WATIER, George Maurice

December 15, 1932 — December 29, 2024

George died at the Kelowna General Hospital on December 29, 2024, only 14 days after his 92nd birthday.

Born to the late George Sr. & Yvonne (née Verreault) Watier in Marcelin, SK.  George was one of 7 children, and the family moved to Toronto, ON when he was a young child. George used to recount the fun he had growing up on Vanauley Street in downtown Toronto and working as an usher at one of the local theatres.  Growing up in Toronto sparked his lifelong commitment to the Toronto Maple Leafs – Go Leafs!

George joined the Royal Canadian Air Force at age 17, and discipline and adventure filled his working years.  His first posting overseas was in North Luffenham, England, where he met the love of his life, Jean Strickson.  They married in 1954 and thus began the travel and adventures of numerous overseas postings and family vacations back to England and across Europe.  During his working career, he worked on some of the most exciting fighter aircraft of the times.   He rose through the ranks quickly, ending his 37-year military career as a Chief Warrant Officer. George’s fondness for England and Europe continued through his life, and he often reflected on how fortunate he was to have joined the military and led the life he did.

George and Jean raised 3 children: Elizabeth (Beth), Anthony (Tony), and Jill.  They enjoyed many family adventures across Europe, and family visits to England and Canada. All of George and Jean’s children settled in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, and they visited them frequently there over the years.

After retirement, George and Jean settled in Kelowna, BC and would make this their most permanent home of their married life.  They enjoyed travelling, time with friends and family, and volunteering in the community; he spent many years as an Ambassador at the Kelowna International Airport. George enjoyed jogging, swimming, and golfing in his spare time, and became an avid walker in his later years.   George always enjoyed a good meal, especially if it was accompanied by a glass of French red wine!

George was sadly predeceased by his loving wife, Jean, in 2020, and his son, Tony, in 2023. He was also predeceased by his parents and six siblings (Alice, Louis, John, Tony, Emma, and Yvette).  His memory will be carried on through his children, Beth and Jill; daughter-in-law, Sandra; grandchildren Sarah, Alexandra, Celeste, Mary, and Elizabeth; great-grandchildren, Maggie, Kori, Grace, Francis, and Marie; brothers- and sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces & nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, cancer.ca.

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