George Thomas Radford

May 6, 2015

Grandson of Surrey pioneers Henry Thomas (H.T.) & Margaret Thrift, and Paul & Sarah Radford, and son of George W. & Henrietta (Thrift) Radford, George Thomas Radford passed away in Peace Arch Hospital after a very short illness. Our thanks to the 5th Floor staff. George is predeceased by his siblings.

George is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marjorie (Crouse) Radford, 2 children – Lea and Donald, 4 grandchildren – Tamara (Al), Sabrina, Harley and Katelyn, 4 great-grandchildren – Thomas, Dallas, Dawson and Logan. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and numerous friends. Other than 4 years spent overseas in the Royal Canadian Navy during WW2, George lived in Surrey, B.C. He worked at a number of jobs, and retired after 22 years with the City of Surrey as a foreman in the Public Works. Two of his favourite pastimes were riding motorcycle and working in his shop – tinkering & repairing his motorcycles and cars, and woodworking.

A Celebration of Life will take place Sunday, 17 May 2015, between 1pm-4pm, at the Sea Ridge Bays Mobile Home Park Clubhouse at 15875 20th Ave, Surrey, B.C.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.

Messages of Condolence

Our condolences to you all. We have known you all for such a long time. It is hard to imagine a world with one of you gone. I am hoping I will be there to celebrate Mr. Radford's life with you but my mum cannot make it as she can no longer walk or stand. She would dearly love to be there but unfortunately, it is quite impossible for her. Our hearts go out to you and yours.

- vivian johnson and heather mcandrew

We were shocked and saddened at losing Uncle George..he was a kind and caring gentleman from the old school and will be missed..please know we are thinking of you all and hope that all those wonderful memories you have will help to heal your hearts!..with love ,Dee,Craig,Ryan and Justin Radford

- Dee and Craig Radford

I remember when I said goodbye to him, the last night of my stay at Christmas. I said goodnight, and told him that I was leaving in the morning. "Where are you going?" he asked. "To England," I said. "I live there." "England!" he said. "The people there are just so nice." And then he told me of how when he was in England during the war, he was shown incredible kindness by those that he met. He told me of how women would hand out sandwiches to soldiers on the trains as they were waiting to depart from the stations. He told me of how generous the friends he made there were, and of their gentle humour. And then he looked at me, and said, "They're such good people. Always show to them what they do to you. That's the Golden Rule." The wisdom of his words has stuck with me since, and I will always be grateful to him - not only for reminding me of the value of the people around me, but also for leaving me with a lasting inspiration to be the best I can possibly be. With much love and sorrow, Kate

- Kate Radford

"Dear Friends, we have for a while Lost one who is dear to us, And we all feel the loss. But it is only for a time, And I bid you to have no sorrow... There is a reason for being here And a reason for going. The Summerland, and the places beyond, Are places warm, pleasing and beautiful. With all ills gone, and with youth anew, Let us all be truly happy For the one we love knows true joy at last."

- Leah & Koorosh

I was sorry to hear of Uncle George's passing. It is difficult to lose a parent and loved one, regardless of age. And what a great age to reach! It was great that he and Aunt Marg were able to make the trip back east last year for the reunion. That time is even more special now. Please know that I am thinking of all of you as you say goodbye to father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. Always, Sandra (Crouse) Hennigar

- Sandra Hennigar

How lucky I have been to have known, loved and been loved by the special man that was my Dad. Life can't be counted in candles or measured in numbers of years. it's counted in small joys and good times and laugh lines, as well as in heartaches and tears. Life can't be counted in candles but in things done with effort and pride with dreams followed boldly and hopes kept alive - in times when we've failed - but tried. Life can't be counted in candles or measured in years that have flown - it's counted in kindnesses, close friends, and loved ones and in all the sweet blessings we've known.

- Lea

Uncle George, the last of my late mother's siblings, "shuffled off this mortal coil" a couple of weeks shy of his 98th birthday. He was a good and kind man, a true gentleman who lived a good life; what more could anyone ask for? Our condolences to everyone whose lives he touched; We will miss him.

- Neil & Renate

Sorry to hear of George's passing. George was my first foreman and I learned a lot about respect and dealing with employees from the great examples he set. George was a very good trainer and always so meticulous when showing the steps required in completing a task. I've always had a great respect for him and will always remember what I was taught.

- Jeff Welch

I just would like to say thank you George, for being a good friend for my whole life. I enjoyed the conversations we had , especialy when you were explaining how something worked. I'd also like to thank you for being the person whom I had the privilege to know. These things I will never forget.

- Mark, Sandy, Travis and Carson McKay

My deepest condolences to your wonderful family. It is a pleasure to be acquainted with the Radford's and my heart goes out to you all on this solemn occasion.

- Chris Parsons

George's passing has saddened our community. His life was interesting and meaningful and I will miss the stories of his time at war and his youth. He and Marge are the warmest people I know and I am so thankful to have known George. Thank you for always welcoming me as your friend into your home. Marge you are in my prayers every day. My most heartfelt sympathy to you Marge, Lea, Don and Family..such a beautiful Celebration of George's life on Sunday. So many friends and so much love in that room..Always Shawna and Family

- Shawna Fidler

My condolences to you Marg,Lea and Donnie. I Just found out George's passing and wish I could have being there to celebrate his life. He was the best foreman I ever had and loved motorcycle riding just like I did.

- Ron Cursons

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