GEORGE W. CROTHERS

After a long goodbye, George passed away peacefully at home on December 5, 2025, in his 85th year, surrounded by his family after a life well lived. George was the son of George (1942) and Gertrude Crothers (1999), and brother of Hugh (2014). He is survived by his sisters, Eleanor (John Leonard) and Anne Marie; his loving wife of 54 years, Mary (Archibald); his children, George, Julie (Lee Charpentier), and Kelly (Charlie Smith); and his cherished grandchildren, Sammie and Teddy Smith, who affectionately called him "Grumps." He will also be fondly remembered by his much-loved grand-dogs, Murphy and Jack. George was blessed with a long life filled with much joy and achievement. He had a distinguished career as President of Crothers Ltd., the Ontario Caterpillar dealership founded by his father in 1934. Following the sale of that company, George and Mary embarked on a new chapter together when they purchased and operated Chair-man Mills until 2013. George supported many causes over the years including the York Regional Police Association, Sunnybrook Foundation and Havergal College. Throughout his life, George valued his many close friendships, some of which dated back to his days as a student at De La Salle College. He greatly enjoyed his time at Rosedale Golf Club where the scorecard came a distant second to the camaraderie. His circle of friends expanded when he and Mary joined the Bonita Bay Club in Florida. Kindhearted, witty, and charming, George relished a well-told story and contributed more than his share to the delight of any gathering. A man of great faith, in which he found immense solace, George appreciated the fellowship of his "buddies" at 8:30 a.m. Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church. For his 60th birthday, he was deeply moved to meet Pope John Paul II at the Vatican. Above all else, George's family was the centre of his world. He was a steadfast, supportive and loving father and a wholly devoted and unwavering partner to Mary. The family extends its thanks to Tess and Albert, and to his recent caregivers, Juliet, Van, Karma, and Sol who treated him with compassion and dignity as his health declined. George was an old-fashioned "gentleman" who worked hard and played hard, treasured his close friends, and was the quintessential family man. He will be dearly missed. Funeral Mass, December 22, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., Blessed Sacrament Church, 24 Cheritan Avenue, Toronto. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his memory to a charity of your choice, Sunnybrook Foundation or Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care.