Bernard “George” Harrison
April 24, 2024
In Loving Memory
Bernard “George” Harrison
Bernard “George” Harrison was a husband of 50 years to Bobbie, proud father to Katie [Grant] Hamilton, Bruce [Trina] Harrison, and Mary-Beth Harrison, and grandpa to Ollie, Elle, Bria, Robbie, Elizabeth, William, and Tavares. George passed at the young age of 73 in Kamloops, BC, on April 24, 2024, surrounded by his family. George is now able to reconnect with his parents, aunts and uncles, and cousins David and Dick Gibbons.
A true storyteller, George loved to know people’s stories and would spin a yarn to any captive ear.
Born in Kaslo, BC, the only child of Bernard “Buzz” and Doreen Harrison, George grew up in Riondel, BC, until age 11, then moved to Port McNeill and became the first valedictorian of North Island Secondary School. The early years saw him, and Bobbie raise their family in some of BC’s smallest and most unique resource towns.
George had sap in his veins and a love for being in the woods that never waned. He started logging as a teenager on the west coast, working in Port McNeill, Holberg, Zeballos, and Sewell Inlet. At 38, he went back to school at BCIT and started a new career sawmilling in Merritt and Kamloops. His last 18 years were spent brokering logs as the owner of Thompson Okanagan Log and Lumber. He was a true lumberjack with an unmatched love of the forest industry. He took great pride in every phase of his career and enjoyed the many people he worked with. George believed he could log anything with a Volkswagen and a piece of straw line.
He was known for his love of music, woodworking, and his garden. After he retired his drumsticks playing music with Norm Jones and the Hat Trick Band, he was often found tapping his foot to live music. He was a master gardener producing an annual harvest that he loved to share and enjoyed experimenting with new species and techniques. George inherited a knack for woodworking from his dad, spending countless hours in his workshop crafting wooden hearts, whirligigs, and beautiful furniture, including a family table for each of his kids.
One of George’s favourite pastimes was watching and talking hockey. Although a long-time Canucks season ticket holder, his favourite teams were the ones his kids and grandkids played on. The Kelowna Rockets, U of S Huskies, Saskatoon Minor Hockey teams, and the Red Deer Rebels were dear to his heart. In George’s last year, he and Bobbie journeyed to Czechia/Slovakia with Robbie and Elizabeth to cheer on Ollie playing hockey for Team Canada.
Above all else, George cherished his family. They were his greatest source of pride, and everyone knew it. He talked fondly of his and Bobbie’s small-town years and their trips to Europe. George had a small extended family but remained close with his Harrison and Long cousins. He had a soft spot for his “blondes”, dogs, Tsuga, Ginger, Bella and Duke, and grand-dogs Paisley and Tilley.
His greatest legacy is the strong work ethic, pride in a job well done, and spirit of generosity he left his kids. Over the years, George quietly supported the Blue House Recovery Society, Out of the Cold Shelter, Meals for Truck Drivers, and many minor lacrosse and hockey teams. Instead of flowers, please consider donating to a cause near to your heart.
George’s time was far too short and there were many stories yet to tell. We will celebrate his life on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Kia Lounge in the Sandman Centre Arena in Kamloops, BC. Please join us in raising a toast to George, wishing him unlimited access to the best hockey seats in the house, a bountiful summer harvest, and a community of people who have yet to experience “the world according to George.”
Rest in peace George/Dad/Grandpa. We love you.
Arrangements entrusted to
Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-554-2324
Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services:
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Comments: 20
He was the most amazing person kind caring also a neighbour just down the street from me. He had a wealth of knowledge George you will be so missed. Now you have the seat for all those games❤️
Hi. I,m so sorry for your loss. I,ve known George a long time. We both grew up in Riondel and we both ended up in Port McNeill. I knew Bobbi too. I now live in Coombs . I lost my hubby 8 yrs ago, so Bobbi take care. All the best. GERRY
My sincere condolence to My dear friend Katie and her mum Bobbie and all the family. Please know that I am thinking of you at this very sad time. With love. Teresa
My condolences to all the Harrison family. What a great obituary. Sounds like he had a good life filled with blessings and surrounded by love. Pauline & Paul
So sorry for your loss. He was such a nice man, he will be missed by you all and many others. Sending a big hug
Barry & Lonnie
I always loved spending time at the Harrison’s as a child. George was always able to get us full of good belly laughs and giggles. I never knew he was from kaslo, such a beautiful town. I can see where it would spark a love for the forest. Sending love ❤️.
