A candle was lit by Keelin on March 27, 2024 9:50 PM

A candle was lit by Happy Birthday George (57) missing you ❤️ on March 27, 2024 9:50 PM

A candle was lit by Keelin McKaela and Shealyn on July 24, 2022 8:08 PM

Message from Cherrybrook, NSW, Australia

Its approaching four years and you will never be forgotten by your friends and family.

A candle was lit by Keelin on July 17, 2021 8:17 AM

A candle was lit by Michelle on January 20, 2021 7:22 AM

Message from Laurie Burgoyne

My husband and I just now found out about George's passing. We are in utter shock and so very devastated. Some people pass through your life with nary a breeze left in their wake, others shake the ground and music sounds and laughs echo on end. That was George. I doubt I have ever met anyone who loved life and embraced it like him. What a loss. Crying as I write this. Memories of him blowing a conch shell on a boat in the Bahamas. His paragliding off our boat with the contraption he built. Choosing to be the videographer at our wedding instead of being just the guest he was supposed to be ( and what a hoot that tape is). Pictures of him with our first born. Pictures of him dressed, well, oddly, but so very George. Damn this one hurts, and always will. I hope his family takes comfort in knowing he left an indelible mark on many. And will never, never be forgotten. How lucky we were our paths crossed.

A candle was lit by Keelin on August 23, 2020 8:38 PM

A candle was lit by Keelin on May 16, 2020 10:28 PM

A candle was lit by Phil on November 10, 2019 8:28 AM

A candle was lit by Tol on October 30, 2019 1:13 AM

A candle was lit by Ann Johnstone (Reekie( on September 11, 2019 8:19 AM

A candle was lit by Rhonda Gibbons nee Carruthers on June 29, 2019 10:52 AM

A candle was lit by Peter Le Lievre on March 25, 2019 11:28 PM

A candle was lit by Keelin McKaela and Shealyn on July 27, 2018 1:38 PM

A candle was lit by Keelin on February 10, 2018 9:56 AM

A candle was lit by Keelin on January 9, 2018 4:13 PM

A candle was lit by Kristin Garrahan on October 24, 2017 8:05 PM

Message from Mary Ann Sousa

Keelin I was so sorry to hear of George's passing. My condolences to you, your daughters and the family.
What a great tribute to him in the video. May he Rest In Peace.

A candle was lit by Keelin on September 2, 2017 6:24 PM

Message from Vanessa in Kellyville

So sorry to hear such sad news. I grew up in Kelso near George and always admired his quirky nature and beautiful soul. Will always remember him and his ability to make life fun and of course his bird man efforts. He obviously packed a lot into those 50 years, a life well spent and a beautiful family left behind. My thoughts with you all.
X

A candle was lit by Ed Loo on August 24, 2017 2:02 AM

A candle was lit by Ellen Stuebe and family on August 18, 2017 11:53 PM

A candle was lit by Leonie Leonard on August 18, 2017 5:08 AM

A candle was lit by Sueann Brown on August 17, 2017 7:48 AM

Message from Cherrybrook NSW Australia

George, you will never be forgotten by your family or your mates.

With your passing the back row of the TSS Drum Corps is quieter and substantially more predictable, the forward line of the hockey team is now understrength, the Cadet Corps has lost its 'senior sergeant' and the class of 1984 is now minus its best.

Farewell mate your achievements outshine all of us that are left.

Message from Jillian Amato Guiteras

Keelin, Shealyn & McKaela,

May your memories of your time together fill your hearts and bring you comfort. While I never had the honor to met him I was moved by the beautiful obituary and video which allowed us to feel what a special man he was.

Peace be with you,

Ms. Amato

Message from Melisa Dingman Lindley

"May holy Mary, the angels and all the saints welcome you now that you have gone forth from this life. May Christ who was crucified for you, bring you freedom and peace. May Christ who died for you admit you into his garden of paradise. May Christ, the true Shepherd, embrace you as one of his flock".

