George R Lane

George was born on August 18,1939 in Calgary AB. At the age of 12 months, he was adopted by Reuben and Myra Lane of High River. He grew up in a close-knit family with his siblings Doris, Bill, Joyce, and Don. From a young age, George’s caring nature and love of people were apparent. He was nominated by a neighbor for the Eaton’s Good Deed Club. where he received a good deed watch, a symbol of his kind-hearted spirit. At 5 years of age, he began selling the Calgary Herald, delivering newspapers both to homes and on the street. 

George graduated from the High River High School and for a brief time worked in the office of Union Packing in Calgary. On November 1, 1957, he joined Alberta Treasury Branches, working through the ranks serving in Granum, Olds, Brooks, Vegreville, Drayton Valley, Stettler, Lethbridge, Nanton, Edmonton Calder and Head Office, Vulcan, Lacombe and Ponoka. He enjoyed working in the rural areas and with his interest in agriculture, he was asked to establish Treasury Branches first Agriculture Department. As General Manager of Agriculture, he worked closely with farmers and was able to attend agriculture conferences across Canada. His work with 4H was especially meaningful, creating initiatives such as the 4H Medallion Program and loans for 4H members to purchase project calves. He helped organize the West Central 4H horse show in Red Deer and served as a director on the 4H Foundation. In 1991, George and his wife Marjorie, were honored with the West Central Region Friends of 4H award. 

After retiring from ATB in 1992, George assisted The Falls family with managing their feed business. For several years he commuted to Forestburg in his 1977 Chrysler. Sadly, this ended abruptly when the mill burned down. George often spoke of his enjoyable association with the Falls family and their many customers. 

An interesting event occurred at this time. George met some of his birth family who had sought him out. One of these was a full brother Jim (and family) who became a true friend until Jim’s passing. 

While serving ATB in Vulcan, George purchased a purebred Polish Arabian horse – Lanni. From spring to fall, George would get up early, saddle Lanni and ride around the section to prepare for competitive trail riding and horse showing which he did with Ross and Heather. This was a wonderful family time. 

When transferred to Lacombe, George got involved in the cattle business. first feeding baby Holstein calves and later raising purebred Black Angus cattle. In this endeavor, he was assisted by many friends and neighbors, including the Able, Bell, Cole, Clinker, Dick, Hermary, Johnson, and Rainforth families. Not only did they contribute their expertise, but to George’s delight their camaraderie. He also purchased sheep for Marjorie which, with the help of the Williams family, was a fun, learning experience for both.  

While serving in the Granum Treasury Branch, George got interested in a young lady, Marjorie Mason, cashing her egg cheques. One night, he offered to take her home from square dancing. This was the beginning of a budding romance which led to their marriage in 1961. To this union, Ross was born in 1965, and then Heather joined the family in 1968. In 1990, Ross chose Colleen to be his wife. To this union was born 3 grandchildren, Kevin, Mark and Stephanie. For several years, George did the grandfather role of caring for them while their parents established their professional careers. He also was privileged to attend their special events: recitals, graduations, and sporting events.  All these events created a special bond between Grandpa and the grandchildren. For 63 years, he and Marjorie loved and supported each other through both good and difficult times. 

George had a strong Christian faith which shaped his values in family life, business, and social activity. His caring for others reflected the love shown by his Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. 

Throughout his later years, George faced many health challenges, including Parkinsons and its related dementia. The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care he received from Dr. Van Niekerk and staff, the many home care workers from AHC and CBI, the Lacombe hospital staff, the staff at the Northcott Center in Ponoka, and the staff at the Lacombe Care Center. You all treated George with respect and a sense of love for which the family are grateful. A special thank you to Clase van Iperan whose care and compassion allowed George to stay at home for an extra 1-1/2 years. 

George passed away peacefully on December 29,2024, with his beloved wife, Marjorie, by his side. Though we will deeply miss him, we take comfort in knowing that he is now in the presence of the Lord, free from pain and surrounded by His eternal love. 

George is survived by his wife, Marjorie; son, Ross (Colleen); daughter, Heather; grandchildren, Kevin, Mark (Shereen), and Stephanie (Tim); sister, Doris; and brother, Don (Jeanette); and many nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends.

A Funeral Service will be held at Bethel Christian Reformed Church (5704 51 Ave, Lacombe) on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.

The Funeral Service will be Livestreamed by Bethel Christian Reformed Church.  A link to the Livestream will be made available at: https://www.youtube.com/live/W33BeEplOt8

Donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta & Northwest Territories at alzheimer.ab.ca or 306-10430 61 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 2J3 Please indicate that donations are to support programs in the Central Alberta region. Or to the Parkinson Association of Alberta at parkinsonassociation.ca. Or to Gideons International.

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