George Van Patter
George Van Patter passed away peacefully at Maple Manor in Tillsonburg on October 12, 2024, exactly one month after turning 80. He was born September 12, 1944 to the late Leta and Don Van Patter. His Dad passed away when he was young, but his mom remarried and he had step-dad Tom Ziler in his life. George was the youngest of the 3 kids, with siblings Donald James ‘Jim’ Van Patter (Betty), and Irva Belle Horton (Glen). Dear father of Melinda Van Patter and Melissa Rochus (Bill). Very proud grandfather of Lindsey (Cory), William, Jordan, Samiel, and great-grandfather of Landon and Jaden.
Growing up in Aylmer, Ontario George went to EESS and played football and was known to be quite the athlete. George married Linda Landon in 1964, and the friends he had then remained some of his favourite people and they shared the best memories. George worked at GM in London for many years before retiring in 2002. He made a lot of good friends there too. George raced stock cars for a time, and enjoyed riding his motorcycles, and ATV. He enjoyed all things nature-related: hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, canoeing and exploring. If he couldn’t find someone to go with him, he’d go off alone. He enjoyed mining for gold, searching for Herkimer diamonds, and rock carving. He was very creative, making beautiful jewelry. He was also creative in other ways too. George would make his own jerky, and his own wine. And it was good! He supplied several friend’s weddings with his delicious cherry wine. George played darts, a lot of darts! The house on Wellington Street even had a perfect wear mark on the carpet to mark where to stand in front of the dart board. George hosted many nights in that kitchen! He always enjoyed having friends over. He and Linda travelled to Australia to play in the Pacific Cup and brought home a 3rd place. George enjoyed playing golf and even travelled south to enter an amateur golf tournament, placing 2nd in his heat. He played tennis and eventually pickleball. George tried anything that sounded interesting, and he was always good at what he tried.
In 1982, George lost his mother and wife several months apart so he was a single parent to his then young daughters. Although difficult, he got through it, and had an appreciation for life by travelling, not worrying about other peoples’ opinions, and being kind to all living things. In 1994, George met Marie Barrett and eventually moved to Tillsonburg and became a step-dad to Elyssa (Ryan), and Tamara (Jaret), and grandpa to Ethan, Kayla, Michael and James. George and Marie travelled, played sports together, hosted friends and family over, and had a good life together. In 1995, George decided one day to try flying. So, he worked at getting his recreational pilot license, and on March 30, 1996, took his first solo flight. George then bought an ultralight plane kit, and took the time to build it, so he could fly a plane he built. Always looking for experiences, George even helped out a Mennonite neighbour of his one time, because they needed a ride to a wedding in Michigan. He got paid to drive the family to the wedding, stay a few days with them, and then brought them back. He thought it would be interesting, and it was! George really did make friends wherever he went.
In 2015, George suffered a heart issue which resulted a type of brain injury. He spent time at Parkwood Hospital for rehabilitation and then moved to Maple Manor in Tillsonburg. Although this affected his short-term memory, George was still his charismatic self and made friends with the staff and other patients. He’s been called “favourite” by many staff both at Parkwood Hospital and Maple Manor. On his 80th birthday last month, I shared with him all the good wishes and love sent to him by everyone. He was reminded of all his good friends and memories. He shared with me just how much he loved all of his friends and family. George liked the Nikes’ slogan of, “Just Do It’. Which sums up his life of trying new things, being fearless, and doing the things in life that he wanted to do. My hope for everyone reading this is that George’s life inspires all of us to do just that. Figure out what you want to do, or want to try, and just go do it! Follow your passions, and try new things. Thanks to everyone for being a part of Georges’ life. He really had a good life and he appreciated everyone!
Please join us on Saturday November 2, 2024, at 3 p.m., at the Aylmer Legion (Upstairs), 211 John St. N. Aylmer, Ontario with dinner to follow at 5:30 p.m. to celebrate a life well-lived! Wareing Cremation Services, 346 Simcoe St., Tillsonburg was entrusted with Final Arrangements. Your messages of remembrance and condolence may be shared at wareingcremation.ca