Gerhard Heinrich Neumann

George Neumann passed away on July 23, 2013 at the age of 78 in Vancouver, B.C. He is predeceased by his loving wife Betty, and survived by his children Brad (Allison), Heather (Sieg), Laurel (Nick), Rod (Carol) and Greg (Darlene); his grandchildren Matt, Megan (Ben), Andrea (Edward), Amber (Drake), Nicole (Craig), David, Matt (Bevan), Emily, William, Julia, Madeline, Kennedy and Maxine; and his great-grandchildren Eliana, Alyse, Marcus and Sloane.

Dad was born in Gem, Alberta on October 9, 1934 and grew up in Greendale, B.C. He married Betty Balzer in 1955 and shortly after earning his teaching credentials, moved to Kitimat, B.C. where they lived until 2004 raising a family of five children. His teaching career flourished in Kitimat as he proved himself a gifted leader both as a teacher and an administrator, and found time later in his career to return to school and obtain his M.Ed. from UBC. After many years as a teacher and Principal at Kildala Elementary and then Mount Elizabeth Secondary School, he went on to serve as Chairman of the Board of School Trustees in Kitimat and on the UNBC Senate during the university's formative years. Dad was certainly an intellect who loved his books and a good debate. He was also a natural and gifted athlete, excelling at any sport he took up including fastball, lacrosse and basketball. When not participating in sports, he cheered on his kids, his Habs and his Yankees (later supplanted by the Blue Jays!). A good Kitimatian, Dad spent many hours fishing the Kitimat River for spring and coho salmon, often joined by his family.

Dad's chief source of pride was his family, supporting his kids in all their endeavors; musically, athletically and educationally. Summer holidays always involved extended family excursions which included camping in many parts of B.C. and across Canada. He loved the northern life and only gave that up when illness required a move to southern climes. Dad will be greatly missed by family, friends and colleagues. A special thanks goes out to Dad's caregivers at Arbutus Care Center for their special care in the last years of his life.

A Celebration of George's life will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at 10:00 am at Henderson's Funeral Home, 34537 Marshall Road, Abbotsford, BC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to World Vision.