HEINMILLER, George Wellington

September 23, 1923 – November 13, 2017

It is with profound gratitude that we celebrate the 94+ year life of a truly good man. Born on September 23, 1923 in a small Ontario farming community to parents Aaron and Viola (Wenzel) Heinmiller, George was the only boy among five sisters. After service in the RCAF during World War II he joined fledgling Canadian Pacific Air Lines in 1944 and embarked on a 40-year career in the airline industry.

Along the way George met and married the love of his life, Joan Frances Blanchard, to whom he was happily married for 66 years and who predeceased him in 2013. Together George and Joan raised two sons, travelled the world, and lived in Quebec, Yukon, Manitoba, British Columbia, California, Fiji and Italy during George’s working career. In 1984 they retired to a happy 25+ year retirement in White Rock, British Columbia.

George is survived by his loving ‘baby sister’ Pauline Kneale of Kitchener, Ontario and his two sons, George Jr. (Frances Fiorillo) and Jim (Lynne Triffon) and his grandson Mark (mother, Penny Peters).

George was a kind and gentle man with a good sense of humour and an unwavering good-natured disposition. He maintained a dignified presence amongst us to the end of his life. The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Tapestry Wesbrook and South Granville Park Lodge for their kind assistance afforded to George in his later years. Also, special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff in the Emergency Department and the Acute Care for the Elderly Unit of Vancouver General Hospital who respectfully and gently treated George in his final hours.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in George’s name to the charity of your choice.

A celebration of George’s life will be held at Point Grey Golf and Country Club, 3350 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver, between 12 noon and 3:00pm on Saturday, December 16, 2017.