George CARRUTHERS

George CARRUTHERS obituary

George CARRUTHERS

George CARRUTHERS Obituary

Published by Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on Sep. 7, 2013.
CARRUTHERS, George Clyde
April 18, 1943 - September 5, 2013
George, child of God, was born in London Ontario and died peacefully at Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver of acute myeloid leukemia. Predeceased by his father and son Ian, George leaves to pray for the repose of his soul, Maricha, his beloved wife of 45 years, his loving children Mark, Sarah (Mark), Patrick, Andrea (Michael), Paul and five grandchildren of whom he was extremely proud. Memories of George ("Geordie") will also be cherished by his mother Sonia, his sisters Sharon, Patricia, Janice and brother Chris. George grew up in London happily surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. In 1957 George moved with the family (his father George served with the R.C.A.F. during and after WWII) to Peterborough, Ontario and then to Winnipeg in 1961. In 1965 George graduated in Arts from St. Paul's College, University of Manitoba. George was forever grateful to the Jesuit priests at St. Paul's who inspired and encouraged him in his spiritual life and studies. His Catholic faith was of the utmost importance to him throughout his life. George worked the summers of 1961-1964 on the C.P.R.'s Canadian and travelled extensively throughout Canada. On his first trip to British Columbia George decided that he would settle in Vancouver. In 1965 George rejoined his family in London and commenced his law studies. He worked the summers of 1965-1968 at the Banff Springs Hotel and played golf most evenings. In 1967 he met the love of his life, Maricha Elizabeth Brough, from Nottingham, who also worked at the Hotel. In 1968 George graduated from the U.W.O.'s Law School and married Maricha. The newly weds travelled throughout Europe and England for three months before settling in Vancouver. After completing his articles, George joined the Vancouver Regional Office of the Department of Justice on February 2, 1970, the birth date of his son Mark. Many of George's cases were of a high profile nature and national importance. He was a well respected litigator who always did his best. He treated his opponents firmly but fairly as he himself would have expected to have been treated. In 2005 George retired from Justice after 35 years service with the position of General Counsel. He was immensely proud to have had the honour of serving his country in representing the public interest. The privilege of raising six children, even with Maricha doing the heavy lifting, was difficult and did not give him much leisure time. However, George, an avid gardener, was house proud and, over the decades, either did or supervised the family's home renovations himself. George thanked God for the gift of a full life. He accepted his illness as God's will and a special opportunity to say farewell while preparing for his death and God's judgment. A special thanks to the caregivers at V.G.H. Burn Unit, St. Paul's M.S.S.U, and Lions Gate Hospital's chemo unit. You know who you are. Prayers at St. Stephen's R. C. Church, Mountain Highway and 24th in North Vancouver on September 13th at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial to be Celebrated on September 14 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen's. In lieu of flowers donations to St. Stephen's Building Fund or the North Shore Pro Life Society, P.O. Box 37521, North Vancouver, V7M 2H0, would be appreciated.

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December 14, 2013

Paul Scott posted to the memorial.

September 18, 2013

Lynn Burch posted to the memorial.

September 17, 2013

Charles Truax posted to the memorial.

27 Entries

Paul Scott

December 14, 2013

Dear Maricha & family,
I am deeply saddened to have just discovered that George passed away in September. Suzanne and I extend our sincere condolences to you and family. I had written him an email recently and when there was no reply, I decided to check and learned this very sad news. I deeply respected George as a person, a Catholic and as a lawyer. I always looked up to this fine gentleman and counted myself fortunate to have met him and become friends. He was learned, gentle and humourous and always respected others. I met him years ago "on the telephone" when I was working in the administrative offices of the Federal Court of Canada at Ottawa and then in person on one high profile national case abroad. We hit it off instantly and easily became good friends. George was one whom I was always delighted to talk to and meet when possible. Sue and I fondly remember our stay with you on our visit there a few years ago. You were both very gracious. George was special, engaging, bright and a easy man to like and to trust. He was immensely fun to chat with. We shall miss him deeply. May God bless him and you

Lynn Burch

September 18, 2013

Please accept my sincere sympathies for your loss. I met George at the Department of Justice in 1989. I remember his smile, his sense of fairplay and his intense committment to his family and to his faith. God bless him and you.

Charles Truax

September 17, 2013

Dear Maricha: I remember you and George well. In the summer of 1967 George was a bellman on my shift at the Banff Springs Hotel. His quiet humour, energy, and integrity were welcome assets at that mountain paradise--and to me as his "captain". When Cupid's arrows found their mark that summer, Maricha, I soon believed that the match was perfect. May God's blessing rest upon you and your family always.

Charles ["Charlie"] Truax [BSH 1962-67]

September 13, 2013

Dear Maricha & Family,
We are all thinking of you at this most difficult time. George was obviously such a wonderful family man and he will be sorely missed. Our love to you all.
From Steve, Mel, Toby, Mimi & Zoe Brough in London, England

Edward Burnet

September 12, 2013

Dear Ms. Carruthers and family, I am sorry for your loss. I worked with George at the Department of Justice for the last six years of his career; coincidentally, the first six years of my career. George was a wonderful mentor. He always had time for me and other junior litigators. I had the benefit of junioring George on a large case heard in Prince George BC towards the end of his career. It was a pleasure to learn from him, to get to know him and watch him in action. George was always so very well prepared.

