George William COCKBURN

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of George William Cockburn on June 1, 2021. George passed away at home in Gene’s arms after a short battle with cancer. He was a husband, father, grandfather (Pappa), brother, uncle, and friend.

George was born April 30, 1946 in Victoria, BC where he lived for many years before exploring the rest of BC. George traveled the province working many different jobs; carpenter, server, and miner before settling in Fernie where he remained, working at the coal mines in Sparwood until his retirement.

In December of 1975 he was married to the love of his life, caregiver and best friend, Genevieve (Turgeon) and in the following years they had two daughters, Vanessa and Tanya. George was always active in the girl’s lives, attending many sporting events and school activities. Some of his proudest moments were spent watching his girls get married and have families of their own. George had the great pleasure of getting to spend many fun and adventurous days with his grandchildren.

George was predeceased by his parents Nicholas and Mary (Atherton) Cockburn, sisters Hannah (Peewee) Sohye, and Phyllis (Abe) Beastall, and nieces Kathleen, Susan, and Martha.

George will be greatly missed by his family: his wife Gene; children Vanessa (Tony) and Tanya (Brad); grandchildren Jaxson (father Jeremy), Alexis, and Landon; step grandchildren Aiden and Sophie. He is also survived by Gene’s family: her parents Wilfrid and Shirley Turgeon and her siblings: Maurice (Adele), Sylvia, Claude (Bev), Bernie (Edwina), Terry (Carol), Stan (Corrine) and Colleen (Paul); his nieces and nephews: Jodie, Nick (Sherry), Phyllis (Mike), Marlene (Craig), Wilma. Karen (Jim), Sherry, and Brian (Donna) as well as many other family members and friends.