Hess, George J.
Passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at the Royal Victoria Health Unit - Barrie at the age of 84 years. Beloved husband of Georgia for 25 years. Cherished father of Julian and Andrea (Dom) and step father of Elise and Ethan (Vanessa). Loving grandfather of Britney, Mitchell, Chloe, Matteo, Jordie and Thomas. George will be missed by extended family and many dear friends.
George was truly a Renaissance Man.
He had many and varied interests over the years.
His teaching career spanned every level from elementary to secondary school, community college and university, finishing up with 25 years of teaching English at Barrie North Collegiate.
He always enjoyed classical music and going to concerts and the opera.
But sailing on Talaria was his passion!
Whether out with Julian and Andrea for weeks at a time in the summer cruising around Georgian Bay, or solo, or later with Georgia, 33 wonderful years on the water made him very happy.
He was an accomplished downhill and X country skier, a runner, and an avid cyclist.
In his final years, he could be seen each morning, with his walker on his 3 km rounds.
He just never gave up!
He was also a prolific writer ~ articles or social comments. Closer to the family’s hearts, though, were the annual compilations he put together for each Christmas - “Living the Adventure of a Life”, which included about a dozen volumes documenting family times and events, various sailing and cycling adventures and wonderfully invented stories!
He was instrumental in Barrie’s running of Theatre-by-the-Bay for several years and, being a veritable expert on Shakespearian plays, supported and went to the Stratford Festival faithfully every year for over 50 years.
Upon retirement, travelling was added to his list of the things he enjoyed as he and Georgia had many interesting trips, tours, and experiences.
His gentle demeanor and quiet, easy presence will be greatly missed by us all.
We would like to thank the great staff at Mill Creek Care Centre, especially the upbeat, positive and tireless staff on 3 East….. an amazing group of wonderful people.
Also, thank you to the various staff members at RVH who helped make a very difficult
time in our lives comfortable with their gentle and most compassionate approach which wrapped the whole family in caring and human warmth.
Drs. Lai and Kizoff did a remarkable job easing the way along on this final portion of George’s journey, for which we are deeply indebted.
Thank you all!
Arrangements entrusted to Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley Street., Barrie. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held on July 23, 2022 from 1pm to 3pm at Steckley – Gooderham Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations to Doctors Without Borders or Amnesty International would be greatly appreciated by George’s family. Online condolences and memories may be left at www.steckleygooderham.com