Obituary of George McDearmid

George Colin McDearmid, born November 9, 1933, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2024, at the age of 90 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown with his daughter Jennifer by his side. 

Dad was a “hands on” man who quietly embraced life and all it had to offer. His capable hands were a testament to his unwavering dedication to his family, and through his skilled craftsmanship, he built a life for his wife and children and put love and devotion into every project he undertook.

In 1955 Dad embarked on the defining project of his life when he joined hands in marriage with our mother Doris (Murphy, deceased 2021). During their marriage of 66 years they built a wonderful and loving life together for their six children: Monica Macdonald (Tom deceased), Brett McDearmid, Ray McDearmid (Rachel), Tony McDearmid (deceased), Rosemary Bowlan (Dave), and Jennifer Penny (John), and for their beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

We always said Dad could do anything he turned his hand to. During his working life he set his hands to a great many occupations, most significantly, home construction, and his favourite job as chauffeur and all around “fix it guy” in service to several Lieutenant Governors. He loved the variety of the job at Fanningbank and the opportunity it afforded to witness history up-close, like having a front-row view to significant events from Royal visits to the Papal visit of His Holiness John Paul ll. 

Dad expressed his love for his family through his hands, whether it was building the houses where we lived over the years, or the toys he made for us, like stilts and go-karts, and later, elaborate playhouses and rocking horses for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As his family grew, so too did his creations, each one a tangible expression of his unspoken words of "I love you".

In his retirement Dad fully embraced his creative side. He dedicated time to his carvings (birds, horses, and figures of farmers and workers from days gone by)—works of art that won carving awards and are now proudly displayed in the homes of his children and grandchildren.

Dad had a huge capacity for gratitude. In his final years he continued to greet each day with appreciation and a positive attitude. When his mobility declined, Dad carved his own walking stick, a symbol of his strength and resilience in the face of challenges.

Dad’s legacy of love and craftsmanship will live on in the hearts of his family and all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered for his kind spirit, his generous heart, and the love that he poured into everything he made.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff of Unit 8 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, especially Doctors Hennessey and Scales, and Nurses Kat, Megan, Jessica, Mary, and Nicole for their compassionate care and support during Dad’s final days. 

 
George is survived by his sisters, Dale Sentner, Heather Gill and Colleen MacGregor.

A private graveside service will be held at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church Cemetery. 

If so desired, donations in memory of Dad to the Canadian Diabetes Association would be greatly appreciated.