Keelin,
No words can descirbe how sorry we are for you loss! Wishing you peace ro bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and many loving memories to forever hold in your heart! We will certainly cherish all the great memories we've shared, especially Thanksgiving with you all and George's great cooking! Sending you so much love and comfort! I'm so glad Rob could be there today, he had a special friendship with George and we will forever cherish our memories! LOVE AND MORE LOVE AND DAILY HUGs from Missy, Rob & Kate

A candle was lit by Melisa Dingman Lindley on August 8, 2017 12:30 AM

A candle was lit by Rhys Evans on August 7, 2017 10:49 PM

A candle was lit by joan hall........... Sail on sail on sailor..... on August 7, 2017 4:19 PM

Message from Rick Quinn

Dear Keelin,
My deepest sympathy. Although I knew George for only a short time, during his time at Siemens, he has left a lasting impression on my life. You two obviously built a great family and life together. I feel so sad for your loss. RIck

Message from Canberra

So sad to hear of George's passing. I met George in the Air Force in the early 80s. While not a classmate, I was a few years older, it was obvious that George was going to achieve a lot in life. I was pleased to celebrate a life well lived when I watched the tribute. My heartfelt condolences to those nearest and dearest to George.
Peter Johnson

Message from Monica Rodarmor

Dear Keelin,
Thinking of you, very sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you and your family hope and courage during this difficult time.

A candle was lit by Nynke & Steve Harmer from Kenthurst on August 7, 2017 10:35 AM

Message from Lindsay Fowler

Dear Keelin and family

My deepest condolences for the loss of George, without doubt the most amazing person I have had the pleasure of sharing a friendship with, over 35 years of friendship in fact. I first met George in primary school in which I knew that there was something special about him right from the start. He had an incredible enthusiasm, passion and sense of humour. I do remember though that my mum would get very nervous when George came around to visit, wondering if we would get up to mischief.

Over the years I shared so many great experiences with George and when I think about most of the crazy/adventurous things I have ever done, George was there by my side, he loved to push the limits to see what he could get away with. From the early days of billy carting and birdman through to hang gliding, parachuting, land yachting to mention a few.

But most of all I will remember George for the value he placed in his friendships. He was an incredibly generous person who would go out of his way to involve his friends in his life. He would always want to throw the best parties and catch up with all his friends whenever he came back to Australia to visit.

Whilst we may have lost contact with each other over the last few years, I would often think of George and I take solace in the fact that I know George was greatly loved by both his immediate family and his vast extended family.

George you will be greatly missed by all your friends in Australia and indeed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you. Keelin unfortunately I could not make it over for the funeral but please accept my deepest sympathies.

Lindsay

A candle was lit by Paul Dusselaar on August 6, 2017 9:31 PM

Message from Paul Dusselaar

Memories of meeting George at Kelso Public School year 3, building billy carts, going fishing in a flooded disused quarry and catching Carp. His first attempt at a recumbent tricycle was a steep learning curve. One of the wheels fell off. Then there were all the practice runs on the hill behind my house for the bird man. Running down the hill trying to catch the plane and George before he hit the ground. We weren't always successful. Design modifications and perseverance paid off.
After George moved to the US, I lost track of him a bit.
He did come to visit once in a while.
I will always remember George.

A candle was lit by Sandra Slade (used to be Russell) on August 6, 2017 6:53 PM

Message from Susan

Rest in peace George!

A candle was lit by Susan Kelley on August 6, 2017 9:03 AM

A candle was lit by Richard Bremner,Bathurst. on August 6, 2017 6:25 AM

A candle was lit by Tracey and Chris Castles - Ingham Nth Qld Australia on August 6, 2017 4:52 AM

A candle was lit by Noriaki Shimizu Family-Japan on August 5, 2017 10:03 PM

A candle was lit by Tomoharu Shimizu Family Japan on August 5, 2017 8:37 PM

Message from Yass, NSW! Australia

I remember GEorge as a student at The Scots School Bathurst when I was teaching there. I remember his being in the Pipe Band as I was it's manager at the time and it is a sad thing to hear of his passing at such a young age.

What heartens me most is to see a student who was able to go on to a full and rich life, having an obviously positive influence on those around him.

Nothing that I have read in his tributes is at odds with the boy I knew in Bathurst and my only regret is not to have encountered George at some later stage in his wonderful life.

Sincere condolences to his family.

Philip Armour

Message from Andrew & Gail

George

We wish you god's speed on your onward journey. We have many fond memories of the short times we spent together. Sad to think there will be no more but great to have those that we do.

Keelin, Shealyn & McKaela

Our thoughts are very much with you at this so sad time. It sounds that you have found a wonderful resting place for George. We very much regret that we cannot be with you physically but our thoughts are very much with you. When "the dust settles" do not forget your quaint British cousins! With our fondest love and deepest sympathies.

