Lavern George Ellis, formerly of Mount Forest, passed away at McVean Lodge, Hanover on Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 in his 92nd year. Beloved husband of the late Gladys (nee Morrison). Loving father of Verdon Ellis and his wife Catherine, Cheryl Snyder, and Connie Capling and her husband Stephen. Father-in-law of Rick Thomson. Cherished grandfather of Leslie Geddes, Ryan Ellis, Ben Thomson, Andrea Goren, Kyle Arnold, Kaitlyn Arnold and great-grandfather of Adrian Geddes, Nathan Geddes, Oliver Goren, and Vivian Thomson. Dear brother of Meryl Hincks. Predeceased by his daughter Judy Thomson, his son-in-law Paul Snyder, by his sisters Margaret Adams and Ina Doyle, and by his companion and close friend Della Ellis. At an early age, George developed what would be a life-long passion for music and became well versed in playing the violin, saxophone, banjo and piano and played in a band known as “The Melody Four” performing for audiences in local dance halls with his wife Gladys. His love of music led him to join the Mount Forest Harmonaires Barbershop, competing in Ontario District Barbershop Harmony Society events, as well as singing in the Mount Forest United Church Choir. Upon retirement, George and Gladys were active snowbirds who headed south each winter to enjoy the Sunshine in Florida. George was also an avid fisherman, loved to watch baseball cheering on the Blue Jays, and spending time with his family playing card games. As a farmer, George knew how to swing a hammer and learned to fix anything which established another love; a hobby in the art of woodworking. There was no project too big or small that his table saw couldn’t handle resulting in the creation of numerous cherished family heirlooms. Cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held with interment of cremated remains at Mount Forest Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to the England Funeral Home, Mount Forest.
