Born in Glace Bay, NS, he was the son of the late Charles and Mary (Thomas) Churney.
At the age of 17, he enlisted in the RCAF and remained for over 20 years. In his early Air Force years he trained as an Aircraft Mechanic, and also assembled and maintained the BOMARC missile. He later became a Radar System Technician.
He served in Cold Lake Alberta, LaMacaza Quebec, Shearwater and Greenwood, Nova Scotia.
During his time in Greenwood he visited many countries while doing anti-submarine patrol duties over the Atlantic. This fueled his passion for travel, and in later years he enjoyed many trips abroad and was always making plans for “the next adventure”.
After retiring from the Air Force, he worked as both a Life and General Insurance Representative for CUMIS Life Insurance Company, the insurance arm of the Canadian Credit Union Movement.
During these years he was also the publisher and CEO of a weekly newspaper in Quispamsis, New Brunswick.
Upon retiring from Cumis, he actively sought opportunities to serve others and was a dedicated member of the Bedford Lions’ Club for many years, volunteering in various capacities, as well as managing the Bedford Club’s Bingo for 13 years. From 2015-2016 he was the District Governor. He supported the settling of refugees into Canada both in NB and NS. George was the proud recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for dedicated humanitarian services, from the Lion’s Club International Foundation.
He will be sadly missed by his wife and best friend of 30 years, Debby (Howatt); his children - Donna Lordly (Winston), John Churney (Christina), Karen Poulin (Jean-Jaques), Shaun Churney (Tara), and Darlene Churney (Mark), Michelle Keeping (Martin); his brother, Stephen Churney (Joan); and sister, Shauna Peach (Roy); as well as 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Besides his parents, he was pre-deceased by his brother, Charlie (Bubby) Churney.
The family would appreciate any donations in George's memory be made to the Bedford Lions Club, Immigrant Services Association of NS or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to J A Snows Funeral Home. Visitation will take place on Monday November 11, 2019 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at J A Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive Halifax, NS. 992-455-0531.
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