Geoffrey Philip Tourond
July 4, 1950 – September 22, 2014
“Courage at the Heart”
It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and son, Geoffrey Philip Tourond, on September 22, 2014, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Geoff is survived by his wife Lynne, children Michael (Jada), Alicia, Dianna (Geordie), grandchildren Tyler, Gage, Kashai, Julia, Aiden, Faith and Bella, sisters Jacqueline Guest and Jocelyn Tourond and mother-in-law Kathleen Phillips.
Geoff was born July 4, 1950 in Turner Valley, Alberta. He and Lynne were high school sweethearts and married in February 1972. Geoff joined the RCMP in 1970, and was awarded the Commissioner’s Commendation in 1971 for ‘extreme courage and tenacity in subduing his assailant after being seriously wounded by gunfire near Clinton, BC.” He received other commendations during his career including two Commanding Officer’s Commendations while he was stationed in Nanaimo, as well as the Queen’s Jubilee Medal. He was stationed in Kamloops, Clinton, Kelowna, Revelstoke, and Salmon Arm before settling in Nanaimo. Following his career in the RCMP, Geoff continued to be involved in law enforcement as a parole officer and then as Loss Prevention Manager for Walmart and the Bay. His strong work ethic and sense of humour made him a valued colleague.
Prior to joining the RCMP, Geoff was active in his school and community, serving as President of the Student’s Council and achieving the rank of 2nd Lieutenant – Calgary Highlanders Militia. In later years, he continued to be involved in the community, coaching amateur sports, and as Chairman of the Shuswap Youth Centre, Shuswap Employment Outreach Society, and a Director on the board of the Nanaimo Crisis and Intervention Society. A highlight of his life was being chosen to run with the Olympic Torch in 2010. His family was all there to cheer him on and it was a memorable day for us all.
Geoff’s other interests included competitive racquetball, at one point ranking in the top 50 in BC and achieving a bronze medal at the World Police and Fire Games. He also enjoyed nature photography and always carried his camera on our many hikes and holidays to such places as Hawaii and Costa Rica, recording memories that his family can continue to enjoy. He was proud of his Metis heritage and travelled to Saskatchewan several years ago to trace his family history relating to the “Battle of Tourond Coulee” near Batoche, where his family played a significant role. Family was important to Geoff and he was very proud of his three children and the courage they have all shown in facing the challenges in their own lives. He had a special relationship with his grandchildren who all remember the fun of playing with Grandpa.
A Celebration of Life was held on September 29 at Telford’s Funeral Chapel, followed by interment in the ‘Field of Honour’ at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens. Donations in memory of Geoff may be made to the Palliative Care Unit at NRGH (where Geoff and his family received such loving care from an extraordinary team of nurses), or to a charity of your choice.