I'm sorry that I didn't stay in better touch, George. You will be missed.

Sharon, Chris, Janice and Tricia All Carruthers

September 11, 2013

Our brother George ---a great older brother, a loving family man, a man of principle and belief. Couldn't have asked for better.

James Coulton

September 11, 2013

Maricha: Twenty members of the Bell Staff, Banff Springs Hotel (1968) were informed about George's death. We join to extend our sympathy.

On a personal note, when Chief Room Clerk at the BSH, I worked shifts with George, summers 1966 and 1967. Reference in the obituary cites “played golf most evenings”; I was one of his regular albeit lesser playing partners. Aspiring to higher rank, George was on the other side of the front desk: bellman in 1968. He was all eyes for you Maricha, stalwart from the UK who also staffed our office.

RIP.

September 11, 2013

So sorry for your loss, we have heard numerous stories of your family over the years and know it was a very loving one. May the memories help to ease your hearts, in our prayers, Kris and Marty Creighton

September 11, 2013

Dear Maricha and all the family, so sad to hear the sad news of George's passing. you can be sure we will be thinking of you all at this sad time.. Love from Donnie and Rosie in Brittany France

September 10, 2013

Dear Maricha,
We are thinking of you and the family at this sad time. But, also thinking about and remembering with fondness the times we shared with you both - the wonderful visits we had with you - the nature walks near your home, George's amazing garden and your beautiful, comfortable home that George so tastefully renovated, his huge movie library. George was a unique personality, a strong character, a loveable character. I will never forget his and your hospitality and thoughtfulness.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love and sympathy,
Rita (and Brian)

Kirsten Bydal

September 10, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the family of George Carruthers. George was a work mate to me and I always found him to be a fine human being, a caring and loving father/husband, as well as a smart shopper. His recommendations for Eaton's Surprise Day Sales were often appreciated. He also recommended that I retire as soon as possible and I've now taken that recommendation. Thanks George, you were so right.

Charlene Clifton

September 10, 2013

Dear Carruthers Family,
I'm so sadden to about George's passing. May you all find comfort in may wonderful memories throughout the years.

Daniel Moine

September 9, 2013

Maricha and family - we are thinking of you all at this sad time, but also remembering with fondness and pleasure the happy times we have spent with George through the years. Love to you all, Jill and Daniel

Chris Carruthers

September 9, 2013

My visits to Vancouver were always a delight around the family table with delicious food and stimulating conversation. Geordie was such a special guy, so unique, firm in his convictions, always thoughtful. I remember our hikes Maricha in your beautiful neighbourhood, and time in the garden. I will miss Geordie and wish I could have told him how much he influenced me. Love to all the family, we are thinking of you.

Adam, Mihoko & Talya Rabiner

September 9, 2013

Dear Mark and the Carruthers Family,

We were deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Carruthers who was clearly an amazing man. Our thoughts are with you all.

Adam, Mihoko and Talya Rabiner

September 9, 2013

Dear Mark and the Carruthers Family,

We were deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Carruthers. Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.

Ken & Cathy (Carruthers) Macaulay

September 8, 2013

Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you.

September 8, 2013

Thinking of you and praying for you Maricha and family. Remember you fondly.
Aunt Betty Carruthers

September 8, 2013

Maricha and family .. you are in my thoughts and prayers .. I haven't seen any of you for years but due to the magic of the internet was fortunate to reacquaint myself with Geordie.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember him.
Michael Carruthers

September 8, 2013

Dear Maricha and family, I am so sorry to hear of Geordie's passing. It sounds like he had a full life filled with the things that made him happy and surrounded by those he loved. May the cherished memories of his wonderful presence ease you through this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely, Mary(Creighton) and John Michel

September 8, 2013

Jan, John & family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you find support & comfort in knowing your brother has entered the wonderful next step in life.
Ben, Judy & Kristopher Reimer

Barbara Baird

September 8, 2013

I remember George as my "go to Catholic" at Justice. His devotion never interfered with his sense of humour as we always ended our little chats with a chuckle. A number of years ago he gave me a book called "Prayers and Devotions" and wrote on the cover that he would pray for me, which was sweet and disturbing at the same time. Well George, now that you're closer to the "Big Guy" I'm sure the level of humour in heaven will improve.

Lyndsay Kelly

September 8, 2013

My uncle and his family are forever in our hearts. We miss our uncle Geordie greatly but he has been reunited with his son and father in heaven.

Lyndsay Kelly daughter of Janice Kelly, Geordies baby sister.

Paul Gillis

September 8, 2013

A wonderful life, and thinking of you all

September 7, 2013

My sincere sympathies to Marisha and all of George's family. He was a true friend and I will miss him dearly. I thank God for having giving me the opportunity to have know George and for the privilege of having shared his company over the past years. R.I.P.

Gordon Board

September 7, 2013

So sorry to hear about your loss of George. I worked with George in my police capacity while he was with DOJ and always happy to be working with such a welled lawyer. He will be missed. All the best to the family

Joanne Kealey (Carruthers)

September 7, 2013

Geordie's life sounds brilliant. I am so sorry this great man has left you too soon. I hope that your memories are rich. I will pray for his soul and peace in your hearts.

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Not sure what to say?

December 14, 2013

Paul Scott posted to the memorial.

September 18, 2013

Lynn Burch posted to the memorial.

September 17, 2013

Charles Truax posted to the memorial.