George Isford, a beloved husband, father, father in law, grandfather and friend, died with his son by his side in Toronto on Nov. 21. He was just a few weeks from his 99th birthday.

He was born Dec. 14, 1924 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His father had immigrated from Iceland and his mother was born in Quebec. George was the oldest of five boys.

He fought in World War II as part of the Canadian Air Force. He lost hearing in one ear because of detonation of a bomb. Upon returning from the war, George earned degrees in physics and engineering.

George met Hazel, the love of his life, at a dance class in Toronto after World War II. They married in 1949 and lived in Venezuela for several years while George did geophysical work for Lumberg.

Returning from Venezuela, George and Hazel had two children, Neil and Jennifer. George decided to pursue the rest of his career in education so that he could spend as much time as possible with his family in the summers. He and Hazel purchased a cottage in the Kawarthas in Ontario and the family spent every summer there.

After Jenny’s tragic death at the age of 19, George continued working for the Ontario Department of Education. Hazel succumbed to Alzheimer’s in 2006 after a lengthy struggle. Once Hazel moved to a long-term care facility, George had dinner with her every night, unless he was traveling, until her death.

Brilliant, kind, generous, inquisitive, positive and loving, he embodied the greatest generation. He loved being a grandfather and attended every family celebration until the pandemic.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Hazel and beautiful daughter Jenny. He is survived by his son Neil and his wife Jayne of Oak Bluffs and his granddaughters Lauryn and Grace. A life well lived by an incredible man.

He will be interred privately.