So here it is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of George McMaster at the Stedman Hospice, Brantford on Sunday, April 7, 2024, in his 84th year. He was predeceased by his parents George Sr. and Blanche (Nee Harris) McMaster. He left us on a bright and sunny day surrounded by his sister Margaret, brother-in-law Harold, his beloved cousin Marybelle Leach and much loved niece Tammy Gordon. George was born in Markdale, Ontario and later the family moved to the Harris farm in Onondaga. He was a dairy farmer with his Mom and Dad until 1980. He was always visiting people that needed comforting in some way. He touched a lot of people and there are many in the community that could write a book on him. After selling the farm, George lived on the fourth line in Caledonia for over 40 years. As George’s health began to fail he sold his home and moved to Cayuga for a year before returning to the community of Caledonia that he loved so much. He was a member of Onondaga Masonic Lodge #519 A.F.& A.M. for 61 years and was presented with his 60 year pin in February 2023. George was an active member of Onondaga Fire Department from 1958 – 1988 and he continued as an associate member and was Secretary until 2022 and Treasurer of the Lottery account until he retired from that role in 2023. George along with Norma Arms wrote two books for the fire department; one for the 40th anniversary and one for the 50th. He was a mentor to all of the members and he especially embraced the younger members and made them feel like part of the family. George was a walking encyclopedia for all. He was an avid sports fan and hockey was his passion. He gave the Corvairs more than 30 years of service as Assistant Coach, Director and General Manager. In June of 2001, George was awarded the OHA Gold Stick Award which is an order awarded by the OHA for outstanding service to the game other than as a player. In previous years he was involved with Onondaga Baseball Association as a player, coach and umpire. George is also survived by his cousins Danny and Terre Lawrence whose kindness and helpfulness could never be repaid; He trusted and loved them dearly. He is also survived by nieces and nephews Stacey Grieve/Andrew Obrien, Tammy and Colin Gordon and Jason Grieve and Susan Chan as well as great nieces and nephews. George was escorted from Stedman Hospice by the warm and caring staff to Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” and then serenaded by a beautiful cardinal singing loudly in the trees. Our family would like to thank the staff of Stedman Hospice and especially Tara who spent so much time not only looking after George with warmth, compassion and dedication but also making sure that we as a family were looked after as well. In keeping with George’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held in the Mutual Room at the Riverside Exhibition Centre, 151 Caithness Street East on Sunday, June 2, 2024 from 1pm to 4pm. Memorial donations made to ‘STEDMAN COMMUNITY HOSPICE’ through the St. Joseph’s Lifecare Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to MILLER FUNERAL CHAPEL, Caledonia, Ontario. Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.millerfuneralchapel.ca
