George was born in Wonseradeel, Holland on February 2, 1926. As a young man he served his country after WWII for 4 years in Indonesia. After returning he took up a trade as a gas and steamfitter which he worked in for many years in Holland and Canada.
George moved to Amsterdam and met the love of his life Anna Groot. They were married on May 20, 1953 and spent 56 wonderful years together before Anna passed away in 2009. Their deep and abiding love for each other has been an inspiration to us all. Together they had two children before moving to Calgary, AB in 1957. They had four more children in Canada to complete the family.
On a family vacation in 1967 they came to Nelson and knew this is where they wanted to live. With six children in tow, the family moved to Nelson BC in 1968. They had a dream of growing plants and flowers and together they founded and established a family business called Georama; the name meaning a “beautiful vision of the earth”. After 20 successful years working as a family, George retired in 1990 and settled into a happy retirement travelling with Anna, woodworking, growing a vegetable garden and maintaining the lawns.
George and Anna were active in their community and their generosity helped many people succeed. Dad was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and Mom was a member of the Catholic Women’s League and members of the Cathedral of Mary Immaculate where they practiced their faith. Most of all, they always had the time to patiently watch over their family whenever they needed guidance and help. Dad had a gentle nature, great wisdom and incredible devotion to his family. Mom was outgoing, loved her flower shop, her customers and employees became part of her extended family. Her favorite time was relaxing in her garden or her kitchen with her children and grandchildren around her
Anna and George are survived by six children, Marianne, Case, Simon, George, Wilma and David; thirteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren; daughters and son-in-laws and many nieces and nephews.