BETTS, PROFESSOR GEORGE MICHAEL - The death of George Betts occurred at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, Fredericton, New Brunswick, on June 2, 2011. Born in Skipton, Yorkshire on December 9, 1930 he was the only son of the late George and Lucy (Walls) Betts. He is survived by his wife, Catherine, his son, Matthew, daughter in-law Karen DeWolfe, and three grandchildren – Ava, Miles, and Anna. George served in the British Army from 1949 – 1961 and spent two years fighting in the Malayan jungle from 1949 – 1951. He worked at Walls’ (wool) Shipping in Bradford, England (1952 – 1961) and obtained his B.Sc. from the University of London, an M.A. from the University of Alberta, and his Ph.D. from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. George was a passionate teacher, researcher and community activist. He taught Political Science at Queen’s University (Kingston, Ontario) for 11 years and the University of New Brunswick Saint John from 1979 until his retirement in 1993. A strong proponent of local democracy, George led instruction for the Municipal Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario. He was well known for initiating the first public candidates’ meetings for municipal elections in Saint John. He was the author of many articles and books, notably Betts on Wellington: A City and its Politics (1970) which is still used in New Zealand political science classes today, Kingston 300 – A Social Snapshot, and Saint John on the March (1984) published to commemorate the city’s bicentennial. George was also a leader within the Saint John Human Development Council and Veterans Against Nuclear Arms and participated in the Eclectic Reading Club in Saint John, the Commonwealth Society and many other groups. George’s hobbies included writing, military history, model soldiers, travel and walking up hills very quickly. He had a large collection of soldiers, many of which he made himself, and contributed regularly to hobby magazines Toy Soldier and Model Figures. The family wishes to express their gratitude to all of the staff, especially Dr. Francis MacDougall and all the nurses and doctors of 4E, the Dr. Everett Chalmers Transitional Care Unit for all of their patience, kindness and empathy while George was staying there.
A memorial service will be held at Wilmot United Church, Fredericton, NB on Wednesday, June 8th, 2011 at 11 am. Rev. Bob Stevens and Rev. Bob Jones will officiate. Interment will take place at a later date in England. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes in George’s honour can be made to the N.B. Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Diabetes Association. These tributes can be made at McAdam’s Funeral Home, 160 York St., Fredericton (458-9170) or online at www.mcadamsfh.com.