Obituary of Eldon George

It is with deep and profound sadness that we, the grandchildren of Eldon John George, announce the peaceful passing of our cherished Pépé on July 16, 2025, at the Strait Richmond Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 16, 1931, in Queensport, NS, Pépé was everything a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather should be – devoted, loyal, fun, and fiercely committed to his family. In 1955, he married our beloved Mémé — the beginning of a love story that would shape the next 70 years. Over those decades, Pépé built a legacy grounded in love, family, and hard work. He filled our lives with treasured memories and instilled in us the value of putting family above all else. Pépé dedicated 40 years of service to the Canadian Coast Guard, traveling to the Arctic as the ship's carpenter aboard the Sir John A. MacDonald – or, as we grandchildren liked to believe, going to work for Santa Claus. Although his job took him away for long stretches, Pépé always made the most of his time at home. We celebrated his retirement with joy, knowing it meant more time for beach swims, driving lessons, model boat building, and raids in his garden. Affectionately known to his Coast Guard crew-mates as “Chippy,” Pépé was a gifted carpenter. There was nothing he couldn’t build with his hands and his heart – from toys to treasured keepsakes, each crafted with love and care. Even into his later years, his strong work ethic never wavered. He continued to put in full days of carpentry “shifts” for his grateful family, only breaking for lunch because Mémé insisted. The only thing that came close to his devotion to family was his passion for the Toronto Blue Jays. Some of our fondest memories include piling into the playroom to cheer – or heckle – alongside him during the games. When not following his beloved team, Pépé could be found working in his basement or sitting in his shed, sharing his love of tools and the outdoors with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who adored him. Pépé leaves behind a strong and loving family who will carry on his memory: daughters Marlene (Garfield) Greene, Karen (Greg) Power, Lorna (Rex) Barnes; sons Robert (Theresa) and David (Trinia); 10 grandchildren – Tim (Jeremy), Tanya (Stephen), Ashley (Mike), Steve (Megan), Stephanie (Ian), Natasha (Shane), Matthew (Alexa), Mallory (Tristin), Danielle (Bryden), and Renée (Dustin); and 15 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Margaret, sisters-in-law Leona and Elaine, and brother-in-law Robbie (Anne). He was predeceased by his loving wife Shirley, his son Leslie, brothers Albert (Jeannette), Herman, Georgie, and Kenny, sister Kay (Ray), and brothers-in-law Bishop Vernon Fougere, Alex (Lucille), and Amos. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Richmond Villa for their exceptional care and compassion. It brought us great comfort to know our Pépé was made to feel loved, cared for, and protected by those who always had his best interest at heart. We would also like to thank Dr. Steven DeRoche and the staff at the Strait Richmond Hospital for their care and support in his final days. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at C.H. Boudreau Funeral Home, Arichat. A Funeral Mass to celebrate Pépé’s life will take place on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Church, Petit de Grat, with Rev. Duaine Devereaux officiating. Burial to follow at Star of the Sea Cemetery, Petit de Grat. A reception to follow at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall. Memorial donations may be made to the Richmond Villa or the Strait Richmond Palliative Care Society.