George passed away peacefully at his home days after celebrating his 90th birthday. He leaves behind the love of his life, his wife of 66 years, Jo-Ann (Wright). Sons, Richard (Marlene), Lyle (Karen), Russell (Anna), and Blair (Lisa). Grandchildren, Shaun (Crystal), Stephanie (Nathaniel), Sarah, Melina (Julian), Wilson (Celine), Alanna, Mitchell (Emily), Alex (John), and Haley (Taylor). Great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Elias and Ryker. Predeceased by parents Harry and Beatrice Gurney, siblings, Bert, Jack, Bill, and Carol, in-laws Stan and Margaret Wright and brother in-law Dennis Sanders.
George is survived by brothers Ted, Wilson (Liz), Victor (Sharon) and sister in-law Helen, in-laws Fred, Loran (Carol), Vicki-Lynn Sanders, 
Wayne (Barbara), and numerous nieces, nephews and their families. George was born in Comox, living his early years exploring the outdoors, fishing and hunting. He met his soulmate, Jo-Ann, in 1953 at a community dance in the Union Bay Hall. They were married in 1955 ,at First United Church in Victoria, BC. George was an educator who received his teaching certificate from the Victoria Normal School in 1951. His first teaching appointment was in Giscome, BC, east of Prince George.
Returning to Vancouver Island in 1953, he taught grades 1 to 8 in a one-room schoolhouse at the Harris Creek logging camp. He then transferred to Langford Elementary in 1955 where he taught until receiving his first principal appointment at the brand-new Sangster Elementary in 1958. While at Sangster, George attended night and summer school at the University of Victoria where he received his Bachelor’s of Education degree in 1968. George and Jo-Ann met many of their lifelong friends during this time. He taught grades 4 and 5 and coached the Sangster swim team until 1978. Between 1978 and 1982 he was principal at Colwood Elementary, and finally wrapped up his teaching career as principal at David Cameron Elementary in 1986.
After retiring, George promptly re-entered the educational field by reading to his grandchildren’s kindergarten classes for years. He adored children and was known as Grandpa Gurney to hundreds of kids. He loved going on field trips and being the teacher’s “pet”. Dad was a super-fan that attended all of his four boys sporting events. He and Mom went to every lacrosse and soccer game they had. He coached lacrosse and was on the executive of the Saanich Lacrosse Association. He was an active member of Victoria Legion Junior A Lacrosse where he would run the 30-second clock at the Legion games.
Over the years Grandpa and Grandma would attend hundreds of their grandchildren’s games. You would find them in the stands or on the sidelines, cheering with coffee cups in hand. “OB” loved being outdoors, whether it was fishing, hunting, camping, or gardening. He looked forward to his hunting trips with Wilf and then with Sergei every year. Each summer he would load the family in his ’67 International Travel all with tent-trailer in tow and head out camping. The destination was usually somewhere in BC but in 1968 he drove his crew clear across the country to Nova Scotia. George had a green thumb and liked to putter outside in his greenhouse and gardens.
His flower baskets were beautiful and he was so proud of them. Hanging and standing baskets adorned many friends’ and family members’ front porches. But his all-time favourite pastime was to hop in his boat and go fishing. Simply put, George loved to fish. Whether it was casting for steelhead in the Sooke or Puntledge Rivers, fly-fishing for trout in Benson Lake or spending hours trawling for salmon and halibut on the ocean, he loved it all. Over his lifetime he would introduce countless people to his #1 passion. His boat was his “zen” place to be and he was happiest on the water. Another of George’s favourite routines in his retirement was his regular weekly coffee meeting with four of his good friends, who he fondly referred to as his group of cronies.
For years these 5 principals from School District 62 would get together at Colwood McDonald’s for friendly conversation, banter and laughter. Herman, Rupee, Andre, John and George would meet every Thursday to share their stories and their experiences of life. George loved these guys and cherished their friendship. Grandpa had many aliases, he was Santa and made his rounds on Christmas Eve with Mrs. Claus keeping him on schedule each stop, he was the Great Pumpkin that visited many kindergarten classes each Halloween delivering treats, he was the Easter egg hunt master that hid hundreds of eggs on Gurney Hill for his grandkids and great-grandchildren, he was the holiday “Cheer-Meister”.
