Obituary of George Alexander Carey

February 8, 1928 – Kirkdale, Liverpool, England

August 11, 2023 - Okotoks, Alberta

With family at his bedside, George Alexander Carey of Okotoks, AB passed away on Friday, August 11, 2023, at the age of 95 years.

George was born in Kirkdale, Liverpool, England in 1928 and moved to Montreal, Quebec in 1930. Unfortunately, his father passed at an early age.  George, being the oldest son, left school to help provide for his family and started working for CN Rail in Montreal.

In 1971, it was time to pursue new opportunities in Calgary where he later worked for ATCO, Lucerne Foods, Macdonald’s Consolidated and returned to finish his career with CN Rail, retiring in 1993 at the age of 65. But George could not slow down, so he took a part-time job with Golden Acres Garden Centre. As he loved to garden, his eye for detail and the strive for perfection, George made everything look amazing! To do his bit for the community, George also looked after the garden at the local church.  He retired again at 73 to enjoy more time with family & friends.

As a young man George made sure it was always family first.  When possible, he would be with family and friends to enjoy swimming at the lake, dances, and bowling.  George’s passion was billiards where his skill was often unmatched.  While serious about the game, George graciously shared his expertise with anyone; however, he ensured to pass all of it on to his cherished sons and grandsons.

George is survived by his three children, Bill, Kevin (Marjorie) and Sean (Tabitha); six grandchildren, Joel (Amber), Trace, Brydan, Garth (Tasha), William, and Eli; and his sister Christina (Birch). 

George was predeceased by his wife Dorothy, his father George, and mother Hannah, his siblings, Bella, Maggie, Sammy, and Albert, as well as his nephews Gary and Bruce. George also leaves behind his dear nieces, Tina (Tom), Karen, Diana (Brian), Debbie (Keith), and Barbara, and his nephew Glenn. 

George was determined to be at every family event, whether it was carving the turkey during the holidays, being at school events, or travelling to sporting events for all his grandchildren, Pa George was always there! He had the great ability to make friends wherever he went, and it was common to hear “Hi George” where he’d often receive a handshake or hug.

A giant man with a caring heart and guiding words that will be sorely missed by those who knew him.

A Celebration of George’s Life will be held at the Elks Hall, (58 Elizabeth St, Okotoks, AB) on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. Immediately following, the Carey family would like to extend a warm welcome for everyone to join us at the Elks Hall for appetizers and beverages to share the stories of love and friendship that George created. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with George’s family here.  If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Okotoks Foodbank, www.okotoksfoodbank.ca.  

In living memory of George Carey, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.