Passed away peacefully at Groves Memorial Hospital, Fergus, Ontario. He is fondly remembered by brother Ken Livingston (Corinne) of Durham, Ontario and sister Verna Nelson (Greg) of Truro, Nova Scotia and sister in-law Bernadette of Kitchener, Ontario. Predeceased by his parents Percy and Margaret, brothers William, Edward, James, Harold, Norman and sister Violet. He is fondly remembered by a multitude of nieces, nephews and many friends. George was born on Beatty Line in Fergus, March 7, 1936. His early years were spent on the farm, on the 16th of Peel and he attended SS#9 Cumnock School. The family then moved to West Garafraxa on County Road 29. He proudly tells a story of his cattle drive, moving their livestock to the new farm and for a young boy, it seemed like quite an adventure. George grew up on the farm and attended Shand School and a short stint at Fergus High School, but farming was his chosen career. During George’s youth, any leisure time was spent fishing and rambling in the bush. George and his brother Norman took over the family farm and the 200 acres kept them busy. The farm was a mixed farm with beef cattle, pigs, chickens, ducks and of course cats. Horses supplied the bulk of the power until 1953, when a tractor was purchased. There was no need for new equipment as the old ways were the best. As life progressed, the North called him and he purchased his farm in Burks Falls, Ontario. There he set up his little homestead, and was quite proud that his neighbors were impressed by the crops they grew. He farmed successfully there, raising his cattle and crops. In his later years, George’s pride was his garden and his Calico kittens. Vegetables and kittens were given away, yearly. In his early years, George enjoyed a stiff game of floor hockey on the barn floor, baseball in the pasture and rambling in the woods. He also acquired a taste for playing cards, any game at all, that included family. However, his favorite game was euchre. Many an evening was spent with his friends at the Sunshine Seniors Club of Magnetawan playing euchre. George enjoyed their company and was quite happy whether he came home with a prize or not. He was an armchair traveler reading scores of books a year and was quite well read. George was diagnosed with cancer in July 2019. All options were discussed; he decided he would try to manage his journey without treatment. George handled his daily challenges with hope, grit, and courage. George had simple views of the world and led a modest life. Above all, he was a hardworking man who was honest, kind and humorous. Thanks to our special nurse, health care workers, friends, neighbors and family for the support that he received. Cremation has taken place and a private family celebration will take place at a later date. If you wish, as an expression of sympathy, please support your local Animal Shelter or Humane Society.
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