It is with great sadness that the family of the late George Raymond Walsh, age 66, of Fleur de Lys NL, announce his peaceful passing due to an aneurism at St. Clare’s Hospital, St. John’s NL on Tuesday January 17th, 2012. George was a tremendous human being and those who knew him were of privileged company! He will be sadly missed, and greatly remembered! George Raymond Walsh was born in Fleur de Lys, NL on September 24th, 1945 to John and Bertha Walsh during a time when rural Newfoundland was rural and communities survived by interdependence among the community and family. Instilled with a hard work ethic, strong will and good morals George set out into the world where he would have significant impact on everyone who came into his company. He lived a very diverse and cultured life; was well traveled physically, emotionally and spiritually. He was truly a kindred spirit. George had a very diversified and colorful career and he began his working days as a Machinist. He completed his apprenticeship with Advocate Mines in Baie Verte and once completed with papers he had a ticket to see the country. Young and eager he travelled extensively in all the industrial corners of Canada gaining experience and respect among his peers. Among some of his many stops he worked in Ontario, Labrador City, Long Harbour, Stephenville, and Fort McMurray. George worked hard and in the early days played hard; while rambling from one adventure to another he participated as a union representative and caused plentiful wild cat strikes, more for the entertainment than for the grievances won. George loved people, they were his priority, and he sincerely wanted to make a difference for those important to him. George was a great strategist and planner. After vacationing around the world between work as a Machinist, George did as he always did regarding any decision in life; he followed his heart and returned to lay down roots in Fleur de Lys. He loved Fleur de Lys! His contribution and dedication never unwavering George set out to build a future for the community. A natural leader he played a role in every aspect of the community and region at large. He was a very composed and energetic man with a great vision. Like a real entrepreneur he was engaged in many business ventures, but in the beginning it was the Stogger tite Lounge and Walsh’s Store that kept his interest. In the meantime he was determined Fleur de Lys needed jobs, so with the perseverance he showed in all his efforts a committee was struck and he lead the community to lobby the government for a Crab license. Impossible was not in George’s vocabulary! Time after time, year after year George faced the impossible task and most times was successful. With a crab license and processor in hand George constructed the Crab plant which he managed for 18 years for the Quinlan Bros. George met his beloved wife Millie in 1983. Both very passionate about their community they jointly made representation to the Royal Commission on Sealing and the importance it had to Newfoundland and our rural way of life. George and Millie loved each other to no end and faced all of their future ups and downs together; united. Sealing would be an important part of George for the rest of his life. He had a great vision of the potential the industry could have for Newfoundland and was a real pioneer for the development of the industry. In 1996 he founded Caboto Seafoods and met a great partner and true friend where they developed a special refining technology for seal oil. In 2005 George began Sea Water Products and constructed a new plant in Fleur de Lys where he maintained his determination to develop the full utilization of seals. George was a strong minded individual, often thinking outside the box and loved to prove his point, often going against the grain of the way most people were thinking. He loved a good argument but never held grudges. George always lived for today and tomorrow was another day. George and Millie committed as much time to their volunteer life as they did in their professional lives. Volunteering was their investment into the future of the community and most things they did together. Since his return to Fleur de Lys in the early 80’s George has never been vacant of a lead responsibility of some organization or another. Over the years he has served on the Baie Verte Economic Development Assoc., Dorset Trail Tourism Assoc., Dorset Museum Committee, Petit Nord Development Committee, Emerald Zone, Town Council, and the Provincial Progressive Conservative District Executive. George loved politics! Partly because of the idealisms he carried and partly for the entertainment. Elections were like the playoffs to a major sports buff. George loved to play the campaign trail, watch the candidates and evaluate the positions at the local coffee shop. He enjoyed the camaraderie and friendships that he experienced with everyone he met no matter what the color, although he really preferred blue; most of the time. Highly energized and engaged George always put his family first and everything else was second priority. He loved his children and wife dearly and at all times expressed his love for them. He was a proud father always recollected the time he spent with Sandy and Sam fondly. Personally he was faced with challenges only his family can know, but he faced them the way he faced the rest of his life – head on! George was a well composed individual and always expressed the same demeanor. He had a big heart and loved to enjoy good company and appreciated good friends. He saw the importance in enjoying life and dearly loved music, food and a good party. Material possessions were never important to him and he found riches in simple things; trouting and, berry picking with Millie, mother in-law Phene and her friends. Along with Millie he entertained company from every corner of the world. In addition he participated in community talent shows; things that gave him and Millie joy. George Walsh was a very courageous man and he was happy for each day that he spent with us in the world as we know it. We were lucky to have him. George had a humble confidence and never looked for acknowledgement for any of the tremendous contributions he has made in his lifetime. He was never known to wear a watch and time was of no essence to him, it didn’t matter. He often said we are only one breath away, and really if you live your life by that, no one should have any regrets. George was a deeply spiritual person and faced death as he faced life – head on. The last few days of George’s life were challenging to those close to him, but he gave us strength in the steadiness and confidence he expressed to us all. He did what he has done regarding anything in his life; he followed his heart and returned home where Sam is waiting to greet him! George Walsh was a great man, a great friend, a great father but most of all a great human being!