill). They bought a 50 acre farm near Clougher, which is just south of Carol’s parents farm. This is where they raised their family. George returned to Base Borden and acquired a position with the Canadian Civil Service as a “Building Services Manger” which included the training Base in Meaford. George also joined the EMO – (Emergency Measures Organization ) with the Alliston Police. George retired in 1979 to Midhurst, Ontario but continued to stay active. He became a security guard for Georgian College. He was a proud father of five children, and is survived by his wife Carol, and children, Lynda Gayle Elliott,(Robert) William George Elliott, (Louise) Patricia Diane Elliott, (Dwayne) Susan Colleen Elliott (Alfred) and Kevin James Elliott.(Carole). He was adored by his 5 grandchildren: Daniel William George Elliott, Brian Steven Sean Elliott, Jennifer Elizabeth Boggan, Jessica Lynn Boggan, Micheal Anthony Elliott Tan. Plus three great grandchildren: Owen Daniel Elliott, Eddie David George Elliott, Jacob Brian Elliott. George’s favorite pass times were hunting & fishing, gardening, camping, and snow shoeing. An avid reader of history and geography, he enjoyed TV nature programs, and current affairs. In accordance with George’s wishes, Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held a later date when the COVID-19 pandemic will allow some of the family to return to Canada. Internment will take place at Stayner Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George’s memory to the Cancer Society of Canada, or a charity of your choice. This would be greatly appreciated. George will be forever remembered for his jokes and stories.
Dad, if I had to begin with one word to describe you and your legacy, I would be the word, Merganser.
One of my best memories is getting up very early one morning at our campsite in Beaver Dams in Killbear Provincial Park. We walked to the shore, stepped into the canoe and began paddling quietly in the water which was as still as a mirror. Then, moments later, seeing a raft of Merganser ducklings, paddling right up to the canoe and us feeding them. It was a perfect morning for a 10-year-old.
Finding peace in nature is Dad’s legacy.
I will always remember going on hikes at the Granite Saddle lookout Trail. Also leaning up against our old split rail fence at the farm, making sure to stay well out of the wind.
Then silently watching a Doe and her fawns nibble on early spring spouts of winter wheat, just steps away from our woodlot. I will remember campfires,compasses, and coaching on the importance of nature. Learning about all the different trees and how to identify them by the bark. Being taught how to identify edible weeds and plants, spending time bird-watching and fishing. This is what helped me be strong.
Your love of nature helped me strive to become a combination of kindness and strength, It would be best to give another example of nature or how to discover our better natures, in nature, set in a more mystical setting.
In the book, The Once and Future King by T.H. White, Merlin gives advice to the young Arthur or Wart, on what to do when we are sad. It is as follows: “The best thing for being sad,” replied Merlin, beginning to puff and blow, “is to learn something. That’s the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honour trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then — to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting. Learning is the only thing for you. Look what a lot of things there are to learn.”
Dad, you also gave me the gift of loving history, the gift of loving books. The gift of loving dogs and other pets. The gift to know it’s right to stand up
for human rights and to stand up to bullies. To defend the right … even if you have to do it all alone. To believe that courage and truth will win out. In short, to be able to say: kindness is not weakness. Empathy is a gift. To understand our pets and nature allows to us discover we are nothing without love. Love of Nature, teaches us how to love.
So thank you Dad for every quiet moment in nature you gave us. Thank you for that gateway into love and patience.
All my love always,
Your daughter,
Susan Elliott-Tan
Don’t think of him as gone away
his journey’s just begun,
life holds so many facets
this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched…
for nothing loved is ever lost
and he was loved so much.”
His Journey’s Just Begun by Ellen Brenneman
On this anniversary week of my Dad’s passing,
I will focus on the healing gifts that nature provides.
I will be grateful for all the life’s lessons learned while traveling the convoluted road of grief,
which ultimately leads to the destination of acceptance, forgiveness and understanding.
