McFARLANE, GEORGE GORDON – January 10th, 1929 – March 14th, 2025. George passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, March 14th at Spencer House in Orillia, Ontario at the age of 96. George, an only child, was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and raised in Saskatchewan, Montreal, and Perth. George was predeceased by his loving wife of 63 years, Terry (nee Adalane Theresa Prowse); his parents, George Earl and Matilda Elizabeth (nee Becker); and his youngest son, John (Karen).

George was a devoted and loving father to George (Lee-Anne), Leanne (Len), John (Karen), and foster sons, Daryl (Tracey), and Gary (Vee). George was a proud and adoring ‘Papa’ to his grandchildren Jamie, Emily, William, Austin, Lyndsay, Carly, Molly, Tommy, Tausha, Evan, Jessica, Breanne, Logan, Aiden, and Svara–as well as their partners–and great-grandchildren Elliotte, Colton, Sawyer and Riley.

George completed his undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia, while serving as a proud member of the Canadian Forces Naval Reserves. George went on to earn a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto.

In 1954, although George and Terry had only known each other a few months, George sent Terry a romantic proposal via telegram, while she was aboard a ship en route to Europe with her sister, Lois and best friend, Bea. The two were married in Regina, Saskatchewan on October 9th, 1954. George and Terry raised their family in Agincourt, Ontario, while George engaged in a lengthy career with the Ontario government, including pioneering the development of probation services in Ontario and serving on the Ontario Parole Board. George went on to enjoy 36 wonderful years of retirement, which included extensive local, national, and international travels with his wife, Terry and their family.

George was very connected to his community, including many years of cheering for the Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Maple Leafs; curling; playing the fiddle and guitar; and being a long time member of St. John’s United Church (Scarborough) and its choir.  During the summer months, George enjoyed reading, swimming, skiing, boating, canoeing, and sailing at the family cottage in Parry Sound; attending Otter Lake United Church; and participating in many local musical gatherings. George loved being surrounded by friends and family. George was dedicated, passionate, and compassionate in all endeavors he pursued–in unison with his beloved wife, Terry. He will be greatly missed.

The family extends their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Leacock Retirement Lodge, Atrium Retirement Residence, and Spencer House–all in Orillia–for their amazing care and kindness over the past four years.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of George may be made to the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, Covenant House Toronto, Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, Canadian Mental Health Association.