George Furkey: 1916-2009

SooToday.com has received the following notice from Northwood Funeral Home.

************************* Furkey, George Alexander

We regretfully announce the passing of George Furkey, born January 14th, 1916, who died at his home at Pointe Louise on Monday evening, August 17, with his family and the love of his life, Elizabeth “Bette” Furkey (nee Kelly), whom he married 73 years ago on July 23rd, 1936. George was the much loved father of Minerva Handley (Don) (late Toby Boston); Jim Furkey (Shirley); Georgina Naccarato (John).

Predeceased by the late baby Harold.

He was the proud grandfather of Dan Boston (Janna), Doran Boston (friend Nadine) of St. Catharines, Dennis Boston (Tina), Debbie Bouchard (Ron), Donna Boston (friend Al), and Doug Boston; Chris Furkey (Trish), Colleen Davies (John) of Winnipeg, Cory Furkey, Cara Carter (Greg); John Naccarato (Wanda), Jeff Naccarato (friend Erin) and Julie DiBerardino (George).

He will be missed by his 26 great grandchildren and nine great great grandchildren.

Brother-in-law of Pat Kelly (late Art) and Bob Kelly (Anne) (late Lois) of Port Elgin, Ontario, and the late Jim Kelly (late Alice), late Harold Kelly (late Celine) , late Fred Kelly (late Eleanor) and the late Dorothy Hill (late Howard).

He was the brother of the late Alice Kelly (late Jim) and the late Albert Furkey (late Mary) (late Louise) of Michigan and uncle of numerous nieces and nephews.

George was a member of the Elk’s Lodge for more than 50 years and was a past exalted ruler.

George and Bette enjoyed their many years associated with the lodge and its members, locally and those they met travelling to various Elks’ functions across Canada.

He especially enjoyed driving the Elks’ parade float with his good friend, the late Winston Piper.

The Elks’ float was invited to parades around the local area, Octoberfest in Kitchener-Waterloo and to Grey Cup parades for many years.

A private family funeral, conducted by Reverend John Swain, Christ Church, has taken place at Northwood Funeral Home (942 Great Northern Road 945-7758) with burial at West Korah cemetery.

Friends are invited to join the family for a celebration of George’s life at the Elks’ Hall, Bay Street, on Friday, August 21 from 2 to 7 p.m.

Elk members are asked to gather at the hall for a memorial service for their late brother George at 4 p.m.

The family wishes to thank Dr. D. Walde and all of the doctors and staff at the SAH Cancer Clinic and especially Dr. Sharon Buehner and the many people who assisted in fulfilling George’s wish to remain at home with Bette throughout his illness to the end of his journey: Case Managers Liz and Suzanne and all staff of Community Care Access Centre; Leah and all of the nurses from Bayshore Home Health; the Red Cross support workers, especially April, Dan and Rhonda; the private care workers: Rosemary, Debby, Kelsey and Amanda.

The advice and care received from everyone involved is greatly appreciated.

Anyone wishing to make donations in George’s memory is asked to choose from the Elks’ Oncology Van; Alzheimer’s Society; SAH Cancer Clinic; ARCH or the Humane Society.

“I have a wonderful family and I have had a great life” – George

www.northwoodfuneral.com

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