George Matthew Humphrey

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George Matthew Humphrey, on June 1, after an intense month-long stay in hospital and finally, in hospice.

George leaves his heart-broken family: loving (and adored) wife of 57 years, Barbara, children and grandchildren: Kathy and Pat, Dylan and Matt; Ross and Kirsten, Evan and Kate; Sandra and Pierre, Lola and George, as well as wee Sheena, the furry one. He was the oldest of a large and close knit extended family: brothers Terry (Jan) and Bill (Elaine) and numerous sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, who all loved him.

George was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, and left home at 19 to join the RCMP. He loved his job, and enjoyed a very satisfying career all over B.C., finally retiring in Kamloops.

George firmly believed in giving back to the community, and served in Lions for many years, beginning in his twenties. He was a long serving member of Valleyview Overlanders Lions Club, working hard with fellow members, always enjoying the fellowship and fun.

George was a wonderful Dad, lovely and guiding with gentle humor and jokes and kindness. He encouraged his children to do whatever they wanted or believed they could and was always proud of their accomplishments and of them as people. As Poppa (Grandpa), he had a lot of fun camping with his grandchildren, teaching them to chop wood and play crib and tie their shoes.

George and Barb had a fun and adventurous life with many major excursions, such as hiking the West Coast Trail and Canoeing the Bowron Lakes. They also saw a lot of Canada: the far north (not quite to Tuktoyuktuk) and all the way to Newfoundland. Later, overseas travel became an exciting reality, with Greece being the place they loved best. And they made a spring getaway to sunny Mexico an annual trek.

Camping was always a lifelong joy for the family. There are so many beautiful and sometimes humorous family stories, including last summers’ Hotsprings and Wineries Tour.

George believed that a smile, a chuckle and a jovial word would see him through most situations and this approach served him well.

We will miss him terribly, but we will also be comforted in the happy memories he helped us all create.

We will have a Celebration of his life on September 29, details to be announced. In lieu of flowers we would encourage a donation to the Marjory Willoughby Snowdon Hospice, or to the charity of your choice.