George Lawrence Himmelman

George Lawrence Himmelman, age 86, passed away November 21, 2014 at his home in Halifax. The son of John and Jewel (Conrad) Himmelman he was born in Rose Bay, Nova Scotia and moved to Lunenburg as a young boy.

He is survived by his wife, of sixty years, Shirley (Cushing), sons Kirk (Kimberly) and John (Elaine) of Halifax, daughter Jill (John) MacNeil of Florida, brother Franklin (Ruth), sister Marilyn Delaquis, grandchildren Alexander (Charlotte Hansen), Jonathan, Nikolaus, Jeffrey, Thomas, Kerrie and Kaitlin, great-grandson Joshua George, aunt Phyllis Creaser, and brother in law Michael (Geraldine) Cushing. He was predeceased by his brothers in law Charles Delaquis, Graham Cushing and sister in law Sharon Himmelman

As a founding partner of Halifax Heating and Air Conditioning and, later, Himmelman Contractors, George was an active member of the business community. He was honored to serve as Chairman of the Nova Scotia Construction Association and was a member of ASHRAE. He was also a past President of the Halifax Kiwanis Club, and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Grace Maternity Hospital.

George was known for his energy, wry sense of humour and ability to find a solution to any problem, big or small. He was an avid golfer and relished his role as a founding member and past president of Oakfield Golf and Country Club and past president of Maritime Seniors Golf Association. Not to be denied his fun during the winter months George was also an avid curler and was a past president of the Mayflower Curling Club. In earlier years he enjoyed many winter days on the ski slopes with family both here in Nova Scotia and on annual trips to Sugarloaf, USA. In his early eighties George reluctantly gave up windsurfing, rollerblading and long distance cycling but was pleased to shoot his age in golf.

George greatly enjoyed social life and was a wonderful friend to many people. He was happiest when he shared his enthusiasm with his many friends and family members. As a dedicated sailor and member of Lunenburg Yacht Club he and Shirley loved to entertain either at the cottage in Sunnybrook or on the water on Magic Swirlin’ Ship.

George was very creative and spent much of his spare time learning to paint, carve and play several different instruments. His significant talent and passion for fine woodcarving led him to produce beautiful carvings of his favourite subjects – birds. He also loved nature and the company of friends during annual hunting trips to the camp at East Lake Ainsley, Cape Breton.

Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, November 26, in J. A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. Funeral will be celebrated by Pastor Kimber McNabb, 10 a.m. Thursday, November 27, in Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 2096 Windsor Street, Halifax. Graveside service will be held that afternoon at 2:30 p.m. in Hillcrest Cemetery, Lunenburg. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victorian Order of Nurses, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, or a charity of your choice.