April 24, 2024  

Bernard “George” Harrison was a husband of 50 years to Bobbie, proud father to Katie [Grant] Hamilton, Bruce [Trina] Harrison, and Mary-Beth Harrison, and grandpa to Ollie, Elle, Bria, Robbie, Elizabeth, William, and Tavares. George passed at the young age of 73 in Kamloops, B.C., on April 24, 2024, surrounded by his family. George is now able to reconnect with his parents, aunts and uncles, and cousins David and Dick Gibbons. 

A true storyteller, George loved to know people’s stories and would spin a yarn to any captive ear.  

Born in Kaslo, B.C., the only child of Bernard “Buzz” and Doreen Harrison, George grew up in Riondel, B.C., until age 11, then moved to Port McNeill and became the first valedictorian of North Island Secondary School. The early years saw him, and Bobbie raise their family in some of B.C.’s smallest and most unique resource towns. 

George had sap in his veins and a love for being in the woods that never waned. He started logging as a teenager on the west coast, working in Port McNeill, Holberg, Zeballos, and Sewell Inlet. At 38, he went back to school at BCIT and started a new career sawmilling in Merritt and Kamloops. His last 18 years were spent brokering logs as the owner of Thompson Okanagan Log and Lumber. He was a true lumberjack with an unmatched love of the forest industry. He took great pride in every phase of his career and enjoyed the many people he worked with. George believed he could log anything with a Volkswagen and a piece of straw line. 

He was known for his love of music, woodworking, and his garden. After he retired his drumsticks playing music with Norm Jones and the Hat Trick Band, he was often found tapping his foot to live music. He was a master gardener producing an annual harvest that he loved to share and enjoyed experimenting with new species and techniques. George inherited a knack for woodworking from his dad, spending countless hours in his workshop crafting wooden hearts, whirligigs, and beautiful furniture, including a family table for each of his kids.  

One of George’s favourite pastimes was watching and talking hockey. Although a long-time Canucks season ticket holder, his favourite teams were the ones his kids and grandkids played on. The Kelowna Rockets, U of S Huskies, Saskatoon Minor Hockey teams, and the Red Deer Rebels were dear to his heart. In George’s last year, he and Bobbie journeyed to Czechia/Slovakia with Robbie and Elizabeth to cheer on Ollie playing hockey for Team Canada. 

Above all else, George cherished his family. They were his greatest source of pride, and everyone knew it. He talked fondly of his and Bobbie’s small-town years and their trips to Europe. George had a small extended family but remained close with his Harrison and Long cousins. He had a soft spot for his “blondes”, dogs, Tsuga, Ginger, Bella and Duke, and grand-dogs Paisley and Tilley.  

His greatest legacy is the strong work ethic, pride in a job well done, and spirit of generosity he left his kids. Over the years, George quietly supported the Blue House Recovery Society, Out of the Cold Shelter, Meals for Truck Drivers, and many minor lacrosse and hockey teams. Instead of flowers, please consider donating to a cause near to your heart. 

George’s time was far too short and there were many stories yet to tell. We will celebrate his life on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Kia Lounge in the Sandman Centre Arena in Kamloops, B.C. Please join us in raising a toast to George, wishing him unlimited access to the best hockey seats in the house, a bountiful summer harvest, and a community of people who have yet to experience “the world according to George.” 

 Rest in peace George/Dad/Grandpa. We love you. 

You may offer a message of condolence at Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services for the Harrison family. 

• Date : 2024-04-24
• Location : Kamloops