STEELE, GEORGE DOUGLAS - (November 26, 1921 to October 1, 2012) - George Steele died peacefully in his 91st year. Beloved husband for 65 years of Shirley Steele (nee MacDonald). Wonderful and most respected father of Robert (Gloria) of Ottawa, John of Toronto, Judy Kealey (Tom) of Ottawa and David (Ann Tierney) of Kingston. Much loved and cherished Granddad to Christopher (Kristin), Suzie and Jacqueline (Chris de Wolfe) Steele, Shannon (Matthew Mills) and Michaela Kealey (Zack Vallentyne) and Bridget, Calum and Brendan Steele. Loving great granddad of Henry, Mackenzie, Madeleine and baby George. survived by his brothers John (Peggy), and Donald of New Brunswick and sisters in law Edith, Nancy and Nora Steele. Predeceased by brothers Dick, Bill, Joe and Tom Steele and sister Betty Mackay. Born in Rothesay, New Brunswick, he graduated from Rothesay Consolidated School and served along with 5 of his brothers in WWII. He was a pilot with the Royal Canadian Air Force. After he returned from the war he married Shirley and attended the University of New Brunswick where he was the MVP of the varsity hockey team and a graduate of the civil engineering program. He went on to receive his Masters in Engineering from the University of Toronto. After retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel from a career in the air force he settled in Kingston in 1971 and worked as an engineer for J. L. Richards and Associates. A natural athlete, he was an accomplished golfer, a Maritime Junior Champion, and he took up a membership at the Cataraqui Golf Club where he golfed and curled for many years. He had a golf swing the envy of many, regularly shooting his age or better from the age of 69 and well into his eighties he could skip a curling team to victory. His greatest joy however came from the time spent with family and the pride and joy he took from watching his eight grandchildren grow into fine young adults. More than their Granddad he was their friend and greatest supporter. He golfed and curled with them, played cards, baked bread and he never missed their recitals, graduations, and sports games but most of all he was always there for them whenever they needed him. Our family would like to thank the staff of the Kingston General Hospital especially those in the Stroke Ward and Davies 5 and Kidd 7 for their excellent care and compassion.
The family welcomes all friends at a celebration of George’s life at 3 p.m. Friday, October 5th at the Queen’s University Club on Stuart Street. The short ceremony will be followed immediately by a reception until 5 p.m.