George Albert Valliere

SUNRISE

October 17, 1927

Toronto, Ontario

SUNSET

October 2, 2010

Toronto, Ontario

Sadly we announce he passing of George Valliere on October 2, 2010 in his 83rd year. Family and friends ae welcomed at the Giffen-Mack funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 2570 Danforth Ave., (at Main St. subway), 416-698-3121, for a Memorial Visitation on Thursday, October 7, 2010 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memories and condolences may be made at www.giffenmackdanforth.com

WHAT IS A FIREMAN?

He’s the guy next door - a man’s man with the memory of a little boy.

He has never gotten over the excitement of engines and sirens and danger.

He’s a guy like you and me with warts and worries and unfulfilled dreams.

Yet he stands taller than most of us.

He’s a fireman.

He puts it all on the line when the bell rings.

A fireman is at once the most fortunate and the least fortunate of men.

He’s a man who saves lives because he has seen too much death.

He’s a gentle man because he has seen the awesome

power of violence out of control.

He’s responsive to a child’s laughter because his arms have held

too many small bodies that will never laugh again.

He’s a man who appreciates the simple pleasures of life -

hot coffee held in numb, unbending fingers - a warm bed for bone

and muscle compelled beyond feeling - the camaraderie of brave men -

the divine peace and selfless service of a job well done in the name of all men.

He doesn’t wear buttons or wave flags or shout obscenities.

When he marches, it is to honor a fallen comrade.

He doesn’t preach the brotherhood of man.

He lives it.

“I Am Always With You”

When I am gone, release me, let me go.

I have so many things to see and do,

You mustn’t tie yourself to me with too many tears,

But be thankful we had so many good years.

I gave you my love, and you can only guess

How much you’ve given me in happiness.

I thank you for the love that you have shown,

But now it is time I travel alone.

So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must

Then let your grief be comforted by trust

That it is only for a while that we must part,

So treasure the memories within your heart.

I won’t be far away for life goes on.

And if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can’t see or touch me, I will be near

And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear

All my love around you soft and clear

And then, when you come this way alone,

I’ll greet you with a smile and a

“Welcome Home.”