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BORN
1944
DIED
2016
George Upper Obituary
July 19, 1944 - July 14, 2016
It is with broken hearts we announce the unexpected passing of George Franklin Upper on Thursday, July 14, 2016.
George died suddenly at the age of 71 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre with his family by his side.
Born in St. Catharines on July 19, 1944, George spent much of his youth at his ancestral family home in Allanburg, built in 1809 and still in the family's possession, where he developed a passion for history and led to his calling as a teacher at Lakeview and Hammarskjold. Retiring in 1999, he kept every class list he ever taught so he would never forget a student.
In 1966 he met the love of his life Mary Lou Adkins in Toronto. She a nurse and he an employee at American Airlines, the two first met at a party and lost touch for a time. Two years later, George found Mary Lou's number in a coat pocket and decided to ask her out on a date. The two were inseparable ever since, marrying in 1969 and moving to Thunder Bay so George could start his new career as a teacher with Lakehead Public Schools.
Along with teaching, history, English and personal finance, George found a new passion when he became a father to Emily Upper in 1985. That passion grew even more when granddaughters Penelope Upper-Smith, 3, and Audrey Upper-Smith, 1, were born. The girls could usually be found in grandpa's arms or hanging around his neck and ankles.
George is survived by wife Mary Lou, daughter Emily (Jamie Smith), granddaughters Penelope and Audrey, brother Robert Upper (Sharron) of Allanburg, ON, sister-in-law Joyce Scott (Earl) of Gravenhurst ON and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and grand nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Walter and Anna Upper and niece Carole Gilligan.
A Celebration of Life will take place at The Murillo Hall Sunday, July 24th at 1 p.m.
Always one to offer financial advice, in lieu of flowers or donations George would tell you to save your money but if you must, please donate to a charity of your choice. Happy Birthday George! We love you!
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts”
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Upper
15 Entries
Tam Day
July 25, 2016
Sorry to hear of Georges passing...he was a faithful customer at Daytonas Restaurant...from Tamara and Valerie
Joyce Scott
July 24, 2016
Dear Mary lou, Emily, Jamie, Penny and Audrey,
We are so saddened by the sudden shock of George's leaving. No words can express our sadness. Thinking of you and praying for you. Love Joyce and Earl Scott
Barbara Tobin
July 24, 2016
Dear Aunt Mary, Emily, Jamie, Penny and Audrey,
We are so sorry for the grief you are feeling from the sudden loss of Uncle George. There are no words that can make it easier for you at this difficult time. Please know that you are all in our thoughts. Love Barbara, Brian, Jeffrey and Bradley Tobin
July 24, 2016
Our prayers are with your family Mr Upper. I'm sorry that I never got the chance to tell you in person, but that's a common mistake we all make in life.....waiting until it's too late.
Thank you for putting up with us at Lakeview. Although its taken time to gain a full appreciation of the knowledge you shared with us about the world, rest easy in knowing that you have made a positive impact on my life and the lives of many of those so fortunate to have been taught by you. I thank you sincerely.
Ed Slabikowski
Andrea Slabikowski (Richmond)
Carly Heikkinen
July 23, 2016
I am so sorry for and saddened by your loss. Aside from being Mr. Upper "Emily's dad" growing up, he later became George, to me, as he was a regular for lunch with his friends where I worked until I moved away in 2013.
He was very special and I was so fortunate to have spent so much time with him in recent years.
Sending all my love to you Emily, Mary Lou and family.
Diane Thompson
July 22, 2016
Dear Aunt Mary, Emily, Jamie, and girls...
We were so sorry to hear of Uncle George's passing. He is in our prayers. See you soon. Love Diane, Steve, Trevor and Julia Thompson
Cindy Jeffries (Pyhtila)
July 21, 2016
Sorry for your loss! "Mr. Upper" was one of my favorite teachers. I was lucky to meet up with him last year when he was visiting his new grand baby at the hospital. I hadn't seen him in 30 years ! He still had the same laugh and sparkle in his eye!
Peter Wynalda
July 20, 2016
Dear family of George,
Sitting in the staff room during a spare, George was so rational and logical, even when surrounded by people(teachers too) who were much less so. A very gentle soul, he was so nice to be around. He was a thinker ahead of his time. As John Donne said, "His death reduces us all."
July 20, 2016
Sincere condolences to your family. Mr. Upper was my teacher in the early 80's. He truly never did forget anyone. I ran into him just a couple of years ago and he knew me right away. We always shared a humorous connection. Again, so sorry for your loss. Deanna Gamble
Andy Tsekouras
July 20, 2016
So saddened to see a good friend and colleague pass away. Our sincerest condolences and may God provide you with strength at this difficult time. Andy and Olga.
July 19, 2016
deepest condolences to Mary Lou, Emily, Jamie, Penny, Audrey and extended family. May God hold you in His caring during this most difficult time.
Alyson Carroll
July 19, 2016
One of the best teachers at Lakeview.
Lesly Kapush
July 19, 2016
Mr. Upper was one of my favourite teachers at Lakeview and just an overall great guy. Sorry to hear of his passing.
Geof Botting
July 19, 2016
I am sorry to hear of George's passing. I remember George well from Lakeview days. My thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.
Sheryl Lepp
July 19, 2016
I will forever miss Uncle George's distinctive, soothing voice, his great hugs, his calming manner and the way he always made me feel loved. I will miss his visits down to Niagara. He is forever in my heart. I loved him dearly!! Rest well, Uncle George! Until we meet again.
Your niece Sheryl
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