Born on March 6, 1939 – Passed away peaceful on March 30, 2016 at the age of 77, with family by his side. George will be lovingly remembered by his devoted and cherished wife Elisabeth, his hero, Scooter Dog, his children, Kelly Mann, Stephanie (Vincent) Arduini, Victor (Gina) Mann, Jane (John) Derry, Cheryl (John) Gagliano and Terry (Ingrun) Mann, his grandchildren, Brennan (Ming), Connor, Anica (Alex) and Anthony Arduini, Ronald, CJ (Darcy), Korey and Nicholas Mann, Marianna Gagliano, Ashlynn Bousquet, Krystal (Aaron) Webster, and his great grandchildren Kingston Douglas, Emma and Hannah Thiessen and Jack Webster.  Brothers-in-law Ted and John Woodrow. He will be dearly missed by many kinfolk in Alabama, as well as, friends and family throughout Canada and the USA. He was predeceased by his mother, father and sister, Willie-Mae, George Lee, and Donna Wright.

George Byron was born in Whistler, Alabama and grew up in the South. He married Mary Woodruff at the age of 18, and they had two daughters, Stephanie and Jane. In 1968 the family immigrated to Canada and settled in Kamloops, BC. In 1979 George married the love of his life and soul mate, Elisabeth (Liz) and was blessed with four step-children, Kelly, Victor, Cheryl and Terry.  Before moving back to Canada in 2013, George and Liz spent 19 years in Orange Beach, Alabama. George enjoyed daily walks to the beach with his little hero “Scooter Dog”. He loved to sit on the front porch, sip cold tea and watch the birds fly over.  Waving and saying hello to anyone that walked by. We all know, especially the staff at Ridgeview Lodge, that he was a true “Southern Gentleman”. His slow southern accent made him something special. “The Southern Gentleman doesn’t rush the world and the world knows not to rush the Southern Gentleman.”

George’s work career started as a GE appliance repair man in Mobile, Alabama. Soon after moving to Canada he joined the IBEW. He was a proud union member, even checking that his beer was union made. Anyone that was an electrician (or not) was quickly encouraged to sign up as a member. He worked at many job sites throughout Canada and the USA, his favorites were Mica Creek Dam, Revelstoke Dam, and the Tar Sands in Alberta. IBEW was one of his last memories to fade away.

George’s Alzheimer disease was confirmed in December 2013 and on December 31, 2014, he moved into Ridgeview Lodge, Kamloops, BC. Our family was blessed beyond words to have such a caring and loving staff spend the last year of his life with him.  You are all truly “Caring Angels”. Thank-you from the bottom of our hearts. He loved Y’all! He will live on in the memories of many, especially his sweet sayings, “Everything is Relative” “Tickety Boo” or “Hey Good Lookin’. We will never forget that sweet chuckle, loving smile and famous handlebar moustache that he wore so proudly!

George/Dad, you were so brave to endure what you did.  You deserve to rest in peace now.  We love you and know we will see you again someday.  Watch over us now as we have done for you. In lieu of flowers, should family or friends desire, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Kamloops, BC or the Recreation Department of Ridgeview Lodge, 920 Desmond St., Kamloops, BC in memory of George Snyder would be greatly appreciated.

Memorial service will be held at the Kamloops Community Church, Salvation Army, 344 Poplar St., Kamloops, BC on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 11:00 am.

• Date : 2016-03-30
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.