These last days of July and the beginning days of August will be days of prayers and reflection.
Thank you Dad for the life’s lessons learned.
Your daughter
Susan
❤️
Hi Susan:
I had the pleasure of knowing your Dad and Mom way back – the 1960’s and early 70’s. I was at Banting with my friend Lynda and Bill. I recall visiting the family home up Glencairn way. Over time, Lynda and I went our separate ways, and lost track after my parents passed in 75 and 83. Lynda kept in touch with my Father after my Mother passed, but we lost touch afterward. I recently came across this notice and wanted to extend my respects and belated condolences to your Mom and the rest of the family – some of whom may remember me. Best wishes to all.
Thank you for reaching out. I remember you knowing lynda even though I was just in Grade School then. Would you like me to share or forward this to Lynda?
Thank you again for commenting. It means a lot .
Hi Susan: Ha! You’re suggesting we’re old timers. Well, I guess we are getting on, eh? That would be great, so long as it doesn’t cause a fuss. A lot of water under the bridges but we’re still here. See what she says, I’m game.
Ok ❤️
You can private message me here at
Instagram seniorprotectionmobile
I will try to forward
Hi Craig:
Thank you for your comments with respect to George’s Obituary.
It was kind of you to remember us.
Carol and Family.
On the upcoming anniversary of Dad’s passing, I’d like to share a memory.
In the fall of 1988 we had all heard the stories of the Big Hunt. Bob and I had been puzzling over possible Christmas gifts. After hearing the stories, we had a revelation.
Bob would paint a water colour, semi-abstract picture of a buck hiding in the autumn foliage.
As part of the presentation,
I composed the following poem.
A Deer For Dad
‘Twas the fall of 1988,
the weather hadn’t been that great.
It was far too warm,
there wasn’t any snow-
they just couldn’t get
those deer to go.
The migrating herd would not come down, it caused those hunters all to frown.
On one rainy day, just what
George didn’t need, came a huge
Bull moose going full speed.
It was headed straight for this hunter all wet, but the big Bull Moose
hadn’t spotted him yet.
Did George panic or start to run?
NO- he could handle any situation,
even this one.
That moose headed over a ledge so tall.. over rocks, trees, moss and all, a place where mere mortals would surely fall.
“It didn’t get me!”
came George’s call.
That year there was no joy in Midhurst Town as George Elliott came home,
with a frown.
In the fall of ’88, it would appear
that poor George would not get a deer.
But George.. don’t you feel so blue,
your son-in-law Bob has painted
one for you!
So don’t you worry,
don’t you fret ..
Bob’s made sure that you’ll
get one yet!
I’m sure that if there is a happy hunting ground Dad is just watching the birds and animals, deer included.
Your daughter, Lynda ❤
Had the honour to deliver something to Sunnybrook Veterans Centre.
Ironically it was on the eve of the anniversary of the passing of my Father, who served.
Walking into the Veterans Centre lobby triggered all kinds of memories and emotions.
Being able to take a look inside Canada’s largest veterans care facility is remarkable.
Sunnybrook has a long and distinguished history of caring for our country’s war heroes.
In 1948, the hospital was originally founded to care for soldiers, sailors and airmen returning from the Second World War.
Today, the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre is the largest veterans care facility in Canada, providing specialized, complex continuing and long term care to 475 veterans who served in the Second World War and the Korean War.
Dedicated interprofessional care teams work collaboratively with each other, and with residents and families to deliver the best quality of care and assist each veteran resident in achieving his or her best possible life experience.
Seeing this amazing building filled with caring people today of all days was more than just a coincidence. I even met a survivor of Normandy.
Here’s to all of Canada’s Veterans.
Here’s to the support staff at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre.
Thank you for caring for all these Seniors who served.
You touched my heart and soul today.
“Sometimes life drops blessings in your lap without your lifting a finger. Serendipity, they call it” – Charlton Heston
Blessings to all who served.
Sincerely,
Susan Elliott-Tan