Tribute

With great sadness, we announce the passing of George Harry Pitman on April 25, 2025, aged 87, at Lady Minto Hospital on Salt Spring Island.

George was born on March 4^th, 1938, in Toronto, Ontario to Bill and Amy Pitman.  At the age of 10, he and his family moved to Vancouver and his life-long love of the West Coast began.

He married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn (née Burgess) in 1960 shortly after graduation.  Together they built boats, cruised the coastal waters, and flew in planes piloted by George.

In 1966, George began building a home in Tsawwassen in anticipation of the birth of their only child, Carrie, who made a surprise arrival on George’s birthday in 1967.

Shortly before this, George started his career with Federal Pioneer.  He had a natural talent for sales and was a strong and passionate leader.  George stayed with Federal Pioneer/Schneider Electric for over 30 years.  He was an innovator, problem solver, and a friend as well as a mentor to those he worked with.

In the early 80s, after decades of boating in the Pacific Northwest, George began a search for what would become a retirement home.  His love of the Gulf Islands drew him to Salt Spring where he and Marilyn purchased the perfect lot in Maracaibo and together, they built their dream home.  George was never happier than when he was sitting on his deck, enjoying the ocean breeze, and sipping a martini.

After retirement, George and Marilyn continued their adventures first in a motor home taking trips through the US and Mexico, and then later in Casa Grande, Arizona where they enjoyed winters with the many friends they had made.

In 2017, George lost his “partner in crime” when Marilyn passed away.  George found companionship and love with Josephine Chai, a long-term family friend.  Josephine was an unwavering support for George and cared for him with love and kindness during the last years of his life.

George was a person who loved life, enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and never met a gin martini he didn’t like.  He worked tirelessly to achieve his dreams, always seeing what he could accomplish with hard work.  He had an excellent sense of humour, loved telling a good story, and seemed to have an endless number of interests and talents.  His larger-than-life personality has left an equally sized hole in our hearts.

He is survived by his partner Josephine Chai, his daughter Carrie (Rob), and his grandchildren Ella and Matteo.  In his final hours he was with Josephine and Carrie, surrounded by love.  At his request, we will be celebrating his life at a private family gathering.

We would like to thank the staff at Lady Minto Hospital for their care and dedication.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lady Minto Hospital or a charity of your choice in George’s memory.