Tribute Notifications
Click below if you would like to be notified when a new tribute is posted.
George Raymond Calveley
September 20, 1933 - October 14, 2021
Tribute
George passed peacefully in hospital with his devoted wife Patricia by his side. The family will be forever grateful to have had the opportunity to say our goodbyes and send him off with copious amounts of love and happy memories.
George was born in Orpington Kent, England and enjoyed an active boyhood with 3 brothers and a sister. He had an exceptional curiosity and outlook on life; even being evacuated to Wales during the war didn’t dampen his spirit. He moved to Canada in 1956 full of excitement at all that it had to offer. It’s a good thing his funds ran out in Winnipeg, as that’s where he met Patricia Powers and they married shortly after meeting. There are simply too many wonderful aspects to his life and character to capture in an obituary, and those who knew George won’t need reminding of them. But his brilliance with woodworking and building fine furniture is worth special mention. Suffice to say, he excelled at everything he put his mind to; and his greatest love and pleasure was being with family (which always included a Labrador) and gifting his treasures and time to friends.
Dad left this world with the same grit he lived it. Even with a failing mind, his wit and laughter remained intact. And with a failing body, he flatly refused walkers, wheelchairs and Long Term Care. This will not be a surprise to anyone.
The family resided in Kamloops & Vernon prior to the mid-80’s, and now all live in Victoria & Cowichan Valley. George leaves behind his amazing and dedicated wife of 64 years Pat; Terry and Kim Bentzon; Sandi; Don and Robyn Smale; and granddaughters Alexina Lang and Nelli Calveley. There are many other close relatives in Vancouver and England, including special “extra” daughter Patsy Michel-Beaulieu in Kamloops.
We wish to extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Tom Rimmer for his special care and the wonderful staff on the 3rd floor at the Cowichan Regional Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, George would be thrilled if his annual Christmas gift of teddy bears to children in your local hospital would be considered; the family will also be continuing this tradition. No service; a private celebration will be held.
Condolences
Send a condolence, light a candle and/or share a memory, click "Send Condolence". Once your message has been approved by the moderator it will be posted to the website.
From: H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre
H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Ursula Barril
Relation: English friend who knew George before he emigrated to Canada
I knew George in Bromley can before he immigrated to Canada. He was a true Englishman full of courage and grit and determination. He had a great sense of humor two and a special way of telling you exactly what he thought. He also could train dogs to the nth degree …another British quality. Warmest always George .your a Bromley friend Ursula
From: Bill Roberts
Relation: An old school friend.
George was one of the more kind and thoughtful members of our school. About 50 years later we made contact and enjoyed with George his several visits to the UK when we visited some of the old haunts and places where George had lived, and enjoyed a pint at the Daylight Inn at Petts Wood.
I will not forget my friend George !
From: Ursula Barril
I knew George in Bromley can before he immigrated to Canada. He was a true Englishman full of courage and grit and determination. He had a great sense of humor two and a special way of telling you exactly what he thought. He also could train dogs to the nth degree …another British quality. Warmest always George .your a Bromley friend Ursula
From: Joyce Hubert Hodd
Relation: Grandmother to granddaughter Janelle (Nelli)
You did great things while here and left behind an amazing and successful family. Onwards and upwards George.
From: Judi Kellow
Relation: Friend of wife
Dear Pat.
It’s been years since I’ve seen you but think of you often. I was very saddened to read of George’s passing. I always though of you two a such a lovely couple. My condolences to your family also.
Kind regards,
Judi Kellow
From: Sheree Chapell
Relation: know his son
Don, I wanted to pass along my condolences on the loss of your father. I know you thought very highly of him and I’m sure his presence will be missed.
From: Roy Bennett
Relation: Friend
I first met George as a member of Gorge Vale golf club . We played many games together both at Gorge and on holidays in California . George was very generous with his time and woodworking equipment when I was making furniture for my home , resulting in pieces I would never have made on my own .His humour and friendship will be sorely missed . RIP George .
From: Wayne and Grace Holmes
Relation: Friend
I first met George through the van island woodworkers guild. We shared a lot of stories and techniques on woodworking. George was always ready to assist with the wood recovery programs where we got urban trees and cut them into lumber for guild members.
Grace and I would often enjoy lunch together with Pat and George. George and I would joke back and forth about who was most useful to society – entrepreneurs or government employees. We had a lot of fun together and we will miss him immensely. You were a wonderful friend, George
From: Wayne and Grace Holmes
Relation: Friend
I first met George through the van island woodworkers guild. We shared a lot of stories and techniques on woodworking. George was always ready to assist with the wood recovery programs where we got urban trees and cut them into lumber for guild members.
Grace and I would often enjoy lunch together with Pat and George. George and I would joke back and forth about who was most useful to society – entrepreneurs or government employees. We had a lot of fun together and we will miss him immensely. You were a wonderful friend, George
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered at:
Blooms at 49th Parallel – 778-422-0262
Floral Bar at Party Mood – www.floralbar.ca or 250-701-3151
Floral Department at Thrifty Foods – http://floral.thriftyfoods.com/ or 250-715-2630
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the Funeral Home information.
Donate In Memory
Send Condolence - For George Calveley
Use the form below to send a Condolence, light a memorial candle and/or share a personal memory.
