Saturday, January 13, 2024
I met George at the tennis club and played many sets with him and the lads. George was a one of a kind, gentle, caring and full of cheer. George was the only person I ever encountered who would stop a game to escort a caterpillar or lady bug off the court to save it from the soles of our plodding. His gentle nature ran deep, he was a true humanist in every sense of the word. George’s sense of humour and dry wit was always appreciated, timely and just what everyone needed when we needed a smile or I was taking myself too seriously. George was more about the friendships than the game. Getting to know George was not just a pleasure, it was a privilege. George was well read, well spoken and had a great knack for story telling. George was sneaky good at cleverly hiding a tremendous insight to current events and human behaviour. We spent many hours discussing events of the world, past common experiences and always, as was George’s unique style, sharing a joke or two. George was not only worldly, he was a master at carpentry and did exemplary work assisting me with home repairs, while being so accommodating and good natured with our far too curious cats who would barge in offering to help him at every turn. I am devastated by the suddenness of this and can only console myself with believing that George would remind me now, to treasure the times with your friends and family and never miss an opportunity to live, laugh, smile and create the good old days before they are gone. As I write this I cannot help smiling as I remember our moments together. Sure gonna miss ya buddy.