Andrew & Gail xx

A candle was lit by Yuko and Hiromi Koichi Japan on August 5, 2017 3:07 AM

A candle was lit by Toshihiko Obazawa Family Japan on August 5, 2017 3:05 AM

A candle was lit by Kaneko and Isamu Shimizu Japan on August 5, 2017 3:03 AM

Message from Steve from Canada

George was indeed one of a kind. I was so fortunate to have met him as his housemate when he spent time in Canada in the 90’s. Life with George came with a non-stop supply of exhilaration, laughter, and friendship. He did not seize moments, he created them, and those of us lucky enough to be around him were in for a hell-of-a ride! I remember vacationing with George on the west coast for a few weeks, just the two of us, no agenda and no plan. We packed a year’s worth of memories into those two weeks. I still remember rolling into Yosemite national park at dusk and being disappointed that we were not going to have enough daylight to get our climb permit… but I was with George. So we decided to climb anyway, possibly getting caught by the park rangers, attacked by bears, or worse! With only the moon guiding our way we started the ascent. Rocky trails, unbelievably steep cliffs, and wobbly cable guides so high up that you did not want to look down… but the night was so breathtaking you just had to take it all in. When we got to the top after many hours we both realized that sometimes a bit of planning is good… we had no tent or anything to sleep on. So we each piled up a bunch of leaves and made our spot for the night. It was a long night but we did manage to get some sleep except for the few times the local wildlife decided to join us. We ended up making it through the night and I will never forget the sunrise that morning. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

Heaven just got a lot more exciting… climb on my friend!

A candle was lit by Wendy Barton and Family - Australia on August 4, 2017 7:51 PM

A candle was lit by Motai family - Australia on August 4, 2017 5:47 PM

Message from Marblehead MA

"The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long."
I've always hated that cliche. I really wish it wasn't true.
So very sorry.
Ted J

A candle was lit by Anthony Dusselaar - Bathurst NSW, Australia on August 4, 2017 12:05 PM

A candle was lit by Jesse and Tanya Landry on August 4, 2017 10:45 AM

A candle was lit by Steve and Joi Gleason on August 4, 2017 10:04 AM

Message from Jürgen Voegele

Dear Keelin and family,

my mom and myself are so saddened and shocked about the loss of the one in a kind George.
The 6 month stay in his house in Salem in the 90s as his room-mate were a gift to me and it was an honour to have met this absolutely great guy.
At that time I was an intern at Siemens Medical where George worked and HR offered me the choice for a room either at an old lady or a guy with a pool table in the living room with warnings that there were a lot of parties going on... the rest is history.

George was a man who loved life in all its facets but he was not superficial. He was a warm-hearted and generous guy whom I will miss very much, also my mom who met him as well, and liked him very much, as all of us.

Our thougts and prayers are with you.

A candle was lit by Stephen and Narelle Thomson on August 4, 2017 4:22 AM

Message from Emma Cataldi

So saddened by the loss of George. He loved life and cherished his family.
We knew him years ago, yet still affected by his passing.
My heartfelt condolences to Keelin and daughters and family.

A candle was lit by Emma Cataldi on August 3, 2017 5:37 PM

A candle was lit by Richard T on August 3, 2017 4:09 PM

---

Keelin, so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Richard

Message from Maggie Maxson

George always had a good story to share and brought
laughter to any crowd surrounding him.. a truly talented and generous man, loving husband and father.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family ... RIP
George 🙏

A candle was lit by Maggie Maxson and Chris Caldwell, Marblehead MA on August 3, 2017 2:47 PM

A candle was lit by Heather & Michael Mason on August 3, 2017 1:41 PM

Message from Bristol, RI

Dear Keelin, girls and family. We are so sorry to hear about George's passing. Our deepest sympathy to everyone.

A candle was lit by Bill & Lynda Guevremont on August 3, 2017 11:40 AM

Message from Greg McKee and Chrissy Nagy

Dear Keelin and family, we are so saddened and shocked to hear of the loss of the astonishing Georgie. What a loss to the world but so much greater loss to you all.
We had always hoped to make it over to the East coast with our girls to visit and it seemed like one of those things for which there would always be so much time to arrange and so much time to catch up the long years we have been out of touch.

I can't believe just last week I was proudly showing some colleagues the video footage of George winning the Birdman Rally in Canberra and his innovations for our robotics projects for movies and lovely work building comical flying contraptions for the bicentennial. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lqsr_-34kA
I think I have lots more vhs footage of Georgie's adventures. I'll dig them out and post them online asap.

