George Oliver Kersell

George Oliver Kersell was born on November 12, 1927, on the kitchen table at 38 Todd St., Galt, Ontario. He was a rambunctious child who charmed many and was loved by all. He met his wife Marnie Rutherford at Galt Collegiate. They loved each other and were a wonderful example of what a happy marriage should be. They had three children, Mary (Graham Caldwell), Jane (David Sparling) and Ann (Paul Riddell, deceased). They taught their children many things by example: play hard, work hard, respect others, be happy. Above all, George loved and cherished his grandchildren, Anna and Scott Caldwell; Beth Sparling (David Lee), Laura Sparling (Jeff Newberry), Julie and Cameron Sparling; Christine, Grace (Quinn Blackmore) and Jimmy Riddell. He was so proud of them, and was a kind and generous grandfather. Recently, he welcomed his great-grandsons George Lee, and Hudson Newberry. In addition, George loved and entertained his many nieces and nephews with his fun-loving nature and his willingness to play.

George was, above all else, a people person. He had a lively sense of humour and was a bit of a character. He loved to hear of the adventures of others and had a knack for making people feel good about themselves. He was generous with his time and energy and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was surrounded by many friends, from his early days in Galt, his life in Florida and latterly, his time at the Dunfield Residence.

George was an entrepreneur, a problem solver and a person who loved to use his ingenuity. He started farming in mid-life at a property in North Dumfries, which became the center of Kersell family activities.

George was an avid fisherman and a proud member of the Dog Lake Fishing Club in Algonquin Park where he claimed to laugh more in a week than he did during the rest of the year. He finally achieved his life’s ambition while fishing out of his kids’ cottage in Parry Sound. Good fortune struck and he landed his trophy muskie! He had it mounted, gave his fishing gear to his grandson and never cast another line.

One of Galt’s successful curlers, he won five Ontario provincial championships, went to Ontario finals of the British Consols twice and the Ontario Silver Tankard once.

Golf was his first love. He was a good player and to attest to all the golf he played, he had 13 holes-in-one.

He had some final words that he wanted to share:

“I am not sure that I know where I am going but I hope the greens are fast, the fairway smooth, the bunkers shallow and the rough short. Marnie and I will see you on the first tee!”

George was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, friend and a true “Hail Fellow Well Met”. He led a happy, fulfilled life for eighty–eight years. He died on July 21, 2016 after a period of declining health. We will miss him every day.

According to George’s wishes, there will be no funeral. A celebration of his lifetime of hard work and happiness will be held in the fall.

If you wish, he suggests donations to the Princess Margaret Cancer Research Centre in the name of David Sparling.