George Michael Harty
September 16, 1928 - July 24, 2026
In Loving Memory
George Michael Harty
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George Michael Harty on July 24, 2026, in Armstrong, BC.
George was born on September 16, 1928, in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan. When George was a teenager, him and his two close friends jumped on a train and ventured from Saskatchewan to British Columbia to seek their fortunes. On his adventures, he worked a variety of labour jobs, including hard rock gold mining, logging, sawmills, and eventually pile driving.
In his 20s, he met and married Freida and welcomed her three children as part of his family. Their life together soon grew even busier with the birth of twin boys, Mike and John. With Freida and the kids at home in Pitt Meadows, George continued to work out of town as a pile driver, though always cherished his time home teaching the kids, and eventually grandkids, to hunt and fish.
George and Freida retired to a small farm in Meldrum Creek, which they called home for almost 20 years where they raised prized cattle, and George continued to hunt, fish, and garden. They found that life in Meldrum Creek was becoming difficult as they got older, so they then moved to Armstrong where George spent his final years living in comfort and peace surrounded by many loving family members.
George was a proud member of Local Union 2404, and remained in good standing, with dues paid right up until his passing. Throughout his career, George worked on many projects across British Columbia. He always had interesting stories to tell while driving around the province, pointing out bridges and other infrastructure that he helped build. One of his most memorable projects was working on a wooden roller coaster at the PNE, as the carpenters were afraid to go that high. Geroge loved hockey and baseball and was a lifelong Boston Bruins fan.
He is survived by his two sons, John Harty (Pat) and Mike Harty (Wanda); his stepson, James Cleave (Shirley); and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his wife, Freida Harty; stepson, Ron Cleave; and stepdaughter, Patricia Retzlaff.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday August 28, 2026, at Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services – 2980 Smith Drive Armstrong, British Columbia. The reception will then be held at 12:00 pm at Armstrong Memorial Park – 3285 Pleasant Valley Road Armstrong, British Columbia.
Arrangements entrusted to
Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-546-7237
Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services:
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Comments: 1
We send our deep condolences to all George’s family.
Uncle George was always kind and supportive to me. As a teenager, when I played baseball, Uncle George would be in the stands watching. That always made me feel good, that he took time to come and watch the game. He was the only family member who ever attended.
Later, I worked with George pile driving. On one job we were decking a scow, and George had brought a radio to the job and we all enjoyed listening to the World Series. Just one of many fond memories.
When we lived in Williams Lake, we visited George & Freida at their home in Meldrum Creek and enjoyed their wonderful hospitality. They certainly made us feel very welcome. George was always a gentleman.
We would love to attend George’s service and say farewell to an Uncle who I had much respect for, and who will always be fondly remembered. However, my physical condition makes this impossible.
Our hearts are with you at this sad time.
Sincerely,
Gordon & Dot Harty
Victoria, BC.