George Murray McEwen

McEWEN, George M.  - Born December 14, 1922. Passed April 2, 2021

On Friday, April 2, 2021, George (Murray) McEwen, in his 99th year, quietly and peacefully passed away at Sakura House with daughter, Heather and son, Murray by his side. Beloved father to Heather Stock (George), Murray (Lynne) and Ken (Linda). Loving grandfather to Laura Stafford, Gordon Stock and Jennifer Stock (Ryan), Christopher McEwen (Hollie) and Carolyn McEwen (Erica). George has 5 great-grandchildren that he took great pride in: Quinn, Mikayla, Matilda, Eloise and Caiden. Predeceased by brothers, Ray and Lorne and sister Jean. George enjoyed 62 wonderfully loving years with his wife Eva (n. Parker) who passed away in 2008. He is lovingly remembered by his companion Lu Topham with whom he happily shared these last 7 years together.

George lived a full and varied life. He worked hard and enjoyed the rewards of his labours. Before the war, George worked at Metal Fabricators (a division of Standard Tube) where he learned sheet metal work. He was a proud veteran of WWII having served in the RCAF as an engine mechanic repairing engines of Hurricanes, Spitfires, Mosquito Bombers and Lancaster Bombers at #4R.D., New Brunswick. After the war, he worked at the Culloden Cheese Factory before moving to Woodstock and working at Boys Electric in the service and sales department. In 1953, George partnered with Rody Campbell to form Campbell and McEwen Heating. This successful business partnership lasted for almost 20 years. George then joined Duo-Matic of Canada travelling throughout southern Ontario selling furnaces and setting up dealerships. After 6 years, George joined Newmac Manufacturing, a position which took him, as a salesman, throughout Canada and parts of the USA until his retirement in 1987. During his working years, George was an active member of the Woodstock Camera Club where he won numerous awards for his work in black and white photography, in particular. George was also a member of the all-male choir, the Barbershoppers. He was a charter member of St. David’s United Church and spent many hours in the church choir. Many adventures were experienced on family camping trips across Canada and with relatives each summer.

Retirement offered George the time to pursue more fully some of his favourite hobbies. He enjoyed PROBUS, St. David’s Church choir, wood working, and wedding photography. He drove for over 20 years for the Canadian Cancer Society making sure patients reached their appointments in Kitchener, Toronto, London, and Hamilton. He also drove for the Red Cross Society for over 10 years. His “green thumb” produced beautiful floral displays from seed to bloom and bountiful vegetable gardens. Often George could be found in the company of one of his beloved dogs who accompanied him nearly everywhere. George and Eva enjoyed travelling and some of their favourite trips were to Alaska, the Scandinavian countries, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. One of George’s favourite pastimes with relatives and good friends was a rousing game of euchre, pool, or cribbage. George often expressed his gratitude for family and all the wonderful friends and acquaintances who enriched his life. As Vince Lombardi remarked: “The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have”. George certainly made the very best of what he had and lived his life fully.

The family of George would like to express their deepest thanks to the following people / organizations: Scott Gould – a truly gifted nurse and amazing gentleman who shared his time so freely and gave this family so many more years to enjoy Dad and who improved Dad’s quality of life immeasurably. Our deepest thanks and gratitude. Cedarview Gracious Retirement Living - staff and management for their understanding, compassion, and exemplary efforts to accommodate George. Caring Services For Seniors – for their wonderfully kind and gentle care of George. Sakura House – for making Dad’s last days comfortable and serene and for their comforting support of family

Due to COVID 19 and the family’s wishes to keep friends and relatives safe and well at home, the family has chosen to celebrate George’s life with a private service graveside officiated by Rev. Jeff Smith of St. David’s United Church, Woodstock. According to George’s wishes, cremation has taken place. His final resting place will be at Oxford Memorial Park Cemetery beside his beloved Eva.

With the lack of visitations, we that cherished Dad will miss hearing those stories that made his life colourful and unique. We would be delighted if you would please share your favourite anecdote or memory of George on the Tribute Wall, on the Brock and Visser Funeral Home website at brockandvisser@rogers.com .

 If desired, donations to the following organizations that George so strongly believed in and generously supported would be welcome. The Canadian Cancer Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the S.P.C.A. or V.O.N. Sakura House  would be appreciated and may be arranged through the Brock and Visser Funeral Home, Woodstock, 519-539-0004. Expressions of love and sympathy may be given at www.brockandvisser.com .

 “Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day”. Author Unknown.

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