It is with broken hearts the family of George Edward Rowe announce his death on Tuesday, June 23,2026 after a courageous battle with ALS. Born in North Sydney, Nova Scotia, George was the eldest son of the late Leslie and Helen (Urquart) Rowe.

He was exceptionally proud of the wonderful upbringing he experienced with loving parents, a close-knit extended Rowe family and lifetime friends he made in his hometown.

George played a wide range of sports throughout his school days including being a member of a junior curling team that represented Nova Scotia at Canadian Championships and was eventually honoured by being inducted into the Cape Breton Sports Hall of Fame and the North Sydney Sports Hall of Fame. George continued his love of sports, playing tennis, squash, curling and running throughout most of his life. He remained an avid sports fan watching sports on television even when ALS robbed him of his ability to participate in any of his regular activities.

George attended Mount Allison University followed by employment in banking and finance companies eventually working as a property agent with Public Works Canada, until retirement.

Throughout his life George always saw his proverbial cup as half-full even when his health was at its worst. He faced his diagnosis with unbelievable courage and was determined to stay with his family for as long as possible. His incredible memory and sharp wit never waned regardless of what else was taken from him, telling everyone that, “a person must play the cards they have been dealt.” He was blessed to be under the care of neurologist, Dr Shaun Taylor, who saw George first for all that he was in life and for everything he meant to his family, supporting George to push the ALS to the background and always keep ‘the person he was’ at the forefront.

The greatest joys in George’s life came from his family, who was with him providing steadfast support and love every day of his trek with this terrible disease. Married to the love of his life, Carmelita (McNamara) Rowe for 41 years he was a devoted, selfless and caring husband. He was an exceptional father, sports mentor and best friend to their daughter Ashley, Kingswood North, whom he adored beyond measure, her husband Matthew Daigle who was like a son to George, and ‘best grandfather in the whole world’ to his cherished grandson, Luke ‘George’ Matthew Daigle.

George was a very proud, loving dad, role model and sports ‘buddy’ to his son Alex Rowe, of Bedford along with his daughter in-law Claudine Szpilfogel and his precious grandchildren Sophia & Josh.

George had a lifetime of loving relationships with his brothers, John, wife Dasha and niece Bella of Richmond, B.C. and Wilson of North Sydney.

He will be sorrowfully missed by his in-laws Liam McNamara, Halifax, Roddie and Sharon McNamara of Sydney River, his sister in-laws Cleta Koskolos, Bedford, MJ & Reinhard Jerabek, Hammonds Plains, his niece Nicole McNamara (Kyle Mason), Timberlea, nephew Geoff ( Mallory) McNamara, grandniece and grandnephew Taia and Braxton McNamara, Howie Centre, niece Jessica Koskolos, Bedford.

George was the adored son in-law of the late Thomas & Jennie McNamara, Frenchvale.

When he needed love and support the most George was grateful to Jo Ann Boyle, Saint John, N.B., along with his tremendous support team of friends and family who made sure he was never alone during his waking hours. George was indebted to EHS Paramedic Teams for coming to his aid, ALS Society of New Brunswick & Nova Scotia, ALS Clinic staff, Medical staff at the QE11 Emergency, the Physio Team at Abbey Lane 9.1, Staff and Admin at West Bedford Transitional Care for their wonderful care, the QE11 Palliative Care Team, Rev David Hann, and NP Nikki Kelly.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 71 McQuade Lake Crescent, Beechville. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 4th at the Cedar Event Centre, 111 Clayton Park Drive, Halifax, from 6-9 p.m. with Reverend David Hann officiating. The service will begin at 6p.m. and at George’s request will transition into ‘a party’ with a bar, his music playlist and refreshments.

In memory of George, and in recognition of the incredible support provided to him throughout his struggle with ALS, donations can be made to the ALS Society of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia with a dedication to George Rowe.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.