George Benson Chaplin

George Benson Chaplin was a modest man, but had strong beliefs and was set in his ways. He was trustworthy and traditional in his approach to his life and in his relationships. He was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew him. George was always ready to help a friend or neighbour in need.

       He was the son of Jim and Lucy Chaplin. George was born in Bracken, Saskatchewan but spent most of his childhood in the Doe Lake and Welland, Ontario areas. George was raised with two siblings. He had two younger sisters, Leatha and Helen. George was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

      As a young boy, George had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. George was an active child who took part in hockey and fishing. However, to George, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

Growing up in the depression era was difficult and George, like many children, was forced to leave home at an early age to find employment. This experience made George a hardworking, responsible person and George raised his children to also be hardworking and responsible.

      Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, George enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, his best friend was his cousin, Tom Tondevold. Later in life, he became friends with Dave Bye, June Belleau, Real and the gang at the Roadhouse Bar & Grill.

      On April 7, 1956 George exchanged wedding vows with Florence Ludwinka Kilimnik at St. Helen's Roman Catholic Church of Shoal Lake, Manitoba. They had met while George was stationed in Manitoba with the Canadian Air Force. Florence was a civilian employee for the air force. Empathic and loyal, George was committed to making his new family happy.

      George worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. George was blessed with three children, one daughter, Carol and two sons, Robert and Stewart. Another blessing for George was the gift of six grandchildren, Dale, Krista, Derek, Barbara, Shannon and Ricky and five great grandchildren.

      Fortunately, George enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, George worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. He was employed by Dunham Bush in Toronto, where he received an award for designing a more efficient commercial heating and cooling system. After moving the family to Goulais River, his primary occupation was leveler and crane operator. He was employed by the Algoma Steel Corporation. George always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      George was an Canadian Air Force veteran. He was in the air force from 1952 to 1957 and was stationed in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

      George enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were woodworking, playing darts and cribbage,and spending time with his boys while hunting and fishing. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Throughout his life, George was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. When his children were young, George spent time with them by being a cub scout leader. Throughout his later years, George was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion and was a president of the Fraternal Order of Eagles - Heyden Goulais Chapter.

           George enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included camping trips to Doe Lake, Stoney Lake and Earl Rowe Provincial park when the kids were young. Later on he enjoyed camping at Lake 10 on Mile 67 Road and Rock Lake with his sons and grandsons.

      George was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Over the years, George had many dogs as pets. They included Trey, his first dog- half wolf, half shepherd. When the family lived in Toronto, they got a Beagle named Scooter and his final companion was Cody who predeceased him in 2009.

      George retired in 1990 after his wife, Florence became ill. His new life involved relocating to Florida for two years and then George and Flo returned to the Sault Ste Marie area. In retirement, he found new pleasure in karaoke at the Roadhouse Bar. Even in retirement, George continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. George remained active and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

      George passed away on March 1, 2011 at Sault Area Hospital in Sault Ste Marie, On. George died peacefully from complications of pneumonia and a heart attack. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Florence, his two sons, Robert and Stewart, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Services were held at Arthur Funeral Home and Cremation Centre. George was cremated and his ashes will be scattered by his favourite lake.

      Simply stated, George was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. George leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember George Benson Chaplin.

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CHAPLIN, George – Peacefully on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at the Sault Area Hospital – Plummer Site in his 79th year. Beloved husband of Florence for 54 years. Much loved dad of Robert (Margaret), Stewart (Susan) and the late Carol Butler (Stephen). Cherished grandpa of Dale, Derek, Barbara, Krista, Shannon and Ricky. Proud great grandpa of 5. Father-in-law of Cathy. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Saturday, March 5, 2011 from 1 pm. until the time of the Memorial Service in the chapel at 2 pm. Mrs. Helen Smith officiating. Memorial contributions made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or charity of choice would be appreciated. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com

At the going down of the sun

And in the morning

We will remember them.

Members of the Royal Canadian Legion are requested to assemble at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 2pm for a memorial service for the late George Chaplin.