George Frederick James Heard

George was the son of George Heard and Margaret (Pat) Atkinson. He was born November 25, 1935 in Hamilton Ontario.

George came to Halifax at the age of 17 to join the Royal Canadian Navy. He was a dedicated member of the Canadian Armed Forces with a 37 year long impressive and varied career. He rose through the ranks with time spent traveling the world on ships and aircraft carriers such as the HMCS Bonaventure to the HMCS Protecteur. For a time, he was a career manager in Ottawa. George became Chief of the Naval Fleet School and Base Chief at Stadacona, Halifax. After an honorable career he retired from the navy as a Lieutenant.

George loved sports, especially football and hockey. He was a runner in to his late seventies. He believed in living a healthy life and found it difficult to give up his running.

George was an amazing gardener. He couldn’t wait for the first sign of spring to get started working in his gardens which were the envy of many. He would work everyday in his beautiful gardens until the first signs of winter. He was constantly working on making each garden more beautiful than the year before. To the grandchildren and their friends, when they were growing up, the gardens were magical.

George loved his family and adored his grandchildren. He was a special presence in all of their lives. He was always there for each of them and so very proud of them.

George is survived by his wife and soul mate of over 62 years, Janet (Beazley) Halifax; children Debra (Kevin Currie) Hammonds Plains, George, Joanne (Rob Cooper) Halifax and Stephen, Mount Uniacke; grandchildren Amanda (Sean Skaggs) San Antonio, Megan, Halifax, Lauren, Toronto and Michael, Hammonds Plains; great grandsons Ben Skaggs and Aiden Skaggs, San Antonio; sister Elaine Kempton (Grimsby, Ontario) and brother Jim (Kathy) Hamilton Ontario and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents George was predeceased by his sister Peggy Moffat.

George loved to get out and meet up with old acquaintances and new friends. He always had a kind word and smile for everyone he met.

Arrangements have been made with J A Snow Funeral. As per dad's wishes the family will be having a private service to honor dad with a burial in The Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville.

Our family wishes to send our heartfelt thanks to those who cared for dad; Dr. Kathy Gallagher, the staff on 7.3 at the Infirmary and Dr. Sophie Couture. A special thanks to amazing staff at Drummond Hall in Parkland Clayton Park. Their caring and compassion for dad was felt by all and is so truly appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor George may do so by making a donation to Nova Scotia Heart and Stroke foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.

To place an online condolence please visit: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com