George Organ
Passed on: July 26th, 2008
March 16, 1930 - July 26, 2008 78, North Sydney It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the death of George Organ, 78, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin and friend. He was a resident of Campbell Street, North Sydney, he passed away Saturday July 26, 2008, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in LaPoile, N.L., and raised there, he was the son of the late Robert H. and Ann Louise (Taylor) Organ. George spent his working years at sea, starting with his father at age 15, and also helping him raise the family. He left home at an early age and fished with many skippers, until he took over as a skipper himself. He owned and operated several boats of his own until 1972 when he joined the Canadian Coast Guard ship the John A. MacDonald. He called her the pride of the fleet, the best leading the rest. He was saddened when she was decommissioned. George spent many summers in the Arctic, high Arctic and winter months patrolling Canadian waters. His wife stayed at home to raise the family and was left with an empty nest. Then, to get closer and spend more time at home, he joined the search and rescue ship Alert until his retirement in 1995. Over the years, like most seamen, he faced many raging storms and many close calls, but he was fearless and seldom spoke of any events. He also spent a year with captain Tom Edmunds on the M.V. Mayfall going from Halifax to the West Indies and Caribbean Islands as mate. His happiest days were at sea, the Arctic was his favourite. George also liked woodworking, he built several small boats and the family home. Surviving is his wife, Patricia Organ; his children, Donnie (Kim), Elaine Ongo (Peter Townsend), both of Halifax, Wayne and Craig, North Sydney, and Glen (Trina), Calgary; six granddaughters, Erin and Nicole Ongo, Ainslie and Ashlan Organ, Patricia and Emma Organ, three sisters, Rose (Jim) MacDonald, Balls Creek, Clara Bennett, Sydney Mines, Maud Miles, Corner Brook, N.L.; also a half sister, Vera Herrit, Burnt Island, N.L.; and many nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by brothers in law Frank Bennett and Gerald Miles. Toll No More, Dad, Rest in Peace Visitation will be held 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. A funeral service will be held Wednesday 3 p.m. at St. Matthew Wesley United Church with Rev. David Luker officiating. Burial to follow at Lakeside Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Palliative care Cape Breton or the St. Matthew Wesley Building Fund. Online condolences may be sent to info@wjdooley.com.
