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George Ellis

George Ellis

April 28, 2020

George Ellis
Lavern George Ellis, formerly of Mount Forest, passed away at McVean Lodge, Hanover on Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 in his 92nd year.  Beloved husband of the late Gladys (nee Morrison).  Loving father of Verdon Ellis and his wife Catherine, Cheryl Snyder, and Connie Capling and her husband Stephen.  Father-in-law of Rick Thomson.  Cherished grandfather of Leslie Geddes, Ryan Ellis, Ben Thomson, Andrea Goren, Kyle Arnold, Kaitlyn Arnold and great-grandfather of Adrian Geddes, Nathan Geddes, Oliver Goren, and Vivian Thomson. Dear brother of Meryl Hincks.  Predeceased by his daughter Judy Thomson, his son-in-law Paul Snyder, by his sisters Margaret Adams and Ina Doyle, and by his companion and close friend Della Ellis.   At an early age, George developed what would be a life-long passion for music and became well versed in playing the violin, saxophone, banjo and piano and played in a band known as “The Melody Four” performing for audiences in local dance halls with his wife Gladys.  His love of music led him to join the Mount Forest Harmonaires Barbershop, competing in Ontario District Barbershop Harmony Society events, as well as singing in the Mount Forest United Church Choir.  Upon retirement, George and Gladys were active snowbirds who headed south each winter to enjoy the Sunshine in Florida.  George was also an avid fisherman, loved to watch baseball cheering on the Blue Jays, and spending time with his family playing card games.  As a farmer, George knew how to swing a hammer and learned to fix anything which established another love; a hobby in the art of woodworking. There was no project too big or small that his table saw couldn’t handle resulting in the creation of numerous cherished family heirlooms. Cremation has taken place.  A private family service will be held with interment of cremated remains at Mount Forest Cemetery.  As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.  Arrangements entrusted to the England Funeral Home, Mount Forest.

Condolences

Sorry to hear about Georges passing. Both of our families were close, true family friends. Nothing George and my Dad Charles enjoyed more the then beating Gladys and my Mom Vi at a game or euchre. We all miss the simpler times were homes and meals were shared and smiles and laughter were a daily thing. Remembering the Past for all it's good times. My condolences to the family.

— John Ventham, June 23, 2020

Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. We all have precious memories of Uncle George. We have numerous pictures of the band that Uncle George, Aunt Gladys, our Uncle Willis and our Dad played in together at Community Halls, many years ago. Many memories of being at the Ellis' farm, Christmas gatherings, weddings, his saxophone playing and the very special visit that Uncle George and Aunt Merle had with our Mom and Dad shortly before our Mom passed away in 2015. Our Mom was so glad that Uncle Ken drove them to see her that day because she thought that she would never see them again. Our deepest sympathy to your family. The Doyle Family

— Lori Zimmerman, May 21, 2020

Dear Verdon and Cathy so sorry to hear of you Fathers passing . Was at the farm only once and that was a long walk from Mount Forest to Conn ( eh Cathy) our sincere condolences Deb (Truax) and Frank van den Broek

— Deb van den Broek, May 10, 2020

I am sorry to hear of George's passing. He and Gladys and family were highly respected by my parents Jim and Josie Feairs of Cedarville. In the late 1960's beginning at age 15 through high school, I began to play with George's "Melody Four" dance band - at the time, Willis Doyle, violin, Alma Townsend, piano, George on alto sax, and myself - apparently the only guitarist around, and younger than the rest by a generation. We played hundreds of local events at all available locations; Legions, Foresters, Lion's clubs; Watra Lodge; Colbeck hall; Grand Valley Library and arena. George kept a repertoire that ranged from current country and popular songs, to swing, two step, waltz, and schottische. There was always a caller to call out for the inevitable square dances, when Willis's fiddle and Alma's piano would get everyone up and moving. I got five dollars a night, and all the sandwiches I could eat when we broke at midnight. George got a dollar more for gas. Looking back, I realize that the music and the dance were a deep and lively part of the life of every community we played in. I add my thanks to everyone else's, for George's faithful, talented, well-lived life. -Rev. Jim Feairs. (United Church, Ret'd.)

— Jim Feairs, May 10, 2020

Sad to hear of the passing of another former barbershopper who was a great member who organized Harmonizer music sheets for years. Condolences to your family.

— Hugh Perrin, May 7, 2020

The Ellis Family - Verdon, Cheryl, Connie and families, we were so sorry to hear of Uncle George passing. Life is very different and difficult right now, and does not allow us to share in your loss in the usual way. We do however still have good memories of times spent with your family. At this time of sorrow may you all find some comfort and strength and know that there are others who care about your loss and are thinking of you. Deepest sympathies, the Thornton family Gail, Rick, Faye, Nadine, Randy and families. Cousin Grace Nellis also sends her deepest regards.

