George was a dear friend from York Film MA in 1999.  We worked together and had fun together. I have memories of him as a  warm, caring, artistic person and also a loving husband. I will miss him and carry his memory in me always.

In 2005, I had the honor of being a featured soloist on George's "Sonny Boy" recording -- playing trumpet on both "There's A Mountain in Montreal" and "Sonny Boy".  When George reached out to me back then he was so incredible gracious, knew my work to date well already and we chatted amicably back and forth by email  before the session.  He struck me then as driven, thoughtful, inspired and authentic, and I'm glad I got to spend some time with him and be captured in time on this recording together.  He contacted me in the years since for other recording projects, but as my own performance schedule became more international, I had less and less time to spend with this beautiful, genuine soul.  Now that he's gone... I regret this.   But I'm glad his legacy will live on in his recorded works.

Ellen, my deepest, most sincere condolences on the loss of this gem of a man.

RIP George and profound condolences to his dear ones. It was a blast to see George play live with the Existers, and a treat to experience his varied and thoughtful solo work. I had the honour and opportunity to record some backing vocals on one of his tracks, which was an excellent learning experience with a keen musician and songwriter, and a superb educator. It is awesome and inspiring to see his students among others posting here. George had much to impart and he did it exceptionally well. He will be sorely missed, and I'm sure that people will continue to appreciate and learn from his work.

My sincere condolences on your loss Ellen, to you and your family. I'm glad I was able to jam with him not too long ago, rest in peace George!

George was my uncle. My sister and I have the fondest memories of him taking us to museums and for ice cream as children.  He fostered in us a lifelong appreciation for art.  Though we have been estranged for many years, I am so very sad to hear of this passing.  My deepest condolences to Ellen and friends who will most certainly miss his infectious personality. 

Rest In Peace George 



Deepest sympathies and condolences from the Carbone Family.  


I have known George for so many years. A dear colleague whose absence will sadden many people amongst his colleagues and students. 
He will be really missed. 
Shirin 

So sorry to hear about George passing. My heartfelt  sympathy  goes out to Ellen who has been by his side so many years. We worked on a number of projects and plays many years ago. George was a very creative being and strived for perfection at every chance. George had made a short film in the film noir style  put to music "On Broadway" that I really enjoyed and wished  he had made  it a much longer film as he had all the right ingredients. You will be missed.

I had the privilege of working with George over the last few years at George Brown College. As a fellow film 'buff', George was a great compatriate to discuss obscure films and and film theories, conversations I looked forward to whenever we would meet. I shall miss these interludes.  His love for film and teaching film was something to aspire, especially  when covering material in his classes. He was a natural teacher.
Most of all, I shall miss George's sense of humour.  I have very fond memories, on several occasions, of discussing a piece of frustrating technology and George's remarks. I always left these conversations with a smile.
George shall be missed.

On behalf of the School of Continuing Education at George Brown College, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to George's family.   George was a valued colleague and a skilled teacher who touched the lives of those who studied film with him.  His depth of knowledge, his wry wit and his sense of fun, combined with his  commitment to his students' success will be greatly missed. 
Lynne Kurylo
Chair, Liberal Studies (retired)

I had the privilege of being in  George's film class in 2018 at George Brown College. His teaching style was one I gravitated towards. George's goal was not to have students memorize terminology,  but rather engage in meaningful discussions about what we took away from each film. Although I only knew George briefly, I never forgot his class. George's passion of music could be heard down the halls before each class began. The beauty that was Nina Simone was heard  from the speakers as well as George's own band, The Existers. I feel honoured to have met George and am so very sorry he succumbed to illness.  May George's memory be a blessing. 

Dear Ellen, I just heard of the passing of George. I am deeply saddened for you. I shared so many wonderful times with you both over the decades. George was a quietly passionate individual devouring music, music history, films & film history and the arts in general. He was a consummate writer. I have missed seeing you both over the past handful of years. I enjoyed our game nights & bocce tournaments. Time is so fleeting & the human condition is inevitably fragile. Ellen, there are no words which I can offer that will ease the pain of your loss.  I am holding you dear in my heart and offer you my deepest empathy.

I remember George, my brother Aaron's childhood (and adulthood) friend as a shy, kind and very talented young man. Rest in peace George.

Susan McQ., Kelowna BC


OBITUARY

George Dean Higton

April 5, 1951 – July 15, 2021

Jerrett Funeral Homes

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