It is with great sadness that we announce that on October 23rd, 2025, Gary William George, son of William and Beryl, passed away surrounded by his loving family at the young age of 67 years old.
Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Aurora (née Di Matteo); his children, Meghan (Taylor) and Ryan (Mélissa); and his cherished grandchildren, Lilianna, William, and Gemma. He also leaves behind his sisters Nancy, Gail and Donna, as well as many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Throughout his life, Gary was defined by his unwavering love for family, his zest for life, and his enduring friendships.
During his career as the editor-in-chief of Our Canada magazine, he helped give a voice to thousands of Canadians by sharing their stories with love, respect and care.
He treasured quality time at the cottage with loved ones, taking great care of his pets, and long motorcycle rides on his beloved Suzuki Bandit.
Above all, Gary was a devoted husband and a dedicated father and baba, having built a strong, supportive family founded on love. His sense of integrity—always doing the right thing—his loyalty, wit, and sense of humor touched everyone he met. His lifelong friendships, cultivated over decades, are a testament to his genuine and caring nature.
Gary will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the love, laughter, and light he brought into our lives.
As per his wishes, a celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Saturday, November 15th at 9:00am at White & Sons Funeral Home (3555 Rue Metcalfe, Rawdon, QC.)
This will be followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church (3759 Rue Queen, Rawdon, QC) after which there will be a reception at the Royal Canadian Legion (3604 Rue Albert, Rawdon, QC.) at 12:15 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gary’s favorite organization—the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Canada.
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Our heartfelt condolences to the family. We are very sorry for your loss.
Carmelo and Suzanne – November 14, 2025 7:27 PM
I will cherish the memories of all the years I spent working with Gary amongst the great Our Canada team. Brigitte joins me in offering our deepest condolences to Aurora and her clan, of whom Gary was so proud. Bye, bye boss, repose en paix!
Robert Bigras – November 14, 2025 4:08 PM
Je connais Gary depuis seulement quelques années soit depuis que ma fille Mélissa a rejoins la famille George. J’ai été un membre actif de l’équipe de soignants au cours de sa récente et fulminante maladie. Je reconnais en lui une personne entière, attachante et d’accès facile. Dans l’adversité il a su garder le moral et un sens de l’humour déconcertant par moment. J’espère avoir pu l’aider et être d’un bon support dans sa maladie et auprès de sa douce Aurora. J’aurais aimé comme soignant lui donner plus de temps mais la vie en a décidé autrement. Qu’il repose en paix. Mes plus profondes sympathies et condoléances à Aurora, Maghan (Taylor, Iilianna et William, Ryan (Melissa-Gemma) et toute sa famille et ses amis. Courage à vous tous dans cette épreuve.
Bruno Paradis – November 14, 2025 12:17 PM
I worked for Reader's Digest, and a very brief time on Our Canada (!) with Gary. He was so great and easy to work with, but especially always friendly and good for a laugh around the office. My deepest condolences to Aurora and his family <3
Danielle Sayer – November 13, 2025 11:34 AM
My deepest condolences to you Aurora, Meghan and Ryan. I still can't believe he's gone. What amazing memories he has left us with! I was reading Mary and Ron's words and yes the historic city house where many awesome parties were held while Gary's folks were in Rawdon at their beloved country cabin. Then it was us, the gang all grown up, that had many wonderful Labor Day corn roasts. Unforgettable memories indeed to cherish in our hearts forever. May he rest in peace our dear GWG ❤
Céline Pitre – November 12, 2025 6:30 PM
To the family : it is a struggle to find the proper words. We surrender to the memory and the legacy of kindness and love, something to cherrish and live by. Our deepest condolences.
Paolo & Sandro – November 11, 2025 12:46 PM
So saddened to find out about your terrible loss. May God grant you comfort and peace as you grieve the loss of your beloved husband, father and grandfather. His spirit will live on in those who loved him. May the beautiful memories you shared with him give you the courage and gratitude needed in this time of mourning. Our condolences.