The Gurney Family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Drs. Jones and Amundsen for giving George the loving care and dignity that he needed for his journey. Also, a special thank you to Elizabeth and Ash at Island Health for their compassion and kindness. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, December 15th, 2021 at 2:00 pm. in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, followed by a reception. For those wishing to attend virtually via zoom please click the link below. Please use your video camera when joining so that family in attendance can see you and feel your support. Tributes, if desired, may be made to the charity of your choice.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88007245428?pwd=dVpkR2VmRDJYSmNIY0xicHFGb2Fvdz09
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
23 Responses
I met George when I worked at the Sooke School District Office and he was Principal at Colwood Elementary School. After my daughter was born and I was at home Joanne and George came to my house to visit (I thought that was so special). When I went back to work for the SD 62 I had times that I worked with him. He was definitely a family person as I heard all about his children and grandchildren and he also had an interest in my family. It was always good to spend time with George. A good person!
What a lovely and moving tribute to a man who lived life to the fullest, and who is clearly loved and cherished by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. My sincerest condolences to George’s family. May your memories bring you comfort in these difficult times.
I am very saddened to hear the news of George Gurney passing. “Grandpa George” as he was known at Braefoot School was a fixture and an amazing man. Our students loved his regular visits and I personally took advantage of that time to chat with George and learn from him and his past experiences. He truly was the elder statesman of the Gurney family and a friend to all. We could see that his body was failing him, but we could also see that his mind was as sharp as ever. His sense of humour was a joy. George left a tremendous impact on those students he taught and with those lucky students who were able to enjoy him as a volunteer at Braefoot. He truly loved his family and was so involved with his Grandchildren. He will truly be missed by all those who were lucky enough to know him. Our thoughts go out to the family. Rest Peacefully, Grandpa George
Mr. Gurney was so inspirational to me as a new grade 4 student @Langford Elementary School-now Ruth King. Having moved with my parents from in 1955 from Calgary, I found Mr. Gurney so comforting in my fearful days of fitting in. Thank you to a lovely human being-I never forgot this wonderful man.
The world has lost a fine person-he is dancing with the angels.
Linda Price(nee West)
We are “Sangster parents” and all our children attended while George was principal. WE got to know George very well and he entertained is with his jokes which were best described as “groaners” Every time our family hear a “groaner” joke we always say “that’s a George Gurney joke”. We are not the only “Sangster family” who are blessed with this affliction.
Thanks George for this tradition which, we are sure will carry on for many years to come.
I have many fond memories of George as my principal at Sangster School. He was my first administrator in District #62, in 1973. He was always caring and kind. He knew all the student’s names and created a wonderful school environment. I will treasure his memory always. He loved his job but loved his family even more.
I was saddened by the news of George’s passing. I taught with him when he was at Colwood Elementary and have many great memories. At this time of year I always think of George coming to school before dawn to put the turkey on for all the staff, then he would catch a few hours sleep in the nurses room before school started. Not sure if it was JaAnne’s or his apron but he wore it all day. What a meal he made for all of us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He loved his Joanne, always bragging about her and her cooking and he loved his kids and grandkids – a real family man. George was always kind and thoughtful to his staff and parents and the kids – Well loved!!
I was very saddened to read of Mr. Gurney’s passing. I attended Sangster from Grade 2 on, in the early 60s, where he was principal, and he also taught a few of my classes in Grade 6 or 7. He was always kind, understanding, firm, but with a sense of humour. He and his family became friends with my family, and he often accompanied us on outdoor exploring adventures with my dad. I have memories of boxes of cherries from their trees, end of school picnics he organized, often out at the waterfront property on Kaltasin, holding fresh baby Russell, and later, Blair when they came to visit. He helped me get my first job after high school. He kept in touch with many former students and when visiting him and Mrs. Gurney sporadically over the years, he could remember pretty well anyone he was asked about. He made a positive impact on the hundreds of students he met over his time in the educational system, and he will be remembered. Much sympathy to the family. Marg H
He was a wonderful man, he was my principal when I went to Sangster and feel grateful that he guided me in experiencing great years and memories from elementary school.
Beautiful tribute to an amazing man, a life well lived, and a man very loved. What a treasure he was ❤️