George Winston Peary

These are just a few of the words being used to describe George Peary, whose legacy of public service, mentorship, and compassion touched countless lives.

Sadly, George, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law, friend, educator and community leader, passed away September 29, 2025, following a courageous two-year battle with cancer.

George was predeceased by his parents, Irene and George; his sisters, Joyce, Ethel and Vicki and their spouses; his in-laws, Matt and Bertha Kallio. He is survived by his wife, his love, Sylvia; sons Wade (Jackie) and Matt (Kate) and families; his daughters Paula (Dwayne) and Blair (Deven) and families. Grandpa will be dearly missed by his loving grandchildren Mira, Kira, Deja, Brendan, Connor, Tarik, Cecelia, Indigo and Carson. George also cherished his role as surrogate father to the family’s Chandigarh ‘kids’ and as Grandpa to Lavaani, Nyra, Jasmira, Sehraj and Seher.

Born October 30, 1940, in Brandon, Manitoba, it would be many years before he discovered his family’s original surname was Pieri, a reflection of his Italian roots, anglicized by his grandmother to protect her children from prejudice during the Great Depression. His British maternal grandmother chose George’s middle name, Winston, in honour of Winston Churchill—and he drew inspiration from Churchill’s courage, conviction, and leadership in his own life.

Despite very humble beginnings, George’s many talents and interests, and no doubt his doting sisters, helped him to thrive, both in athletics and academics. Although he excelled in many sports throughout his youth, Judo and Hockey were his passions. As captain of the Brandon Wheat Kings, then a farm team of the New York Rangers, he dreamed of playing in the NHL—a dream tragically cut short by a serious eye injury.

Undeterred, George continued on with his education and graduated from Brandon Collegiate, went on to earn a BSc at the U. of Manitoba and then a BA (Physical Education) and a BEd (with Distinction) from the U. of Saskatchewan. Later he completed an MBA at Simon Fraser University in 1984.

His BEd in 1964 started him on his five-decade career in education. As an administrator, he moved from St. Paul’s Boys Catholic School in Saskatoon to FH Collins Secondary in Whitehorse to Abbotsford to Maple Ridge and back to Abbotsford. Although he was Principal in many Abbotsford schools, his proudest professional achievement was developing the Career Technical Centre (CTC) in partnership with the University of the Fraser Valley. This innovative program allowed students to earn both highschool and college credits—a model that influenced education across British Columbia.

After retiring from the public school system, he became a sessional instructor in the Business Faculty at the University of the Fraser Valley. He accepted the offer to travel to Chandigarh, India, to teach at UFV’s campus there. He would describe his two fall semesters there, 2012 and 2013, as the experience of a lifetime, forming many ties with the people he met there that continue to this day.

While in India, he was contacted by a Board member from Dasmesh Punjabi School in Abbotsford asking if he would fill the principal’s role at that school for six months after his return to Canada. Four and a half years later, he finally retired from Dasmesh in 2018 with a wealth of new experiences and friends!!

George’s commitment to community extended well beyond education. He was a politician, serving first on Matsqui and then Abbotsford Councils for 18 years, on Abbotsford School Board for three years and as Mayor of the City of Abbotsford for three years.

He gave himself completely to the work of building community. Over the years, he served on and often led boards that shaped the fabric of this region such as the Matsqui Police Board, Central Fraser Valley Regional District, and the Abbotsford Sports Hall of Fame. Through his long involvement with Rotary, he embodied the spirit of service above self—helping to establish a second club in Abbotsford as charter president.

George also served as director for the 1995 Western Canada Summer Games, the Central Fraser Valley Fairs Association, and was an active member of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, MSA Museum Society, Habitat for Humanity, and Agrifair. He supported the Abbotsford Hospice Society as an advisor and fundraiser, contributing to programs that provided care and compassion to families in need. In recent years, George found joy and camaraderie as a member of the Abbotsford Curling Club. He served on the Board as well as a president of the Senior Mixed Curling League where his humour, sportsmanship, and warmth left a lasting mark.

His many years of community service earned him wide recognition, including the Brandon University Distinguished Alumni Award (2008), Rotary International Paul Harris Award (twice), Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012), the Order of Abbotsford (2015), an Honorary Doctorate from the University of the Fraser Valley (2016), the King Charles III Coronation Medal (2024). He was also named an Honorary Military Engineer by the 192 Airfield Engineering Flight in 2002.

In healthcare, he served on the Fraser Valley Health Board for several years and later on the Provincial Health Services Association Board. George’s support and leadership was instrumental in the development of the Abbotsford Regional Hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation in George’s memory. Please indicate that your donation is designated to support Abbotsford Regional Hospital. https://www.fvhcf.ca/donate/

Or, if unable to donate financially, honour him by mentoring a young person, serving your community, and living with purpose.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 1, 2025, at 2 pm at the Abby Arts Centre.