Edward "George" Menchions

It is with great sadness, but with even greater gratitude for the life he lived, that we say goodbye to George Menchions – a loving husband and partner, a loving father and grandfather. At his core he was an intrepid explorer, and no one can forget that he was also an ardent dancer on the floor and in life, right until the end.

George was born in Vancouver on June 6, 1935, and lived in Burnaby and West Vancouver while growing up with his parents Albert and Mabel along side his sister Dorothy. George liked to tell the stories of his youth such as swinging over the train tracks on a rope swing below his house in Burnaby, wrecking his father’s car “by accident” and other mischievous acts while growing up.

Although George had dreams of being a pilot, he focused his career not in the air, but on the water and the Vancouver waterfront. He took over the family shipyard, Menchions Shipyard, at the foot of Cardero Street, a landmark along the Coal Harbour waterfront where he worked from his teens until he retired in 1990 which coincided with the closing of the shipyard. He ran his business with honesty and integrity, and he didn’t have much time for those who did not do the same.

George loved his families. His first wife, Vera Funk, and their children, Phillip (Lyle), Steve and his second wife, Ferne Christie, and their children Tracey and Mark. He of course loved his grandchildren, Kevin, Myles, Emma and Sam as well as his children’s respective partners, Laural, Andres, Rob and Tina.

George also maintained close contact with his sister Dororthy and her husband Dick throughout the years until their passing. There were many family gatherings at Albert and Mabel’s house in Finty and many family dinners at Dorothy and Dick’s as well as George and Ferne’s houses over the years where the family would laugh and talk openly. These dinners were the linking force to keep George’s children in contact with Dorothy’s children, Al, Gary, Doug and Laura. Over the years, this also included the respective children’s spouses and grandchildren.

George lived on the North Shore for many years. At first with Vera, Phillip (Lyle) and Steve and then later with Ferne, Tracey and Mark. During his marriage to Ferne, he built a house in upper Lonsdale where he stayed until the early 90’s. He and Ferne sold the house shortly after his retirement and moved to Vancouver Island’s, Arbutus Ridge in Cobble Hill. Here they remained, for over thirty years enjoying the lifestyle with new lifelong friends that made their retirement years very fulfilling and enjoyable with golfing, hiking, social events, travel and the like.

George surprised us all by taking on a caregiving role, when Ferne’s health deteriorated. He threw himself into this role and showed an immense amount of courage and compassion throughout the remainder of her life.

A time after Ferne’s passing, George’s sister, Dorothy, introduced George to a longtime school friend who was widowed and living on Vancouver Island as well. George and Mimi met for a meal and in relatively short order developed a strong relationship which eventually saw them move in together in Duncan for approximately 6 years. George enjoyed his time with Mimi and the companionship not only with Mimi but also with Mimi’s children, their spouses and Mimi’s grandchildren.

Skiing was one of George’s passions, and this included being an integral part of and for a time in charge of the Grouse Mountain First Aid Ski Patrol. Deep friendships were created which lasted for the remainder of George’s life. There were many weekends spent in Manning Park skiing at Gibsons Pass with Ove, Mona, family and friends over the years. These are times that we will never forget.

George also enjoyed taking his kids camping all over the province and there are many stories and memories that will live on through the generations as a result. From the Shuswap canvas tent collapse, to getting stuck on the train tracks in his convertible car, to the many adventures on Okanagan Lake at the Fintry and forestry camp sites with friends and family are memories seared into the minds of his children. George had an adventurous spirit and liked to explore the roads of BC no matter where they went. George’s adventures included exploring many lakes in the boat he built named Thunderball. George was always very proud of the number of people he could tow behind that boat to waterski and enjoyed getting the kids in the boat excited and the parents on the shore nervous, watching George driving the boat during stormy weather.

George spent his last months at the Sunrise Lonsdale Square Care Home in North Vancouver. During this time, George connected with his children and grandchildren in a deep and meaningful way which will always be cherished. Although George was only here for a few months, he created new friendships with the residents, including his dinner companion Dan and with the caring staff, filling their spirits with laughs and dancing.

As difficult as it was to see him move on, we were glad he could move on through with his own agency and choice. He was steadfast and resolute that it was time and went out with confidence and grace. George had a carefree lightness about him during those last few days, and this made our time together with him very special. He went out with a lot of laughs, smiles, memories and a lot of dancing. It was no surprise to any of us that he had a bowl of Maple Walnut ice cream for breakfast and was eating his candy right until the end. That was George doing it his way.

We will miss his stories, his laugh, his “dad” jokes and even his lectures. We will miss simply knowing he was there.

While saying goodbye feels impossibly hard, George would want us to spend time celebrating the life he lived and to remember him with a beer in one hand, a book in the other and a smile on his face.

George, you were one of a kind.