Obituary of Edward Paul George (CARD OF THANKS)

Card of Thanks

The family of the late Ed George would like to thank everyone that reached out to us during Ed's illness and funeral.

We are forever grateful for the outpouring of support shown to the family by way of cards, phone calls, messages, charitable donations, trees planted in Ed’s memory, meals delivered to our home, the abundance of food delivered to the reception, and by all who attended his funeral both in person and virtually. It all eased the burden of heavy days, and it was exactly as Ed wanted.

We would like to thank the doctors and nurses of the Western Health Palliative Care Unit for the genuine care and compassion shown to Ed and the family. Thank you to Father Terry for his daily visits which were comforting at such a difficult time, and for fulfilling Ed's wishes with a beautiful funeral service. A big thank you to Priscilla Boutcher for your help with the service.

Lastly, the biggest thank you goes out to our families who helped carry Ed through these last 9 years by doing the little things – making it possible for Ed do the big things and fight for his life.

Thank you to Florence Kelly and Ernie Fillatre for your guidance and professionalism through this difficult time. 

In Ed's last days he said, "In the end, all that matters is love and respect from your family and friends." That was truly evident at his funeral.

Thank you,

Jill and Joel

You fought the good fight now breath easy!

Edward (Ed) Paul George

June 15, 1954 – April 20, 2025

Peacefully and surrounded by the love of his wife Jillene (Jill), their son Joel and his partner Katie Butt, along with many members of the George and Abbott families, Edward (Ed) Paul George passed away on April 20th at the age of 70 years.  Ed’s passing occurred at the Palliative Care Unit, Western Memorial Regional Hospital following a 9-year battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).

In addition to Jill, his wife of 39 years and Joel, Ed leaves to mourn; Katie Butt (Joel’s partner); sisters Joyce George; Marie Hutchings (Bill); Helen Meaney (Jerome); brothers Frank George (Brenda Taylor); Pat George (Gloria); Tom George (Ruth); sister-in-law Donna George and brother-in-law Mike Ryan.

Also with loving memories;  Terry Abbott (Barbara); Judy Young (Derek); Wayne Abbott (Judy); Joy Mosher (Max); Tim Abbott (Judy); Todd Abbott (Connie Ivany) as well as a large circle of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Ed is predeceased by his mother, Mary Frances; his father, Thomas; siblings Thomas George, Ann Ryan, Joseph George; sister-in-law Barbara George; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Essie and Joseph Abbott.

Ed was born and raised in Curling, attended schools in Curling and Corner Brook then graduated Memorial University with a Bachelor of Arts degree.  He served the people of Western Newfoundland for thirty-two years in various roles with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

“A huge thank you to all our family, friends and neighbours that have been there for us throughout this journey.  Your thoughtfulness made our lives much easier and will never be forgotten.  Ed always believed the support everyone gave him brought him this far with IPF and he lived each day with gratitude.”

A very special thank you from Jill and Ed to Glenda Burbury who consistently went well beyond her role as ‘life-long friend’ to Jill and who also extended that same unshakable support to Ed.  Additionally, heartfelt thanks to Helen and Jerome, both of whom helped provide the most sensitive care to Ed during his most vulnerable times.

A sincere thank you as well to;  Dr. Whitten and his receptionist, Wendy, for the years of care and compassion; Cheron Buckle (pharmacist) who surpassed expectations when her services were needed;  the Community Health and Palliative Care Team, whose understanding and support allowed Ed to remain in the comfort of his own home for as long as he could;  Dr. Kate Lafferty, Dr. Meagan White, other doctors and nurses at the Palliative Care Unit  – your professionalism, care and compassion are beyond measure.

Deepest gratitude to Father Terry who brought peace and solace to Ed through his many visits during Ed’s stay in the Palliative Care Unit.  Ed looked forward to these visits.

Cremation has already taken place.  A one-day visitation will take place in the afternoon and evening at Fillatre’s Funeral Home, St. Mark’s Avenue Wednesday, April 23^rd from 2-4 and 7-9:00 p.m.  A service will take place at Fillatre’s Chapel, Father Terry officiating, the following morning, Thursday, April 24^th at 10:30 Am, with a tribute starting at 10:15. For family and friends who wish to join with us, a Reception to follow the service.

Private interment for immediate family members at the columbarium, Mt. Patricia Cemetery, at the conclusion of the service and fellowship.

Ed was always generous in his praise of those who selflessly gave of themselves during his time of need. If you would like to honour Ed’s courage and determination, do so through a random act of kindness to someone else in need.  As Ed recently said to Jill, “in the end, all that matters is the love and respect of your family and friends.”

No flowers please.  A donation can be made to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation https://cpff.ca or a charity of your choice.

The funeral service can be viewed live through the following link https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=205bbfe1-f4ad-41c1-8728-f6417c601c9f

To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.

(Thomas Campbell)