Obituaries

George Anderson: December 27, 1941 – November 14, 2021

His father immigrated from Edinburgh with The Hudson Bay Company, met and married Irene Timlick of Greenridge Manitoba. They began their life in the Arctic, managing the Hudson Bay Fur Trading Post on Baffin Island.  Irene travelled by dog sled back to Green Ridge, Manitoba, to give birth to George on December 27, 1941, returning to Baffin Island soon afterwards.

George was one of very few non-indigenous children to have spent a childhood in the Arctic, at a settlement called Pangnirtung, on the shores of Baffin Island. Growing up alongside Inuit families, learning the language (Inuktitut) & culture, participating in Seal hunts and even interpreting for the RCMP.

His father George (Geordie), wrote many articles for Beaver Magazine about life in the North and met George Eastman of Kodak Camera fame, where he obtained an early movie camera. Some amazing color footage was captured of life in the Arctic and of course young George played a minor starring role.  These films have been preserved and are now in the national archives of Canada.

After leaving the North, he returned with his family to Manitoba, where he eventually trained as an Optician. He married (Sophie) in 1964, had 2 daughters: Lisa & Laura and moved to Kamloops BC, opening Anderson Optical in 1969. After divorcing, he eventually landed Victoria, where he has lived since 1976.  He continued his career as an Optician at Prescription Optical, went on to open & co-own Sunshine Optical and eventually Discovery Optical, where he worked until his retirement.

While living on the coast, he became an experienced sailor, favouring the Trimaran. He lived aboard, first at Fisherman’s Wharf before it was trendy, then at Westbay Marina, before moving to land.  George eventually married a second time, and it was following the end of this marriage, that he began to have serious health issues.

He made many friends along the way, with his magnetic, boisterous, persuasive personality and vivid story telling. Thank you to those who stayed by his side till the end: Harold Aune & Marie (Mea) Hutchinson, Bob Reid, Miché Shepherd, Raymond Martin and many unnamed.

Predeceased by his parents, he leaves two daughters Lisa (Larry) and Laura (Raymond); two sisters Wendy (James) and Margaret (Ray); two grandchildren Larissa and Wyatt, with many nieces, nephews.

Special thanks are extended to Home & Community Care over the last several years; RJH Emergency & 5SW in his final days.

There will be no service by request, cremation has occurred.

Warm sun, strong wind, breath easy now George.