Joz George De Belie

Jozef (Jos, George) Elie Alfons De Belie passed away peacefully in the early hours of October 12, 2023 at the age of 97. Born July 25, 1926 in Antwerp, Belgium to Alfons and Maria (Bellens) De Belie. George is survived by his sons Paul and Steve, as well as many nieces and nephews in both Belgium and throughout North America. George is pre-deceased by his parents, sister Irene (Karel) Helson, first wife of 47 years Florence (Martin), and second wife Ann Swyers. He attended public school in Antwerp, and started his working career in the insurance industry. After serving in the Belgium Occupational Army in 1947-48, he returned to insurance trade and subsequently moved to the ocean transportation industry in 1949. He also attended night courses to attain a bachelor of commerce degree, learning multiple languages along the way. He enjoyed travelling in central Europe, skiing hiking and cycling in France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. In 1956 George emigrated to Canada, working for Kerr Steamships in Montreal, St. John and finally Halifax, moving to the branch manager role in 1959. In 1979 he started Scotia Marine Agencies and was later appointed terminal manager for ABC Container Lines, finally retiring in 1994. He was active in the Port of Halifax and served on Canada’s Metric Commission in the 70s. In the late 70’s he was appointed as the Honorary Counsel for Belgium in Halifax, a post he held into the 90s. George was awarded the Order of Leopold for his service to Belgium.

George met Florrie Martin in 1959, through her brother Bill whom George knew through his dealings with Canada Customs. They were married in 1960, welcoming Paul (1962) and Steve (1964) raising them in Halifax and Armdale. In retirement, he enjoyed summer days at the Waegwoltic with Florrie and family friend Ann Swyers, traveling numerous times to Europe, looking after Rundle (his favorite four-legged furry friend) and spending happy hours with his hobby of model railroading. His love of model trains led him to volunteer with the IWK hospital, building and running the model train layout in the front lobby with his fellow train club members. He took great pride in this work, seeing the kids enjoying the trains. After Florrie’s death in 2007, he remained in contact with Ann, and they married in 2010

George was a past member of Armdale Yacht Club, The Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, and long-time member of the Waegwoltic Club, and was a member of St. John the Baptist, St. Thomas Aquinas and Canadian Martyrs parishes, where his deep voice echoed as hymns were sung.

Paul and Steve wish to express deep gratitude to the staff of the fourth floor of Arborstone Enhanced Care, who provided excellent care to Dad and Ann in their final years. Visitation will take place Thursday October 19, 6-8 pm, at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, with a prayer service at 8pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the IWK Auxiliary or the Canadian Cancer Foundation.