Dr. George Donald Tupling

TUPLING _ Dr. George Donald It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather on the afternoon of November 13, 2005. He passed unexpectedly yet peacefully while on vacation in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico. George is survived by Carole, his best friend and wife of 47 years, his sons Bruce and Scott (Gilly) and three young grandsons Callum, Rohan and Liam. George was born in 1932. The only son of Ernest and Catherine (McDonald) Tupling. He was proud to be sixth generation Canadian and of his mother's Scottish heritage. During his school years at McKenzie and King Edward, he became interested in the Boy Scouts, later earning his King Scout badge with the 55th Troup. In 1958 he graduated from UBC Medical School earning the prestigious invitation into the Alpha Omega Alpha honourary Medical Society. After his intern year at VGH he and Carole along with good friends June and Bob Campbell travelled Europe and Britian for almost a year. His goal was to see as much of the world as possible. He and Carole continued to fulfill that dream. In 1960 George was invited to join Dr. Gordon Stranks in his Edgemont Village practice, where he continued to practice for 43 years. His genuine concern for others made a difference in many people's lives. From an early age George was interested in boats. He built several small boats, later working on fish boats and running a fish packer on the west coast. When his partner Dr. Verne Smith suggested they build a motor sailer, it became a labour of love. "Tai Shan" remains in the family today. In 1970 George joined West Vancouver Yacht Club. At the request of Dr. Charlie Morrison he was asked to volunteer as the clubs Medical Officer. A position he continued to honour for 35 years. He was called upon to help not only WVYC members but many other boaters with medical emergencies on the water. When he joined the Capilano Power & Sailing squadron in 1971 he taught hundreds of students Safe Boating courses. He became Commander in 1977 and earned his 30 year Life membership in 1991. He will be missed by his family, colleagues and his many friends. We wish to thank Lyne Benoit of the Canadian Consulate in Puerta Vallarta. Especially Dr. Miguel Garcia and the wonderful staff at Velas Vallarta Resorts for their extraordinary compassion and assistance. An informal celebration of George's life will be held at his home at 2565 Newmarket Drive, North Vancouver from 2-5 pm on Sunday, December 4, 2005. In honour of George's love of boating, donations will be accepted in his name for the Junior Sailing Club at WVYC, 5854 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, BC, V7W 2S2.