George Stewart Vineyard
July 11, 1931 to February 4, 2016

George was the beloved husband of Betty (Elizabeth) Vineyard and cherished father of Wendy (John Mason), Judy and Mitchell (Brigid Rivoire). He was the devoted Grampa of Jackson Strobel and Chelsea and Katrina Vineyard; also much loved by Janet Johnston-Vineyard, mother of Chelsea and Katrina.

George was the son of Albert Lanning Vineyard (d. 1965) and Jessie Mitchell (d. 1976). He grew up on the family farm near Arborfield, Saskatchewan. George had eight siblings: Fern, Jim, Allan, Donald, Lorne, Lionel, Merle and Garth. As they grew older the Vineyard clan spread from Ontario to B.C. In 1951 George left the farm and joined the RCMP. He served in Regina, Toronto, Sudbury, Manitoulin Island, Cornwall and Timmins. From July 1, 1963 to August 16, 1968, he was in charge of the RCMP detachment in Kirkland Lake. From there, with his growing family, George transferred to Ottawa. He completed his RCMP career in 1984, when he retired with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Family was most important to George, which was why he and the young Vineyard family made many memorable road trips across Canada to visit relatives.

Nature held a special place in George’s life. After years of family camping, one of his lasting joys was the Vineyard cottage that he built on Lac McFee, Quebec. There he shared his favourite pastimes with family and friends, soaking in the beauty of nature at its best. Lifetime memories were made during peaceful days on his pontoon boat, slowly motoring around the lake, and restful evenings sitting around the cottage campfire.

More recently, George faced the struggles of dealing with Lewy Body Dementia (a form of Parkinson’s). With the support of his loving family and friends, he spent his final months in the care of the wonderful staff on the 5th floor at The Glebe Centre, Ottawa.

George will be greatly missed by all who knew him and love him.