Obituary of George Greenhalgh

 

George Thomas Greenhalgh

December 23/1928- July,13/ 2019

George passed away of heart failure in the loving arms of his wife Audrey at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney, N.S.

Born in Montreal he was the son of Gilbert and Olive (Dawe)Greenhalgh.

A depression kid, who stuttered,George lost his father when he was ten years old. In his teens he joined the Black Watch and flew a plane before he had his driver’s license. He overcame his disability and got a job with Mitchell’s Manufacturing where his brilliant suggestions caught the attention of the owner who sent George to university where he graduated asa manufacturing engineer. At Mitchell’s, George had a part in the making of the doors to the United Nations, Canada’s gift. He also made parts for the famous “Arrow”. “Ten years later George was manager of three foundries across Canada.

George was elected to the Board of Trade for Toronto, in 1968 and appointed to the Junior Chamber International as Senator for life in 1965.

George received many offers and decided to change careers accepting the position of Vice President for SEDCO, Saskatchewan Economic Development Corporation where he built 14 industrial parks, secured a contract for indigenous people with Uncle Bens to market their wild rice, sold potash to Japan and built Innovation Research Park in Saskatoon.

These remarkable achievements came from a lonely little boy who was bullied because he stuttered, and made to read before the class by a cruel teacher so they could laugh at him, however, little George believed in prayer and glad tomorrows. George’s motto, “Remember the best and forget all the rest.”

After retiring George lost his wife to cancer. He met and married Audrey after she lost her husband to cancer.

The two were instantly compatible and formed an amazing loving bond for the next fifteen years. “I miss you when I fall asleep” he told her.

George is survived by his devoted wife Audrey Currie, son Randall and grandsons, Sam and Jack in Australia, his sister Dorothy in Montreal.

George will be sadly missed by his long distance telephone friend Joe-Allen Currie in Toronto who called daily to comfort him and neighbor Johnny Mackenzie who helped in many ways. Also many thanks to my cousin Xavier McGillivray who flew from Ottawa for a three day visit to Glace Bay where he generously spent part of each day with George.

Thank you to Josie for her kindness and Bud’s Taxi drivers Mike, Andy, Bobby and Darrell who offered George words of encouragement, and a friendly “How are you doing George, hang in there buddy.” 

Respecting his wishes there will be no visitation. George will have his beloved bag pipes accompany him to his final resting place in Saint Anne’s Cemetery, Glace Bay.

Arrangements have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com