— Gail Howden, May 5, 2020

Verdon & Cathy, Cheryl, Connie and Families We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time, when you cannot even get together with Family & Friends. Mom was sad to hear her brother had passed, but we know he is safe and resting in peace. We will always remember our Uncle George playing the saxophone on our Wedding Day (way back when) Your Dad gave our special day just an extra special touch, that will always live on in our hearts. Sending a virtual hug to all of you. Take care and stay safe Love, Heather, Jim, Brandon & Brianna xoxo

— Heather & Jim Scott, May 4, 2020

Dear Connie, Just wanted to let you know how sad we were to hear of the passing of your Dad. Both your Mom and Dad were such great people and we have nice memories of hanging out with you at home with them throughout our high school years. During our married years, we continued to have the pleasure of speaking with them whenever we saw them at some function in Mount Forest. Lovely, lovely, people. You must miss them very much. It's awful that we can't see you during this difficult time in your life, but covid-19 seems to still be ruling the roost. Hopefully, there will come a time very soon when we can meet and I can give you the hug I am aching to give you. Take care of yourself and your family (your kids must be all grown up now!). Can't wait to reconnect. Love Mark and Cindy.

— Mark and Cindy Aitken, May 4, 2020

George came into our lives after my Dad passed away. Della and George enjoyed many years of companionship, they enjoyed going for drives, camping in Wiarton, eating out at many restaurants, trips to the casino and were wonderful company for each other. They travelled to Ottawa with our family to my Brother Don’s daughter’s wedding and spent many Easter, Thanksgiving and birthday celebrations with our family. George enjoyed all the dogs in our family, our daughters both have dogs and George was always delighted to see all of them. Our grandchildren got to know George and knew if Grandma visited, George would be along. When they moved from their condos to Hanover Care we often brought both of them out for supper, a visit and sometimes a boat ride. When I visited Mom I always brought George a coffee as well, after Mom passed away 3 years ago I still visited George with coffee and goodies. I had not seen George since January and in the last while he did not know who I was, I will miss our visits. He was a wonderful gentleman and became part of our family. We will all miss him. Adell & Jim Switzer

— Adell & Jim Switzer, May 2, 2020

Sincere Sympathy to Verdon, Cheryl, Connie & families on the passing of Uncle George. Love Betty Lou & Allen; Kristy, Tom & Jesse; Allison, Brent & Claire.

— Betty Lou Kirkpatrick, May 1, 2020

My sincere condolences to all of your family at this difficult time. Although I have not seen your family in many years, I fondly remember sharing church and Sunday School with you. (And the Keith /Hattle Reunions.) May you remember the special family times that you enjoyed together. Regards, Beverly Keith-Taylor

— Beverly Keith-Taylor, May 1, 2020

Verdon, Cheryl, Connie & families, We were sorry to hear about Uncle George's passing and appreciate Verdon calling to let us know. Uncle George and Aunt Gladys endeared themselves to their extended family and also to so many friends in Mount Forest where they resided most of their lives. Uncle George completed the bedroom and bathroom downstairs in our Waterloo Street house with his perfection carpentry skills and Aunt Gladys was always welcoming at family functions with her outstanding cooking, a specialty with her pineapple tarts and offers to dinner at their Princess Street home. They are both going to be sadly missed. Keep in contact and we will too. Take care, Bruce, Paula, Justin & Amanda.

— Bruce & Paula Ghent, April 30, 2020

We have many good memories of Uncle George and Aunt Gladys, singing with them in the Mount Forest United Church Senior Choir, as well as in the Mount Forest Barbershoppers. Uncle George was the best saxophone player around, and we appreciated the beautiful music he made so much, we had him play at our wedding 35+ years ago. Our condolences to all the family and wish we could be there to help support you in your grief. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. He will be missed dearly, but we all have so many good memories of the kind, gentle and happy man he was. Take care of one another. Love, Paul, Cheryl, Adam & Callee, Amanda & Adam. xoxoxo

— Paul & Cheryl Hincks, April 30, 2020

I'm sad to learn of George's passing. In this small town, I lost touch with him, but spent many a coffee break with him, at work. He was a quiet gentle man, and we shared some amusing times. It was my pleasure to have known him. Jan Lemon

— Jan Lemon, April 29, 2020

My sincere sympathy to George's family.He and Gladys were valued members of our choir and I loved it the days that George would play his saxophone for us. With good memories, Dorothy Brown.

— Dorothy Brown, April 29, 2020




Contact Info

294 Main Street South
P.O. Box 38, Mount Forest
Ontario, Canada N0G 2L0
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