George O'Kell

O'KELL, George…”He’s George”…passed away peacefully in the care of his wife and children on Saturday June 4, 2016 at the age of 80.   Husband and best friend for 55 years to the love his life Marnie, (nee Kelly).  #1 Dad of Mary Jo, Danny   Jeanne, Maureen and her partner Gord Sexton.  Proud Grandpa of Christina and Sebastian Daniel of Germany, Kaitlin O’Kell, Dennis and Patti Antonello, Matthew Antonello, and Emily O’Kell. Elated to be Great-Grandpa to Ethan, Owen, Ava, Lucy and Reese.  Big brother to Butch and Barb O’Kell, Carol O’Kell, Brian and Kim McCormick, Kenny and Darla McCormick.  Brother-in-law to Eileen Aubin, Gerry and Janet Kelly, Joanne Kelly.  Predeceased by Leo Kelly, Peter Kelly, Joanne and Jake Kitney and nephew Kevin Kitney.  George thoroughly enjoyed his 35 years of service as a lineman for the Niagara Falls Hydro.  In retirement he spent 20+ years as a Ranger and player at his second home, Rolling Meadows GCC.  All his life he was an avid sportsman.  He was a gifted defenceman for the Stamford Kerrios, a member of the Championship 1968 Eastern Canadian Amateur Hockey Team and an All Star right fielder for Drummond Sports   Cycle Fastball.  He also dedicated many years as a coach and convenor for Legion Minor Hockey.  Cremation has taken place.  Friends are invited to call at the PATTERSON FUNERAL HOME, 6062 Main St. visiting Wednesday June 8th 1-4 and 7-9.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am on Thursday June 9th at St. Patrick’s Church.  As George used to say, “The only flower worth buying was a cauliflower”, therefore donations in place of flowers can be made to St. Patrick’s Church, the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Parkinsons Foundation would be appreciated by his family.  “The Tank” has gone through his last battle.  Online condolences at www.pattersonfuneralhome.com

Card of Thanks The family of George O’Kell would like to express their sincere gratitude to all of those who attended the funeral home and service. George would have been pleased to see you all there.

He was privileged to have his children and grandchildren act as his pallbearers. Mary Jo, Danny, Moe, Dennis and Patti, Kaitie and Emily were so honoured to carry him on his last journey, as he so often helped to carry them through life.

Christina, Sebastian and Matthew, your Gramma is so pleased with all the calls, emails and Skype time that was spent talking with your Grandpa…and following his passing, with her.

We are most appreciative to Jeanne, Dr. Girard, Lorenza and Laurel for their kind and compassionate care. We would also like to include Sue and Vlasta from Para Med and Alex from St. Elizabeth for their considerate attention to George.

Ruth, Michael and Kelly did a wonderful job reading the scriptures during the service, as did Butch and Gord with the presentation of the gifts for communion. It was a lovely homage to your brother, uncle and friend.

Fr. Gerard, thank you for the beautiful tribute to George, and for including the poem “The Irish Man”, which captured George’s personality and character to a tee.

Special thanks to the St. Pat’s CWL for the delicious luncheon and refreshments that were provided at the wake. Moreover, to Debbie for the baked goods and dinner between viewings; and to Paul and Ryan,(a.k.a Shorty), for serving at the bar.

We would like to acknowledge the staff at Patterson Funeral home and recognize Scott and Kieron for their attentiveness and appreciation of our sense of humour. The visitation was truly a meeting of friends to celebrate George’s life. He wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

To each of you who made a donation to your charity of choice, George would feel gratitude with the idea of “paying it forward”.

For all who sent meals for the family during the week…we are grateful for your thoughtfulness and the sustenance it provided. And for all the cards that have been sent…thank you for taking the time.

The honour guard vehicles provided by the Niagara Peninsula Energy, as well as the presence of the staff at both the funeral home and the church were heartwarming. Tank would be proud of his “Bozos”.

We are richer for having known George, (husband, dad, grandpa), and it is obvious that he was a wealthy man – when that success is measured in friends.

With sincere thanks,

George’s family.

An aside, from Marnie…

Thank you to my extended family and our friends…to George’s second family at Rolling Meadows G&CC…the management and staff at Boggio & MacKinnon IDA and the residents of Imperial Towers. You have made this transition bearable. To Al for his coffee time with George and to the other Al for his craftsmanship in building George’s resting place.

And last, but certainly not least, to my dear children and their families. You are wonderful. Your joy, laughter and talent have made this time so much easier for me, and for each other. Your dad and grandpa must be so proud of you. I know I am. I love each and every one of you.

With much love and appreciation,

Marnie