George Alfred Puddifant passed away peacefully at home in Salmon Arm, BC, on Tuesday, November 11, 2014, at the age of 82 with his wife of 63 years, Edna, at his side. George was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on April 1, 1932.
George was married at 19 years of age to the love of his life, Edna Campbell, and moved to Ontario where George and Edna welcomed two of their five children, Linda and Carol. While living in Ontario George worked at the Steep Rock Iron Mines. When the mine shut down George moved his family back to his roots in Manitoba where the couple welcomed two more children, Bob and Judy. George first worked installing terrazzo flooring but being a very hard worker and dedicated to providing a good living for his family, then moved on to work for the federal penitentiary in Stony Mountain, Manitoba.
During this time George studied engineering by correspondence from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology where he earned his level 2 certification while working shift work and raising a young family. After several years at the Stony Mountain Penitentiary, George had the opportunity for promotion and he and Edna travelled by train with the kids to Abbotsford, BC, where George had a new employment opportunity at the Matsqui Penitentiary. They then welcomed their fifth child, daughter Kim. While living in Abbotsford, George was involved in the community by coaching hockey and baseball.
George was a wonderful man, a loving husband, dedicated and caring father, grandfather and friend and touched many hearts during his lifetime. He was always ready with a humourous story or two and loved being a part of a large family. He played many card games over the years with his children and grandchildren.
He will be deeply missed by his wife of 63 years, Edna, daughter Linda Peters (Henry), son Bob Puddifant (Barb), daughter Judy McCarthy (Grant) and daughter Kim Anderson (Mark). George was predeceased by his wonderful daughter, Carol DeVeer, in 2003. George is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Osteoporosis Society and/or the Osteoarthritis Society.