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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
ROPER, George Wayne - It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of George Wayne Roper at Royal Jubilee Hospital. George was born and raised in Kelowna BC by his parents Marie and Gordon. He is predeceased by his father and is survived by his loving wife Melody, his two beloved daughters Nicole (Devon) & Jennifer (Russel), his beautiful grandchildren Jaydn, Sophia and Corbin, his mother Marie, sisters Elayne (Rob), Donna, Tianna (Darcy) and brother Bruce (Debbie) as well as several nieces and nephews. George also had a step-family that loved & treasured him, Melody's children Chris (Morgan), Jeremy (Melissa), Robert (Mikel) and Cassie (Seth) and their children Marcus, Maxwell, Marshall, Ezra, Meredith and Jocelyn. Also, his faithful companion and fur baby Mitsu.
George joined the Navy at age 19 and spent 17 years in service. He never lost his love of being on the water and loved to spend as much time as he could boating and fishing. He would recount how much he enjoyed the time he spent fishing with his brother Bruce. George also loved camping and recently took up fly tying. He volunteered with Navy League Cadets in Nanaimo imparting his wisdom, knowledge, and experience as an instructor. George was a real life "MacGyver" and loved to fix things for his family and friends. He met and struck up a friendship with Melody and it blossomed into love, they married in Aug 2002. George had many health challenges and Melody was by his side to help him every step of the way being a fierce advocate for him. She was known to sneak in George's favourite foods when hospitalized. Sadly, he recently suffered another heart attack that set in motion a rapid decline. George was a man of few words but there was no doubt that he loved his family deeply. We take comfort in knowing that he has been reunited with his father that he lost when George was just 16 and rarely a day went by that he didn't think about him and miss him. We are grateful to his medical team for their support, kindness, understanding and keeping him comfortable in his final days.
An outdoor gathering will be planned at a later date. He wanted his family and friends to get together for a BBQ but we are acutely aware that it won't be the same without George's epic BBQ Ribs & Salmon! Donations are gratefully accepted in lieu of flowers & can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation and BC Lung Association. (Victoria Times Colonist 09 Feb 2021)
Ships served in: HMCS GATINEAU - Served in GATINEAU in 1979 as a Bos'n
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