May 11, 2018
George Bennett Pickles passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, May 11, 2018 at 94 years of age.
Predeceased by his wife Hazel, son Joseph and brother Fred. He is survived by his sisters Vera and Carolyn (Brian); daughters Norma Bergmann (Claus) and Gail Pickles (Jimmy); grandchildren: Jennifer Pickles (John), Jeffery Pickles (Lisa), Tara Macnair (Clayton), Tyson Bergmann (Jenn) and Troy Bergmann (Amanda) and Andrew Eden (Veronica); 7 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
George was born in Yorkshire England in 1923. He left home at 17 to join the British Merchant Navy and served in it through the war years up until 1948 when he meet the love of his life Hazel in Montreal.
He left the sea to marry Hazel and started a new career in banking with the Bank of Montreal. He retired from the bank's Head Office in Toronto in 1987. They continued to live in Burlington, Ontario until he and Hazel moved to Port Alberni in 2006 where they thoroughly enjoyed their remaining years. George will be remembered by many as a kind and giving person.
A Celebration of Life will be planned for later this summer. Stories and condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.chapelofmemories.ca. If desired donations in George's memory may be made to the West Coast General Hospital Foundation, 3949 Port Alberni Highway, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 4S1.