January 30, 1918 – November 13, 2019
The arc of a century is a long one. As is a lifetime of nearly 102 years.
George Percy’s century and his life both saw massive changes, dreadful and amazing challenges, highs and lows. A product of his time and place, he came to know the B.C. coast like few others: its natural characteristics, its fearsome dangers, and its beauty.
He was born and raised in logging camps of coastal B.C Leaving school at 16, like many of that time, he went to work in the woods. Working under his own father for the Merrill and Ring Company, he learned the work, how to run most of the machinery (he learned to handle a 50-ton locomotive before he could drive a car), and became a high rigger and then superintendent. He later worked for MacMillan Bloedel and Alaska Pine & Cellulose.
In 1940 he married the love of his life, Linda Stohlberg of Vancouver, took her to Campbell River and started a family: George (Maria), Donald (Elizabeth) and daughter Hilary (Rodger.) From Campbell River the family moved several times to other logging communities on Vancouver Island.
In 1950 he was transferred from Jordan River to Vancouver by Alaska Pine to be their Manager of Logging Operations. He settled his family in West Van, and in 1956 left Alaska Pine to form his own contracting company.
He knew what he wanted to do and he knew how to do it. He had unquestionable competency in anything that made sense to him. He had a fierce intelligence, mental and physical strength, determination and daring, and he built a successful logging and road-building enterprise from the ground up.
As time went by and his enterprises grew, wanting to maximize efficiency he learned---at a mature age---to fly his own plane. Until he realized a having a pilot was a better idea!
In their time, both sons and daughter came to work in the business and ultimately took over the running of it, leaving George Sr. and Linda free to enjoy winter holidays in Palm Springs, summer holidays on the boat, and many cruises. At the same time, he maintained a strong interest in the business and always went to the office when he was in town.
As his family grew, with multiple grandchildren and then great-grandchildren, he acknowledged himself a fortunate and satisfied man.
He was a builder of businesses, a builder of beautiful yellow cedar boats, of fabulous meals and more. He wore responsibilities comfortably, was a respected leader, and a trusted advisor---sought out by many. A deep thinker and concise communicator, there was never any doubt about where he stood.
He was tough, and could be harsh. He was also discerning, wise, generous, had the warmest of smiles, and a great quiet wit.
In later years, he devoted himself to Linda, caring for her until she died in 2006. He continued to go to and find refuge in the office, thanks to his son Don---who was a constant support and companion.
When Don died suddenly in 2017, it was a terrible blow. Still cared for lovingly by George and Hilary, he lived his final two years resigned but stoic. His sense of decorum---keeping to his standards---never faltered, and his dignity was there until the end.
He led us and taught us, he supported us, and did he and Mum ever feed us!
His family acknowledges this remarkable man and honours him in their memories and in their own lives.
The Percy Family would like to thank the staff of Hollyburn House for giving him a home for all those years. Also his superb team of Personal Care Aides who looked after him with such abiding care and heart.
Family service at his request.
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