George Alfred Genereux

George impacted my life in ways that none other could have. He was my housemate for the first six years of my marriage to my husband Dave Dawson. George loved classical music and opera and I am positive that he is the reason that my first three children love music.

My daughter Deanna (14) is a classical violinist and vocalist and my son Carl (16) loves all types of music. He is not shy about the fact that he loves to sing classics and jazz. He has played some bass, drums, trumpet, and sits down at the piano daily. George used to sit with the children once a week (Friday Night at the Opera) and watch operas. He read the subtitles out loud to them. I remember one night, the opera was over and Deanna was in tears. They had just finished The Valkyrie. She was only 4 years old and was moved by the tragedy in the end. George would play classical music and create games for the children to teach them about the symphony. He would encourage them to listen carefully to pick out and instrument like the oboe or flute. George also taught the children French and geography. He often would bring down the globe or a map and tell stories to the children.

John (12) was just a baby when George moved out but George continued to share opera and music with the kids. John would sit on Georges lap and watch opera until his little eyes could not stay open anymore. He often would fall asleep to opera or classical music. John still remembers some of the music that George exposed him to.

Living with George was full of surprises like the day he was cooking rotten meat in the kitchen for his dog Sebby! Oh, the smell was so bad. George loved my children like they were his own and brought music and laughter, games and education to our growing family.

I will miss you George. Your memory will live forever. I can't wait to see you again with Christ in heaven. We will listen to the symphony of angels in all of it's splendor together!