Obituary of George Stapleton

It is with profound sadness that the family of George Stapleton announces his passing on December 10, 2024 in Cranbrook, BC. 

 

George was born at St. Eugene Hospital in Cranbrook, BC on November 6, 1941 to Roy and Miriam Stapleton. He grew up in Canal Flats where he spent most of his time raising hell and driving logging trucks. George met his wife, Ellen Morgan, a quiet farm girl while on vacation at Fairmont Hot Springs in 1962. They were married on April 18, 1964 and went on to have two children together; John and Stacey. George and Ellen raised their family together in Cranbrook. 

George was successful at everything he tried and was drawn toward physical work. He had tenacious and competitive qualities that served him well in business. With his strong work ethic and perseverance, he made his living by establishing several businesses, including a large logging outfit in the early 1970’s, Stapleton Logging. He owned welding, backhoe services, and trucking companies as well as “Snuffy’s Self-loading Service”, nearly all of which he worked hands on as a driver or operator. George also owned a small cafe in the Fifth Avenue Plaza, “Snuffy’s Cafe.” With all these qualities at his fingertips, he built a log home in 1981 where he raised his family, and another in 1984 on Moyie lake.

 

George had many wrecks in his life but the most significant was in 1984 when he was involved in a motorcycle accident that nearly took his life. With extensive injuries, this accident resulted in a year’s stay at the hospital and plenty of surgeries he nearly didn’t make it through. George was ultimately told he would never walk again but with his tenacious qualities and spending thousands of hours in the pool; he eventually went on to wear out both knees, running to keep up with his grandkids. 

 

George was a proud member of his community and started the Sam Steele Logger Sports Society, travelling timber sports events to many small towns throughout the province for several years. He also spent many years with his Kenworth parked so he could be the mall Santa Claus. He volunteered many charity events while Ellen took the booking list for him to visit many families’ homes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. His grandchildren have many fond memories travelling by helicopter with him as Santa’s helpers on Christmas Eve.
 

After his working career slowed down, George was always most excited to spend time with his grandchildren. They spent countless hours together going fishing, swimming and heading to Dairy Queen for ice cream. This was something he would later enjoy doing with his great grandchildren as well.

A family-favourite memory of George takes place in the mid-1990’s. George felt that an 18-foot Christmas tree would look good in the living room so, in true George fashion, he decided to haul one home with the self-loader and put it in through the living room window. For several years this became a regular event. 

George was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Miriam Stapleton, his brothers Gerald and Robert Stapleton, and sister Ruth White.

 

George is survived by his loving wife Ellen Stapleton, children John (Lori) Stapleton, and Stacey (Marlon) Gould, grandsons Jason, Tyler (Brittney), Jesse, Taylor, and Kevin, as well as his great grandsons, Hudson and Boden. George is also survived by his brother Jim Stapleton.

 

In respect of George’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. A celebration of life will take place in the summer of 2025. The family thanks everyone for their support during this difficult time. In lieu of flower tributes, donations, if desired, can be directed to the Alzheimer society of Canada in memory of George Stapleton.

 

Rest in peace, where the D.O.T. are on lunch, the Kenworth’s have air conditioning, and you always have a mountain view.