Obituary of George RAFFERTY

December 10, 1936 - February 28, 2021 This story is about our father, George Rafferty. It is a privilege to share with you Dad's story, as we, his daughters Ellen and Caroline, know it. We also know that there is never just one story and in this pandemic world, we will miss the opportunity for those all-important gatherings that allow us to share the other stories about George, as a grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, friend, colleague, and neighbor. In this regard we encourage you to take time to share your stories on this website as part of our tribute. First we would like to thank all of those who have sent us their prayers in this time of sadness and loss. We also want to thank you for sending Dad your well wishes. He read them all and was deeply touched by your thoughtfulness. We will miss our Dad, he was a remarkable man and we are so proud of him and grateful to have known his love and support which he gave freely and generously throughout our lives. George was a man of courage, determination, and focus. He left his beloved Scotland to immigrate to Canada with our mum Ann (McMahon), his four children (Ellen, Caroline, George and Warnock) and our grandparents, Warnock and Ellen McMahon. Even so, his heart and thoughts was never far from the close family he left behind. Family was important to George and he maintained and nurtured that bond throughout the years regardless of distance. Dad came to Canada for his children, to offer them a better path and opportunity beyond his own humble beginnings. In the words of his grandson, Peter, " if it weren't for Granda, we would not have the quality of life we have today. We have all benefitted from his courage and sacrifice. As children, we were lucky to have parents that were young and youthful. George loved the Beatles, and taught us how to dance to Twist and Shout, Hard Days Night and She Loves You. He was an involved Dad, from roller-skating, ice-skating, swimming, soccer, baseball, golf and academics. He taught us perseverance and the value of education, practice, commitment and hard work; that no problem is a problem; there is always a solution. He loved his cars and eagerly taught us how to drive (the George Rafferty way). At 84 he still had his Canadian and British Drivers license and relished proving to the licensing authorities he was quite capable of driving in Canada and in Scotland! From Double-decker Busses to Smart cars, there was nothing he could not drive. Driving afforded George with the freedom to indulge his passion of golfing and going out for a meal with family and friends. Always on time for the weekly Sunday family breakfast at AJs and quick to point out whose turn it was to pay - always his! A fish supper was his favourite. We often joked with Dad that he was singularly responsible for the depletion of haddock and halibut fish stock in the UK. A visit to Anstruther for fish and chips was always on the itinerary with a trip "home". George golfed at some of the most prestigious golf courses in the world, St. Andrews, Carnoustie, Glen Eagles, Royal Dornoch to name a few. Most of all he cherished his weekly game along side his good friend Jack at the local Mayfield Golf course close to home. George loved the company and presence of being with his family in the broadest sense. His family in Canada has grown to include grown grandchildren and a tribe of great grandchildren. In recent years George discovered new family in Canada, Scotland and Australia. Dad looked beyond circumstance and embraced the notion the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. He proudly remarked; " for a family that has come from such poor beginnings, it has flourished". Reflecting on this, it was Dad's wish that he depart this world as simply as he arrived. He was a man of faith which afforded him the strength of character to live a full and vibrant life in the presence of those that he loved. In the shade of an evergreen tree, Dad was laid to rest at Glendale Cemetery on March 10, 2021, next to his beloved wife Ann, son George, Grandson Scott and in Laws Warnock and Ellen McMahon with the following Masonic tribute: " This evergreen is an emblem of our faith in the immortality of the soul. By it we are reminded of our high and glorious destiny beyond the world of shadows, and that there dwells within our tabernacle of clay an imperishable and immortal spirit which the grave shall never receive, and over which death has no dominion" Online condolences may be made at www.imfunerals.com In Memoriam Funeral Services Inc. has been given the honour to serve the Rafferty Family.