Ada and Carmine Pagnotta – November 10, 2025 1:24 PM
I'm so sorry to hear of Gary's passing, way too soon. I worked with him at RD Canada; we had a mutual love for Our Canada, its always-interesting stories and photos, and its devoted contributors. Thanks to Gary's smarts and all-round good nature, this had to be the most beloved magazine in all corners of the country. What a legacy. My condolences to his family, and to his colleagues Maryanne and Robert. This is very sad.
Bonnie Munday – November 10, 2025 12:55 PM
Uncle Gary was always quick with a smile! I have many fond memories of time spent with him at family functions, parties and of course ...the lake. He will be missed.
Rachelle George-Bernard – November 9, 2025 8:18 PM
Uncle Gary was someone that always made you feel special. He was a giving, kind, hilarious and generous soul. It was always a highlight of family events to talk to him about literally anything. He was quick with wit and always had a joke on hand. He is deeply missed and his memory will live on in those that love him. Rest well Uncle Gary, your life was beautiful. We will see you again one day <3
Liz W – November 8, 2025 7:28 PM
I am so sorry to learn of Gary’s passing Gary and I worked at Reader’s Digest for several years He Was an amazing editor who was immensely passionate about his baby - Our Canada He gave a voice to thousands of Canadians coast to coast to talk about the country they , and Gary loved He and I shared a love for the Canadiens hockey team as well and I thoroughly enjoyed our discussions about their play I am very pleased to have known and worked with Gary May he rest in peace
Brian Kennedy – November 6, 2025 7:54 PM
I was shocked to see this sad news. I worked with Gary at Reader’s Digest for several years. I will always remember his smile and all the laughs. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace.
Zahra Young – November 6, 2025 6:14 PM
Chers Aurora, Meghan et Ryan, c’est avec une immense tristesse que j’ai appris le décès de Gary. Le départ d’un être aimé est toujours un déchirement. Je partage votre peine et je suis de tout coeur avec vous pendant ces moments douloureux. Recevez mes plus sincères condoléances.
Jeanne Buonvino – November 6, 2025 11:25 AM
To my "baby brother" Gary.... Forever in our hearts... Never to be forgotten...Till we meet again... RIP... Love You... Gail...♥️
Gail George – November 4, 2025 2:54 PM
To my " baby brother" Gary.....Always in our hearts, never to be forgotten , till we meet again... RIP... Love you bunches.... Gailo ♥️
Gail George – November 4, 2025 8:07 AM
Our condolence to the family, Gary was my good friend. In 1976, Gary asked me to go out West with him. We hitched hiked in south eastern BC and Alberta. Then reluctantly settled to worked in Calgary. Many fond memories from that time period. In our childhood he was the one to organize our various outdoor activities. We would play hockey at the Steinberg’s parking lot behind his historic family home. (For all his friends, his home was Historic).Our relationship grew stronger during our high school years, at the converted cheese factory, (JFK Annex). In grade 10, we moved into JFK’S main building. That is when I (Mary) came into the picture. Gary was there for me and our friends, during, our Right of Passage Years. Those years have been the most memorable as well as some of the best years of my life. I remember the Gang ( our life long friends) literally rolling up the area rug in Gary’s living room, pre party and madly cleaning up and airing out his house, post party, in time for his parents return from Rawdon. Gary made Lake Clear our adolescent haven. As adults, every Labour Day, year after year he brought us together, to celebrate. The laughs, parties and celebrations are Gary’s legacy. Always remembered and missed.
Ron Kibbe& Mary Spoto – November 3, 2025 3:03 PM
My fondest memories of Uncle Gary are from up at the lake. Our family loved a good sing-along and he knew how to get us up on our feet, singing and dancing. He had such a great sense of humour and had these quick witted jokes. Rest in peace Uncle Gary. I know you’re up there with the rest of the family, singing and dancing. You will be forever missed.
Catherine – November 2, 2025 3:34 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts that you can find comfort in your memories.
Shannon Davidson – October 31, 2025 1:56 PM
Je veux témoigner de mon immense compassion pour Aurora et toute la famille pour cette accablante perte. Je devine humblement combien cet être vous était cher. Mes pensées vous accompagnent dans ce cheminement douloureux.
