In Memory of
George Grafton Frederick
May
May
1924 - 2020
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Hulse, Playfair & McGarry
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Obituary for George Grafton Frederick May
July 2 1924 – July 11 2020
Peacefully in his sleep at the Glebe Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. Predeceased by Barbara - his loving wife of 61 years, his brother Sidney, sister- in-law Ethel and brother-in-law Doug. George is survived and greatly missed by his 6 children – Heather (Joe), Ruth (Glenn), Fred (Lucie), Marion (Rick), Richard (Danielle), Ross (Denis); 9 grandchildren – Lauren, Elena, Alessandro (Carly), Lydia, Elizabeth (Mark), Giancarlo, Melanie, Francis, David; 3 great grandchildren – Emilia, Maximus, Gabriella; sister-in-law Betty and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graduate of Queen’s University, Science ’51, George had a long career in telecommunications that began with a foresighted interest in radios. When joining the RCAF in 1943, he knew just where he wanted to serve – with the radio division! Upon discharge in 1946, he completed his high school education then proceeded to Queen’s University to study electrical engineering. After graduation, George served at Bell Canada (1951 – 1971) and subsequently with the federal Dept. of Communications from which he retired in 1987 after attending many international conferences on the development of internet communications.
George was not only interested in the tools of communication. He was a lifelong communicator with friends, family and colleagues from whatever activities his curious nature guided him to explore. He was a master of maintaining friendships and would tell anyone who asked the secret to it, “It is good communication!”
An active, lifetime member of the Anglican Church, his curiosity and respect for the opinions of others led him to explore his own faith more deeply and to actively seek an understanding of the beliefs of other faiths as well. George believed in service to others and lived that belief through a variety of activities and memberships including Scouts Canada, the Masonic Lodge and Kiwanis Club, to name a few. From his days as a Boy Scout in North Toronto to founding a Scout troop in the early 1950’s at his parish of St Mark’s Anglican Church in Ottawa he was a supporter of Scouting well into his senior years. George took an active interest in encouraging others, particularly youth. With a kind and loving hand he had a knack for guiding and inspiring people’s curiosity to discover and unlock their untapped potential.
George was a resident of the Colonel By Retirement Residence for many years, recently moving to the Glebe Centre in January 2020.The family wish to thank the staff of both locations for their kind, compassionate care of George while he was in their care. It was particularly fitting that through these months of isolation during this pandemic, the family were able to continue to communicate with George via Facetime, Skype and phone calls. The communication technologies he and his compatriots developed found a use in the service of others.
A private family service will be followed by internment at Beechwood Cemetery. A celebration of George’s life will be held at a later date as circumstances permit. Memorial donations may be made to the Glebe Centre, the Ottawa Hospital and Scouts Canada.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hulse, Playfair and McGarry, 315 McLeod St. For information, or to share your stories of George, please visit www.hpmcgarry.ca.
Peacefully in his sleep at the Glebe Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. Predeceased by Barbara - his loving wife of 61 years, his brother Sidney, sister- in-law Ethel and brother-in-law Doug. George is survived and greatly missed by his 6 children – Heather (Joe), Ruth (Glenn), Fred (Lucie), Marion (Rick), Richard (Danielle), Ross (Denis); 9 grandchildren – Lauren, Elena, Alessandro (Carly), Lydia, Elizabeth (Mark), Giancarlo, Melanie, Francis, David; 3 great grandchildren – Emilia, Maximus, Gabriella; sister-in-law Betty and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graduate of Queen’s University, Science ’51, George had a long career in telecommunications that began with a foresighted interest in radios. When joining the RCAF in 1943, he knew just where he wanted to serve – with the radio division! Upon discharge in 1946, he completed his high school education then proceeded to Queen’s University to study electrical engineering. After graduation, George served at Bell Canada (1951 – 1971) and subsequently with the federal Dept. of Communications from which he retired in 1987 after attending many international conferences on the development of internet communications.
George was not only interested in the tools of communication. He was a lifelong communicator with friends, family and colleagues from whatever activities his curious nature guided him to explore. He was a master of maintaining friendships and would tell anyone who asked the secret to it, “It is good communication!”
An active, lifetime member of the Anglican Church, his curiosity and respect for the opinions of others led him to explore his own faith more deeply and to actively seek an understanding of the beliefs of other faiths as well. George believed in service to others and lived that belief through a variety of activities and memberships including Scouts Canada, the Masonic Lodge and Kiwanis Club, to name a few. From his days as a Boy Scout in North Toronto to founding a Scout troop in the early 1950’s at his parish of St Mark’s Anglican Church in Ottawa he was a supporter of Scouting well into his senior years. George took an active interest in encouraging others, particularly youth. With a kind and loving hand he had a knack for guiding and inspiring people’s curiosity to discover and unlock their untapped potential.
George was a resident of the Colonel By Retirement Residence for many years, recently moving to the Glebe Centre in January 2020.The family wish to thank the staff of both locations for their kind, compassionate care of George while he was in their care. It was particularly fitting that through these months of isolation during this pandemic, the family were able to continue to communicate with George via Facetime, Skype and phone calls. The communication technologies he and his compatriots developed found a use in the service of others.
A private family service will be followed by internment at Beechwood Cemetery. A celebration of George’s life will be held at a later date as circumstances permit. Memorial donations may be made to the Glebe Centre, the Ottawa Hospital and Scouts Canada.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hulse, Playfair and McGarry, 315 McLeod St. For information, or to share your stories of George, please visit www.hpmcgarry.ca.