So sad to lose my dear friend George. I have many fond memories of our sons playing hockey together and all of the family interactions we shared during that phase of our lives.
George always made sure to get me out to some Canucks games, shared his interesting pieces of wood for my shop and offered many valuable gardening tips.
I will miss our great conversations and stories about our families.
My thoughts go out to his lovely family. Lean on each other and keep doing the things that made him so proud of you.
Go Canucks Go
Always my kid brother. We lived life in the best of times. When we were Kings.
It seems unreal that the energy of George is now somewhere else. It was a pleasure to know him way back in the Uvic days. He was a good friend and fun to be with. Later on, meeting his sweetheart Bobbi and his children, that was a lovely connection too. Messaging about sweet potatoes, hockey and kids was just great and I’m so sorry that connection has been severed. What a horrible shock for all of the family. We send our sincere condolences at this sad loss. Big hugs to all. ❤️
So sorry for your loss Bobbie.
We enjoyed our chats with George , he was a wonderful man. Hugs to you and your family 💐
George will be missed by all who knew him. It is hard to express how deeply sorry we are,our time that we spent with George was precious to us. We met George and Bobbie in Sewell Inlet and just enjoyed there company and were so was sorry to see them move, but we also ended up in Port McNeil so we were able to stay in touch. Our Condolences 💐 to all the family.
I am sad for your loss. I think of you often and hope you can get comfortable as time goes on. It was wonderful to see all of you in William’s facetime. Laughing and crying in the same conversation.
Bobbie,
My Deepest Condolences to you and your family.
Love, Carol Frederick
So sad that George has passed away. We had many many emails back and forth on our quest to solve the mysteries of the Longs family tree! I smile when I think of him and so glad to have known him. George was such a decent kind man to everyone.
Thinking of all his lovely family who he loved so much.
George, I am waiting for you to pass me some information on those puzzles we pondered now that you are with your mom. Mel in Cork ireland Xx
Bobbi and family. George was my favourite contractor that came into forestry. We had lots of conversations and a big topic was always you and the kids. He was so proud of you all. My last conversation with him was just in March where he indicated he was sick but our conversation was cut short. I so regret not making contact with him again. I will miss him. He was a very respectful kind man. He was thought highly of at Forestry. 🤗
Bobbie my deepest condolences to you and your family. My heart goes out to you during this most difficult time. Take Care…Shirley Dick
Bobbie and family,
We were shocked and saddened to recently hear of George’s passing. We remember him as a kind, caring and interesting person. We have fond memories of enjoying his company during minor hockey events, so many years ago. In more recent years, it was a pleasure when on the odd occasion we encountered him in Kamloops. He was one of those people who, if you noticed from a distance, you would make an effort to ensure your paths crossed in order to enjoy a catch-up chat.
Our sincere condolences for your loss.
I had many one on one chats With George while seeding, a few logging roads and gardening with him. He is someone I greatly looked up To and admired i would always Help prep his gardenl Exactly how he wanted it And would give him my best effort I recently went on a Long road trip And found myself Going over Conversations And moments often. He is definitely being Missed By me.rest in peace george and my condolences to the family
George, there are many loggers there including mine sharing stories with you. Keep sharing and we’ll keep remembering along with you.
How sweet it was to see your devoted family planting your garden and sharing it with us on FB.
You can rest easy knowing your family will live cherishing the life you and Bobbie spent 50 years building for them.
💐♥️♥️
We have such fond memories of your time spent in Sewell. We still smile at the fact that George wasn’t that fond of blood! Being the first aid guy he handled things well, especially with John’s big cut. Loved following your lives through George’s Facebook page. You will hear amazing stories as you celebrate his life. Sorry we can’t attend. The Kelties.