George Ernest Stephen Kahan

George was a kind and caring husband to his wife of 30 years, Jo-Anne. He was a loving father to his children, Christa Zazzara, Dave McLean, Mike McLean, Stephanie Coray, Stephen Kahan, and Rebeccah McLean. One of George’s greatest joys was being grandpa to his seven grandchildren, Rheanna, Katie, Aleyna, Cole, Matilda, Mykaela, and Miles. His other joy was fishing…

If you had the privilege of meeting George, it was likely at a lake, river, ocean or in a fishing supply store. He made friends with everyone he met, even if he was pushing you out of a favorite fishing spot you happened to be in. He was truly a social butterfly.

George was born in Port Arthur, Ontario on June 26, 1960 to George Sr and Doris Kahan. He was his mom's favorite child and everyone knew it, though he was always kind and fair to all his siblings, Georgia, Eileen, Jennifer, Barry and Lorraine.

George lived in many places, Thunder Bay , Fort McMurray, Logan Lake, Sidney, and Charlie Lake until finally settling in Coldstream, BC. As a youth, he worked in his parents lumber yard, then at a pulp and paper mill before he began a lengthy career in mining as a driller, truck driver and tireman, even finding his way to the diamond mines in NWT.George's favorite pastime was fishing, anywhere and everywhere, with friends and family. He would share fishing tips with anyone who asked and he even occasionally shared special fishing spots so that others could find the peace that he did while out on the water. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, teaching them how to fish. At the same time he was always there for his family, whenever we needed him.

George was a hero, risking his own life to save others which he did twice, once as a teenager and again as an adult. He received awards and commendations for his bravery.George was just such an amazing, incredible, loving , heartfelt, genuine man (and the best fisherman) whom we were blessed to have had in our lives. He will never stop being greatly missed by all of us. Rest easy George/Dad/Grandpa, you are home now and with your Mom again.

Funeral service for George will be held on October 14th at 10am at Pleasant Valley Funeral Home, in Vernon, BC, followed by a reception at the same location.