With heavy hearts and appreciation for a life well-lived, the family of George "Geordie" Raymond White announce his passing on Sunday, April 28 in St. Martha’s Hospital Regional, Antigonish, surrounded by his large and loving family. Born in 1930 at Country Harbour Lake, Guysborough County, he was a son of the late George and Lillian (Smith) White.
At a very young age, Geordie established himself as the dependable, responsible rock of the family, with no sacrifice being too great. He lived his whole life in Country Harbour Lake with the exception of a brief time in Toronto, where he met and married the love of his life, Bernie. An unpretentious man, Geordie was frugal with himself but generous with everyone else. He lived a long and healthy life, his only lengthy hospital stay being in 1969 when he donated a kidney to his brother Bill. He never slowed down and retained his quick wit and sense of humour right up until the end.
Geordie was self-employed and loved to work outdoors. He was resourceful and independent, a self-taught mechanic, plumber, carpenter, electrician and engineer. The only skills Geordie failed to master were in the kitchen. After enjoying 63 years of home-cooked meals prepared by Bernie, Geordie was fortunate to have daughters-in-law, Diane and Eileen, pick up the torch in his later years.
Next to his family, Geordie’s great loves were hockey and country music. Always rooting for the NHL underdog, Geordie also enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren play sports. At many family gatherings throughout the years, Geordie would often be coaxed into entertaining us with his powerful rendition of a George Jones’ classic.
Geordie will be deeply missed by his six children, George (Diane) of Country Harbour Lake; Linda (Wayne Schofield), New Minas, NS; Tom (Eileen), Country Harbour Lake; Terri (Scott) MacAulay, Baddeck, NS; Jackie (Steve) Belyea, New River, NB; Lisa (Steve Thomas), Halifax, NS; his eleven devoted grandchildren, Melissa, Daniel, Dylan, Nick, Matthew, Alexandria, Alison, Natasha, Shannon, Joe and Ryan; his seven great-grandchildren, Danika, Brax, Alistair, Maggie, Lennie, Serena and Lindy; his sisters, Vera, Nina, Dolly and Allie; and will be fondly remembered by numerous nieces,nephews and their families.
Geordie was predeceased by his loving wife, Bernie, brothers, Edgar, Bill and Bob; sisters, Dorothy, Mid and Nel.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of PCU and Palliative Care Unit at St. Martha’s with special thanks to Dr. Amanda Worden-Rogers. Cremation has taken place. Memorial donations maybe made to a charity of your choice. At Geordie’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. A private family celebration of Geordie’s life will be held. Arrangements are under the dignified and compassionate care of G. W. Giffin Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.gwgiffin.com.
