Obituary - George Thacker
George Thacker
1920 - 2019
George Thacker of Bow Island, passed away peacefully at the Bow Island Health Centre on Sunday, December 15, 2019, at the age of 99 years. He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Florence Thacker (nee Heck); six children, Lynn (Ute), Jan (Meryl) Goodfellow, Jim (Dalyce), Dale (Natalie), Diane (Tim) Main and Richard as well as two sisters, Ivy Corns and Clara Fraser. Over the years, George and Florence became the proud grandparents of 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. In 1919, George’s parents, Herb and Clara Thacker, immigrated to the Bow Island area from Staffordshire, England. They arrived with his older brothers, Joe and Herb. George was their first child born in Canada in 1920, followed by sisters, Ivy, Elsie and Clara. Coming from a coal-mining background, the entire family embraced farming as their new way of life. George and Florence grew their dry land farming operation substantially before irrigation moved into their area. Resisting the flood irrigation methods of the day, George, Joe, Herb and the Campbell brothers of Burdett introduced pivot irrigation into Western Canada in the early 1960’s. George loved to acquire knowledge and was an avid reader. He had an amazing memory and was a true historian regarding matters in the Bow Island area, as well as many other topics. George was a critical thinker and a problem solver with the ability to look ‘outside of the box’. His sons would often seek his opinion on important farming matters right up to the end. His input was always well thought out and valued. George contributed to public life in his community. In the 1950’s, he helped organize and build the Bow Island hockey arena and curling rink which are still in use today. A few decades later, he was instrumental in upgrading the local golf course to grass greens and irrigated fairways. He served as president of the local Chamber of Commerce as well as taking a run at the candidacy for the Federal Conservative Party in the 1970’s. It was probably fortunate that he narrowly lost, for the glacial pace in Ottawa would have frustrated his “let’s get it done” attitude. In his retirement years, George amazed us by producing some unusually large artistic ‘monuments’ that still stand today. He even built a time capsule commemorating the NWMP trek west, with help from local school children, intended to be opened in 2074. George enjoyed travelling in the latter half of his life, both with Florence and on his own. They travelled to Russia and Europe together for the ‘72 hockey series. They travelled extensively in North America and he later toured South America and Australia on his own. George and Florence spent 17 winters living in Arizona, which George credited to better health for them both. In his final years, he spent time in the Bow Island Lodge and Long Term Care where he was treated with dignity and respect. A celebration of George’s life will be held in the Burdett Community Hall, on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. A light luncheon will follow the ceremony. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be directed to either the Pleasant View Lodge c/o Auxiliary Comfort Fund, P.O. Bag 6700, Bow Island, Alberta, T0K 0G0 or the Bow Island & District Health Foundation c/o Long Term Care, Bow Island Health Centre, P.O. Bag 3990, Bow Island, Alberta, T0K 0G0.
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Chris and Bill:
Dec 18, 2019 at 12:32 PM
We are so sorry to hear of George's passing. He used to tell me about the homing pigeon races his father and my grandfather were part of before they left their town in England to come to Canada.
George had a good chuckle this past August at an ice cream social in the garden.... our little colt was quite at home among the residents and nibbled on George's slippers.
Fritz and Lisa Braat:
Dec 18, 2019 at 02:32 PM
We want to send our condolences to Florence and the whole family. What a wonderful life he lived and so knowledgeable if one took the time to listen you could always learn something new.
Take care all of you.
Fritz and Lisa
Lynne McClung:
Dec 19, 2019 at 12:23 PM
Sorry to hear of you dad's passing. He loved life and knowledge! I enjoyed the chats we would sometimes have when I went to clean the house. May you find strength and comfort in family and in all the memories you have.
Darren and Alanna Johnson:
Dec 20, 2019 at 12:44 AM
Our deepest sympathies to all the Thacker families.
Brian Kerner:
Dec 27, 2019 at 05:48 PM
So sorry to hear of Georges passing. My condolences to the whole Thacker family.
Brian &Pam Moen:
Jan 01, 2020 at 12:22 PM
Dear Florence and Families,
Sorry to hear of the passing of George. His art work in the area will continued to be enjoyed for years to come.
Sincerely,
Brian & Pam Moen
Anne Vanden Broek and family:
Jan 02, 2020 at 01:53 PM
Our condolences to Florence and the entire Thacker family. We have many fond memories of times spent together with George and Florence over the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of George.
Terry & Jacquie Doran:
Jan 02, 2020 at 05:49 PM
To George’s Family.
Our sympathy to you all with the loss of George. He had a long life, very well lived. We always enjoyed our conversations with him over the many years. Keep your many good memories of him close to your heart. Take care......Terry & Jacquie
Allen and Arlene Wallwork:
Jan 03, 2020 at 10:13 AM
George was a man to be admired, our condolences to all the family.
Yolande Valiquette:
Jan 06, 2020 at 12:37 PM
My deepest sympathies to the Thacker Family and especially to Florence.
Finding out about the passing of George made me very sad. But it did bring back all the fine conversations about so many topics of interests. He shared his curiosity, his ability and knowledge in many fields. His enthusiasm for life was very stimulating. He was a good and fun father-in-law.
A long life well lived.
I will present in thoughts and prayers on January 18th.
Judi Ramsden (nee Heck) and family:
Jan 12, 2020 at 12:43 PM
Auntie Florence and family,
Our sincere sympathy to you all on the passing of Uncle George. Although it has been many years since I have seen Uncle George, I have many fond memories of being on the farm in Bow Island with all the Thacker family and then later when my family came to visit both Auntie Florence and Uncle George. I remember our children Chris, Peter and Katie having such a good time on the farm, so very different from living on the West Coast.
Alex & Irene Onody:
Jan 15, 2020 at 01:48 PM
Florence & Family:
We are so sorry to read of George's passing, our sincere condolences to the Thacker family. What a privilege it has been to have know such an interesting and "all around good fellow", always fun to visit with. May all your memories help you through the coming days and may God guide you through this sad time. He lived a long and fruitful life, you were so lucky as a family to have him for 99 years. We regret that we are unable to join you on Saturday, but will be with you in spirit.
Len Isley:
Jan 16, 2020 at 12:14 PM
I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to the Thacker family in Bow Island on the loos of their father. Always thinking of you on this occasion.
Trish Emerson:
Jan 16, 2020 at 01:06 PM
Dear Jim and Dalyce and Family,
Our sincere sympathy. We are thinking of you!
Love,
Barry and Trish
Mike and Caroline Duffy:
Jan 16, 2020 at 04:43 PM
Sincerest condolences to all the Thacker family.
Tom & Coreen:
Jan 16, 2020 at 11:39 PM
Sending sincere caring. condolences.Uncle George was a great brother, husband father & friend. So sorry we won’t be there..Hugs to all💞
Betty and Ray Hurt:
Jan 17, 2020 at 02:57 AM
Sincerest condolences to all the Thacker family.
Dianna Garrecht:
Jan 17, 2020 at 05:12 PM
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your dear husband, dad and grandpa. It is so difficult to say goodbye to someone who has been such an important part of our lives. George has left behind a beautiful legacy and will be deeply missed by his family, friends and community.
My sincere condolences.
Margaret Pescott (nee McCarten):
May 23, 2020 at 05:49 PM
I have many happy memories of time spent with George and family, growing up in Bow Island. I send my condolences and best wishes to all of you, Margaret Pescott (nee McCarten)