Obituary of George William Waite

September 7, 1927 – Calgary, Alberta

February 13, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

George Waite of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at the age of 96 years.

George was born and raised in Calgary, AB, and spent his entire life here, apart from a brief eight-month stint in Vancouver, BC, in 1944. He led a varied career, beginning with the family business, Waite’s Transport, and the hauling of explosives across Western and Northern Canada. After the sale of the business in 1980, he tried his hand at selling real estate, followed by the Allergy Shop, a specialty store selling gluten-free products, from 1988 to 1994.

George was actively involved in Wildrose United Church for over 60 years until his health and mobility declined. He also actively volunteered with the Alberta Trucking Association, Epilepsy and Celiac Associations, and the Calgary North Rotary Club for 35 years. You would also find him volunteering late at night at numerous charity casinos where he was General Manager.

Some of his most memorable experiences were as a driver for the 1988 Olympics, vacationing in Hawaii, Bermuda, Palm Springs, and the Maritimes; being stuck in Thunder Bay for five days with no flights due to 9/11, a trip to Uganda with the Rotary Club, and the many miles travelled to see family and friends.

George leaves his son Ken (Cathy), two granddaughters, Lindsay (Tyson) and Kelly (Graeme); and eight great-grandchildren, Steen, Hudson, Kirstin, Tori, Tate, Boston, Porter, and Roman. George was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Margaret (2009), son Darryl (1989), and two brothers, John (Eileen) and Jim (Iris).

The family thanks the staff of Chartwell Harbors Retirement Residence, Age Care Seton, and Granddaughters Companions for the excellent care and compassion shown to him over the past few years.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Celiac Association, 7 - 11 Street N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 4Z2 Telephone: (403) 237-0304, https://www.celiac.ca/, or to the Epilepsy Association of Calgary, 316, 4014 Macleod Trail South, Calgary, Alberta T2G 2R7 Telephone: (403) 230-2764, www.epilepsycalgary.com, or to the Rotary Club of Calgary North https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/rotary-club-of-calgary-north-foundation/.

A Celebration of George’s Life will be held at the Wild Rose United Church (1317 – 1 Street NW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. Reception to follow in the hall at the church.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with George’s family here.

In living memory of George Waite, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.