George Ramsay Metcalfe

George loved people and people loved him right back.

This was brought home to us the day he died at Beckley Farm Lodge in Victoria, BC. We discovered that he had touched many people’s lives in a meaningful way. There was a steady stream of staff coming to his room to say how much they loved him and how kind he was. The resident next door and even a relative of another resident wanted to share how much his warm friendliness had meant to them.

These connections with people were the backbone of his entire life, starting as a child with scouting in Alberta, where he was born, and continuing throughout his years in Victoria, living to his ninetieth birthday.

George played tennis at the Oak Bay Tennis Club, as Secretary and Treasurer – and distinguished member – for many years, and that is how he met our mother, Kathleen. With their marriage in 1968, he gained an instant family in her two daughters, Karen and Alice. Married for 55 years, George and Kathleen inspired those who witnessed their enduring love for one another, including their last year together at Beckley Farm Lodge.

George worked as a lab technician at Victoria General Hospital for his whole career. In his long retirement he was generous with his time as a volunteer with the Friends of Government House Garden Society, the Victoria Sketch Club and the Oak Bay Tennis Club.

George was self-deprecating, loyal, humble and gregarious. He had a quiet sense of humour, usually at his own expense. He loved to frequent coffee shops where he would get to know the staff and regulars and gather all the details of their lives. Of course, George would always enjoy a sweet treat as well, of which Kathleen did not approve!

George leaves behind his daughters, Alice and Karen, grandchildren, Lucie, Hazel and Robin and great-grandchild, Isaac.

We miss you, George!

There will be a memorial service and reception for George and his wife, Kathleen, on March 26 at Windsor Pavilion, 2451 Windsor Rd. Doors open at 1:00 pm. Service starts at 1:30 pm. Please RSVP at [email protected]

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