George William McGinnis

George enjoyed boxing, walks, chair yoga, and various exercises in what was a hard fought and ultimately successful battle against Parkinson’s disease. Unfortunately, on August 11, 2023, George suffered the first of three strokes, from which he was unable to fully recover.

The family is grateful that we were able to spend time with George in his final months, and that 3 sets of hands enveloped him as he drew his last breath. His final moments were spent with his wife and children, feeling pure love.

Warrant Officer George McGinnis was a Loadmaster with the Canadian Air Force from November 1961 to May 1983. His peacekeeping missions took him all over the world, and provided fodder for many stories, which he proudly shared with friends and family.

George’s next career was as a Sentence Administrator for 24 years at the Edmonton Remand Centre. Retiring after a lifetime dedicated to serving his country and his government, he took time to relax and enjoy a quiet life with family and close friends.

His retirement venture was to join the pick-up crew with Michener Allen Auctions. Part time work with a crew of like-minded older folk, this was probably the job George enjoyed the most.

Above all else, George cherished his family. Not a man of many words, he made it very clear that he loved and was very proud of his children, Lisa Brien and Cory McGinnis; his granddaughter Layla Chapman-McGinnis, and son-in-law Alan Brien. He was a devoted husband to Paula McGinnis, and a caring and loving stepdad to Alex Kirkland and Sean Kirkland.

Paula and George met in 1994, and married August 2, 2002. They loved each other fiercely, supported, each other, laughed together, enjoyed a quiet lifestyle, and were never apart.

George’s hobbies consisted of 8-ball pool, fishing, camping, reading, Spruce Grove Saints hockey games, dining out, sharing stories, horses and travelling. In his final year he especially valued the friendship and companionship he had developed with those close him.

George had a deep love of animals and will happily be walking with the many pets that crossed the rainbow bridge before him. He loved his extended animal family members Isla, Wallace, Baxter and Fergus very much. They spent some good times at the dog park and at every family get-together.

The family wishes to thank the care staff at University of Alberta Hospital. The teams took the best care of George, and of us.

At George’s oft-repeated request, there will be no formal service. Life really IS too short; to honour George’s memory, please live your best life. We welcome memories and pictures.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memoriesfuneral.com for the McGinnis family.