Obituary of George Douglas Blakley

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of George.  Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  He and his mother moved to Calgary where he completed high school. George joined the Royal Canadian Navy in September of 1963. After discharge he returned to Calgary, met the love of his life, Judie and completed his electrical apprenticeship with Fluor. Furthering his career, he completed certifications including a Red Seal, Master electrician, C-Tech in electrical through ASET, ASTTBC – Electrical, CWB – CWI (Certified Welding Inspector).  George worked for many years as an IBEW Electrician working for many contractors on high rise buildings in Calgary.  George worked as a hospital maintenance engineer in three hospitals, The Peter Lougheed (during construction), the Willow Creek Auxiliary Hospital in Claresholm, AB and the Cranbrook Regional Hospital in BC.  He returned to working in Alberta in the “oil patch” in 2000 working on mostly Fluor Construction projects across Canada – including Newfoundland, Saskatchewan, Alberta and BC and retired in 2015 as a Senior Quality Assurance Manager at the age of 70.

He and Judie married in July of 1968. Their first child Jay was born in 1972.  They were later blessed with a daughter Trisha in 1977.

 George proudly joined the Grand Lodge of Alberta Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons with Calgary Lodge 23 in 1986 and then Scottish Rite.  After moving to Claresholm, George joined Stavely Lodge 33 and became its worshipful master in 1991.  In 1995 he became District Deputy Grand Master of the District of Ram River in southern Alberta.  He was also Associate Bethel Guardian with Lodge No. 3, with Jobs Daughters. After moving to Cranbrook, he became a member of Cranbrook Lodge #34 (now Fisher Peak Lodge #34) In 1996 he became a member of Gizeh Shriner’s of BC & Yukon, where he became President in 1999.   He was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star.  George was a proud Mason and Shriner until his passing.

George had multiple hobbies which included skiing, fishing, model trains, golf, camping, and photography. He was a sports enthusiast. He was a hockey referee for many years and travelled to many rinks while his son became a hockey player. He also built many set designs for his daughter’s dance performances. He was a cub and scout and became a cub master and a Gilwell Scout.  He was an avid reader all his life.  History, Geography, Building projects, et al.  During retirement he enjoyed fixing engines at the Model Railway Club and worked as a Starter/Marshall at the Shadow Mountain Golf Course. He was a very social person who loved interacting with the clientele. George loved dancing with his wife (especially Dancing in the Park) and all types of music.  His deep love for music would often bring him to tears. George loved to sit around the fire pit, sipping a good scotch or fine wine, telling stories and jokes with family and friends. He was known to often break out singing when a gem would come on.

George and Judie enjoyed travelling the world, but George always said he was happiest at sea. They enjoyed cruising where they saw the Caribbean, Panama Canal and crossed the Atlantic Ocean. He enjoyed many trips to North America, South America and Europe. George loved to spend vacations with friends and family and in particular the many years in Sicamous BC at the KOA Campground.  Whitefish, Montana was his favorite place to downhill ski. He also enjoyed Kimberley and Fernie and, in particular, skiing with his adoptive grandson Declan.  He skied until he was 77.  George was a passionate, devoted sports fan, who followed the Montreal Canadians, Dallas Cowboys, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and LA Dodgers exclusively. George went to New Orleans with his son-in-law Steve to watch his Dallas Cowboys play.

George was pre-deceased by his father Lawrence, mother Phoebe, and 2 brothers Robert and Stanley. George leaves behind his beloved wife of 55 years, Judie, son Jay (Lindsay) of Calgary, Daughter Trisha (Stephen) of Kimberley, sister Shirley of Halifax, and his brother Don of Ottawa, along with several nieces and nephews and a great niece and nephew..

George’s Celebration of Life will be held Oct 14, 2023 at 2pm. Services will be held at the Christ Church Anglican Church Hall - 46 – 13 Ave S, Cranbrook, BC.  In Lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to The Shriner’s Hospital by phone at 1-844-739-0849. A special thank you to the ICU team at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital for the care and attention George received in his final days.