George Richard Laforme passed away peacefully in Victoria, BC on May 20, 2016. Born in Revelstoke, BC on January 9, 1942. George spent 23 years serving in the Canadian Armed Forces flying Sea King helicopters. The pinnacle of his career in the Navy was when he served as the Commanding Officer of 443 Squadron. In 1983, George and his family moved to Montreal when he began a new career with Bombardier Aerospace. In 1996, George and his family moved to Hong Kong when he became the Vice-President of Bombardier Business Aircraft Division, Asia-Pacific. George retired in 2002 and he and Dianne settled in Victoria, BC. In 2015, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at their home surrounded by family and friends.
George will be remembered as a great golfer, a gardener, a pilot, a soccer coach and a man who loved life and lived everyday to the fullest. His positive outlook was like sunshine.
George will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Dianne; his two sons, Kent and Gregor; Kent’s wife, Tamara Clarke; their children, Aya and Koen (Grandpa was the best!); Gregor’s wife, Jaime Siu; brother in-law, Cliff Higano; sister, Diane Harzan; as well as the family matriarch, Margaret Laforme, and all our relatives and friends who have shared so many great memories over the years. George, we love you! Thanks for the memories. You will forever be in our hearts.
The Laforme family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Eric Shafonsky, Dr. Daniel Ovakim, their teams, as well as super nurses Shawn Stalker and Sara Sinclair.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at McCall’s Downtown, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of following charities:
BCSS- Victoria branch https://www.canadahelps.org/dn/3853
African Book Box https://www.canadahelps.org/dn/3160
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
28 Responses
Please be advised a donation was made to the Shearwater Aviation Museum Foundation from Barry and Betty Montgomery and their children, Evelyn and Murray in memory of George Laforme. A letter noting this information is in the mail to be forwarded to the family.
Please accept the condolences of the SAM Foundation – Mr. Laforme was a kind, gentle person.
I was truly sorry to learn of George’s passing. We were schoolboys together at St Georges, Vancouver, graduating in 1960, where George not only established himself as a keen rugby player but also as natural leader and a gentleman, qualities that marked both his naval and civilian careers. Our different naval careers never actually crossed, so it was only latterly that our associations were reconnected. My condolences to all his family at this time.
Kenter and Gregor, sorry to hear about your dad. It’s been many years since we’ve spoken but I fondly remember your friendship. Your home was always a friendly and kind place. Your parents were so welcoming and generous. I still remember your dad coaching us in soccer and your mom cooking Japanese cuisine for our call. Thinking of all you.
Dearest Laforme family,
Love and condolences to each of you. I know how utterly special George has been in your lives and what a positive light he shined when in person and now in spirit. What a blessed family, and that much more because of your George.
I am a friend of Kent and Tamara. George and Diane always made me feel welcome, open arms, as though we knew each other our whole lives. I am so grateful to know this family and thank you precious Diane and dear George now up in the sky for bringing these friendships into my life. Without you there would be no Kent or Gregor, or the good women they chose.
I send my love and healing wishes. I look forward to giving you hugs and sharing more precious time together with Jack, once back in Victoria for good in a matter of days.
Loving you and your friend forever,
Eva
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
I am so sorry that Dickie passed away. I remember the good times growing up with him in Revelstoke. Later he came to Kamloops often for golf tournaments and I enjoyed seeing him there. The last time I saw him was at Greta’s one summer about five years ago. Dianne – I am so sorry. You married a terrific guy.
Selma Simonzi
Dear Dianne , Kent, Gregor, and family,
We were so saddened to hear of George’s passing. We’ll always remember our wonderful neighbors in Silversides, Waverley, N.S. during our brief time there. Our boys still talk of the side hill gouger hunts they went on with George. Our sincerest condolences go out to you and your families and may your memories of a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather help you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Diane and Family,
We are very sorry for your loss. Colleen and I are grateful for the chance we had to spend time with George shortly before his passing in your lovely home. George was always welcoming, friendly and took an interest in everyone who was around him.
Diane, Kent, Gregor and family,
I was saddened to receive the news of George’s passing.
Please accept our sincere sympathy.
Sheila and Barry Moore
Dear Mrs. Laforme, Kent, Gregor and Family: I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your loved ones. Take comfort in knowing George will always be with you watching over you. Maria Destounis xoxo