Obituary
On Tuesday, December 13, 2022, George Oliver Carlson of Edmonton passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family at the age of 93.
He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Sherry (Kevin), and stepsons, Jack (Laura) and Kevin (Joanne); 10 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of 33 years, Catherine; daughter, (Colleen); brother, (Gordon) and sister, (Joyce - unknown status); and his parents (Tena and Halvar).
George learned how to fend for himself through his entrepreneurial skills long before his 37 ½ year career with the Canadian National Railway as a Yardmaster and Switchman. George was a giver. He chose two hobbies in which to give of himself. These were finding, fixing, and distributing bikes to our family, the neighborhood, and community. The other was fixing broken hockey sticks. Rather than throw out broken sticks, George saw the value in fixing them, basically costing him his time but saving the senior players money in their pockets.
George was a couple of months short of being one of the oldest active hockey players in North America at the age of 86 – and playing (Goalie) up to 3 games a week! George never charged anyone for anything that he gave away. George had a special attribute of being able to communicate with children and pets. With everyone, he was a great listener, able to give sound advice when asked or just play with no purpose in mind. We have lost a true hero and champion of the people.
Memorial Donations may be made in George’s name to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories, 10430 61 Ave NW #306, Edmonton, AB T6H 2J3.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at the Royal Alex Hospital, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, CapitalCare Dickensfield, and CapitalCare Norwood CHOICE program for their care and compassion.
At George’s request, no public service has been arranged. While he touched so many lives, he wanted no fuss or mourning. His wishes were to quietly leave.
