WELLS, George Watson
August 23, 1918 ~ February 24, 2013
It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of George Watson Wells of Nanaimo, BC, February 24, 2013. After a brief illness, he passed away peacefully at
NRGH, with his family by his side.
George was born August 23, 1918 in Moosomin, Saskatchewan, the eldest son of Albert and Velma Wells. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to
many. He leaves behind to mourn his passing and miss him deeply, his loving wife of almost 65 years, Georgette (Jo) Wells; his daughter, Carolyn Mains; his daughter-in-law, Katherine Wells; his grandsons: Troy Wells (Jenny), Jason Wells (Dana) and Daniel Mains; his brother, Albert Wells (Agnes); and his sister, Elizabeth Clark. George was predeceased by his son, Danny Wells; his son-in-law, Craig
Mains; and sisters, Vera Meville (Rex) and Jean Pratt (Glynn).
George grew up on the family farm near Doonside, Saskatchewan and was a hard working prairie boy. He was a skilled trapper and the pristine pelts he provided to the
fur trading company were used in the coronation robe of George VI in 1937.
George found his calling as a young man in Canada’s armed services. A WWII veteran, he proudly served in the RCAF from 1941 to 1969 with the 418, 441, and 412 Squadrons as an aeroengine technician. After retiring from the military as a warrant officer and relocating from his final posting in Ottawa, Ontario to Nanaimo, BC, he worked as an engineer for BC Ferries from 1973 to 1983.
When not working, George was generous with his time and tirelessly helped family and friends. For many years he volunteered as a bartender at the Royal Canadian Legion 256 and the Royal Canadian Air Force Association. He faithfully sold poppies every year on the BC Ferries. George was also an avid gardener and was extremely proud of his tomato plants, his fruit trees, and although he never admitted it, we think he was trying to grow the world’s largest zuchinni. He enjoyed listening to classic country tunes and loved to dance. George was content and lived life to the fullest...the one and only regret he ever expressed was not having learned to play the guitar.
George approached everything he did with enthusiasm and positive energy but his passion was golf. He was an active member of the Nanaimo Golf Club for 39 years.
Up until the end of December, 2012 he was, at the age of 94, still golfi ng 18 holes 3 times a week. No matter what the weather, if the course was open, he was on it. His
enthusiasm for the game was immense, but he loved the comraderie on the course as much, if not more, than the game. For decades he was a familiar fi gure at the club
and when the news of ths passing became known, their flag was lowered to half staff to honour one of their longest standing and oldest members.
Friends of George are invited to join his family for an informal gathering on Thursday, February 28, 2013. The open house, in remembrance of George, will be held from 3:00 p.m. Until 6:00 p.m. in the main fl oor social lounge at The Beacon, 154 Promenade Drive.
Finally, the family would like to express their thanks to the caring nurses and doctors on the 5th floor at NRGH who treated George and all of us with kindness and compassion.