Patricia Girouard – October 31, 2025 11:41 AM
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers be with you.
Sheri Kelly – October 31, 2025 7:56 AM
Our deepest condolences to the entire George family on the tragic passing of Gary. We are hoping that you find comfort in being together during this difficult time. May his memory and legacy be carried on through you all.
Dave & Gill Heuff – October 29, 2025 9:04 PM
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. I have such wonderful memories of the entire George family and how close to all were. My heart goes out to you all. Xox
Johanne Caden – October 29, 2025 9:42 AM
Î’m so sorry for your lost. My deepest condolences to the entire family.
Michèle Caden – October 29, 2025 8:30 AM
I loved his sense of humour always had a smile just an all around wonderful person loved having a few beers with him at hockey. My sincere condolences to his family and friends
Kevin Jones – October 28, 2025 8:00 PM
Aurora, Accept my deepest sympathies! Your loss is irreparable. May your heart find comfort with the memories you share with Gary. Rest in Paradise Gary 🌹
Gina Vincelli – October 28, 2025 12:13 PM
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Always enjoyed working with him and his gang st the Gazette. My heartfelt condolences to his family. I’ll remember him with a smile!
Kathryn Morris Trainor – October 27, 2025 10:32 PM
I worked at Reader’s Digest when Gary was editor of Our Canada. He was always quick with a joke and a kind word. I’m so very sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
John Montgomery – October 27, 2025 7:59 PM
Gary and I shared an office for several years. He was the best office mate you could ask for. He’s not forgotten, never will be. My deepest condolences to you, Aurora, your family, and Gary’s many friends.
Ann Devoe – October 27, 2025 5:55 PM
Gary and I shared an office for several years. He was the best office mate you could ask for. He’s not forgotten, never will be. My deepest condolences to you, Aurora, your family, and Gary’s many friends. ❤️
Ann Devoe – October 27, 2025 5:53 PM
As a French Canadian author and speaker, I have been a regular contributor to OUR CANADA since January 2020 till the last issue. Editor-in-Chief Gary George had such an open mind and a vivid curiosity. To his family, to his close colleague Marianne Gallagher and his Art Director Robert Bigras, my deepest condolences.
Hélène Jasmin – October 27, 2025 4:23 PM
Mate! That bike is costing me a fortune! But it’s okay, coz every day I get to sneak into the garage, pat the tank and speak with you. So many rides, so many great memories, so, so, so many laughs along the way. My world just got a little more dim, but that’s okay because wherever you are now just got a lot brighter. Gonna miss you more than words can say. Ride on, mate…ride on.
Mr. McDee – October 27, 2025 3:43 PM
Our deepest sympathies to Aurora and kids. Gary always had a smile and a wave whether walking by with the dog or sliding by on his bike . Gone too soon.
Tom Asbil & Judi MacGregor – October 27, 2025 3:29 PM
Aurora abbiamo di Gary un bellissimo ricordo qui a Milano. Persona empatica e affettuosa, ci mancherà😥 Ti siamo vicini in questo momento difficile, e sappi che potrai chiederci ogni aiuto, un grande, lungo abbraccio da Milano.
Gabriele Di Matteo Nicoletta Rocco Virginia – October 27, 2025 3:27 PM
John and I send our deepest condolences to Aurora and the whole family at this sudden and heartbreaking loss. Gary and I worked together for more than 15 years, over which time he was my boss, mentor and especially friend. I will miss him more than words can say. RIP boss. Maryanne
Maryanne Gallagher – October 27, 2025 12:03 PM
Gone too soon. My love, thoughts, and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Debbie Owens – October 27, 2025 11:00 AM
Gary is the best brother a girl could have. Always there to help with my water pump, shovel snow off my roof, bolster up my cottage, etc. etc. etc. Gary's MacGyver-ing techniques never failed, but he always said those standards were too high and he preferred Red Green's inventive use of duct tape. You will be missed by so many, Gary. Your spirit of love, adventure and generosity will live on in each of us. Godspeed.
Nancy Wilson – October 27, 2025 10:50 AM