Skip to content

BOORMAN

Dr. George Coverdale

(1917 - 2016)


Dr. George passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 23 at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre at the age of 98 years. He was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Blanche in 2011; 2 brothers, Arthur and Samuel; one sister, Mary; grandson, John; and great grandson, Cohen. George is survived by 6 sons, David (Terry) of Red Deer, Michael (Annette) of Rimbey, John (Nancy) of Rocky Mountain House, George (Cristina) of Vancouver, Robert (Rose) of Edmonton, and Douglas (Karen) of Fort Langley. George also leaves to mourn 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, and one sister Betty of Port Alberni.

George was born in Lethbridge, and spent his school years in Didsbury and Lacombe. Upon high school completion he spent one year at Normal School in Calgary. He then taught at the small rural school of Andrew for 2 years following which he attended the University of Alberta where he obtained his M.D. and courted and married Blanche. He practiced medicine briefly in Barrhead before moving to Rimbey in 1948 where he worked until his retirement in 1984. As a physician and surgeon George served the communities and surrounding districts of Rimbey, Bluffton and Winfield, providing a broad spectrum of medical services. Many local families recall George's compassionate and competent care during his 36 years of work in Rimbey, and it is still common to hear "Dr. George delivered me!".

George had endless energy for many activities (skiing, wind-surfing, sailing, golfing, curling, dancing, bowling, and art club). He was committed to Rimbey United Church and served in many capacities (Board, choir, building projects, and related social justice programs). He and Blanche had a keen interest in travel and visited many parts of the globe together. George's love of nature was evident in his carefully maintained yard and garden, and the time he spent at the family cottage on Gull Lake. Many happy gatherings were enjoyed at the cottage, as George's greatest joy was being surrounded by his family.

The family is grateful to all those over the years who have expressed their high regard for George as a physician, and also as a strong proponent of a socially just society who lived his life as he believed.

A celebration of his life will be held April 9th at 2:00 pm, at the United Church in Rimbey. Friends will be invited to share their memories of Dr. George at that time. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre (www.rimbeyhealthdonations.com) and Rimbey United Church (Box 7, Rimbey, Alberta, T0C2J0).



Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.