Oh the chaotic fun it was at any time to be out in the world with Georgie, to be racing in land yachts at breakneck speed at Dobroyd oval or Bathurst sports fields outpacing cars with wind howling , bruises growing and bones clattering , to be scuba diving unlicensed long after midnight straight out to sea 60ft down and a mile out beneath a full moon for over an hour off Sydney's shark infested Long Reef, to be launching ourselves off vast cliffs with tattered 2nd hand hangliders with no fear and even less instruction. To be battling on sand dunes with enormous kites lashed to 4x4s threatening to drag them into the surf.
Spontaneous parties with George with wild all night dancing abandon and glorious sunrises but George was always a well mannered gentleman with care and concern for others around him and an enormous generous heart and infectious enthusiasm for life.
My god I can't believe he's gone
Our love to you all.

Message from Xhazzie Kindle

I am so sad to hear of George's passing. Even though we had not been in touch for many years I thought of him and his amazing capacity for fun often. I will never forget the pig roast he had at his house in Salem. Who else could dig a hole in the garden of a house on Federal Street and bury an entire pig? He woefully underestimated how long it would take to cook and the thing was there for days! George was a brilliant, funny, wonderful man and I send my sincere condolences to his family and all who shared him.

A candle was lit by Xhazzie Kindle on August 3, 2017 8:46 AM

A candle was lit by Ann Johnstone (nee Reekie), Murray & Eleanor on August 3, 2017 8:25 AM

A candle was lit by Jorge Ferraria on August 3, 2017 7:10 AM

Message from Jorge Ferraria

Keelin,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your daughters and all of your family!
Peace be with you all.
Jorge

Message from Jim and Theresa Myers

Keelin, We are so sorry to hear this. Please know that our prayers are with you and your family. Even though we have not seen each other in quite some time, we have enjoyed the pictures, stories, and just knowing you were loving life. Through this hard time you are so fortunate to have such a loving family. Know that your friends, although not near, are sending our love. Love Jim and Theresa and family

Message from Christine LeCompte Price

My thoughts and prayers go out to you Keelin, your daughters and all of your family! Peace be with you all!
Much love,
Christine

Message from Martin Reekie

Such a shock to hear the sad news. Our thoughts are with you and the girls.
It's brought back some great memories.

The first time I saw George he was a baby when he and the family visited my parents in Dundee. He slept through the entire visit - including my bagpipe playing!

The comment here about George's messy cooking style reminded me of a meal he made in my Mum's kitchen. It was the one and only time it looked as though it had been used! Mum's kitchen was usually immaculate! Food was wonderful.

There are so many more stories but they will be for another time. The world will be a much quieter place without him.

Message from David Cluett

What a great guy- wonderful memories of his "didgeridoo" haunting the fleet in the fog on a becalmed night on the block race..Many years ago but unforgettable nonetheless .. briefly friends- but sailing friends are special .. farewell

Message from Patricia McAnuff Knox

My deepest sympathy to you Keelin. I have such fond memories of your Wedding weekend.

A candle was lit by Carolann on August 2, 2017 2:13 PM

Message from Janice Sampson, Westfield, NJ

What a beautiful story of a beautiful soul. I’ll choose to remember George at The Hunt with his trademark hat and that gracious smile. Humble wasn’t he. Because for all the time we spent together chatting at the races he never once told me or bragged about his amazing accomplishments before he hit the States.

I was thrilled when I learned he would marry my dear friend Keelin because I knew it was the ideal match of two genuine souls. Keelin, when you love your friends like I love you, you hurt for them and are desperate to do something to ease the pain, which of course is impossible. So for now, rely on your faith which I know is strong. And please remember…no one is truly gone who lives in the heart of another. And there are plenty of hearts out there that George touched.

My condolences to everyone who loved George. Hugs, Janice

A candle was lit by Kellyann on August 2, 2017 1:43 PM

Message from The staff of Sansone Funeral Home

Our sympathy and prayers to all of George's family and friends on his loss.

Message from Rick Gagnon (Friend)

Dear Keelin & Family, There are no words to describe the loss of such a Loved One as George. I am so sorry that George has left us so soon. Please remember we will all meet again. Jesus came to give us this Hopeful message. This Life is truly a short journey, so as the days, weeks, & months pass , keep Jesus close in your heart and mind, He will assuredly give you peace and strength . The times that I spent with George were some very special times in my life. ''' Godspeed George see you later I know you can see this. "" Your Friend Rick