In Celebration of
George Edward Bright
June 23, 1935 -
September 19, 2025
Our father, George Edward Bright, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of September 19, 2025. In his 90th year, he had a long life, well-lived.
George is predeceased by his beloved wife, Florence Bright (nee Porter). He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters and their families: Diane; Deborah and husband Tony Brundle; Dawn and husband Gary Reissner; Dale and husband Adrian Wilson; and cherished grandsons Dalton and Devin Wilson, and Graydon and Carson Reissner. He will also be lovingly remembered by his partner Elisabeth Hespeler and her family.
Born in St. John’s, Newfoundland, on June 23, 1935, Ed was the second child and only son of George and Alice Bright (nee Dawe) and brother to Barbara, Elizabeth and Faith. Dad and his family moved to Toronto after Confederation and lived in the Junction. In Toronto, he met our Mom, Annie Florence Porter (Flo), a fellow Newfoundlander from Hibb’s Cove. They fell in love, married in 1956, and, from humble beginnings, worked hard to build a good life together. Dad worked in Alberta and was then a draftsman at DeHavilland before landing a job at Rockwell International where he moved up the ranks, eventually starting his own business that provided well for Flo and their growing family.
During this time, they welcomed four daughters: Diane, Deborah, Dawn and Dale. Together, Mom, Dad, and we “girls” enjoyed time on the “Lady Slipper” and at the cottage with Cooper, Keates and Patterson cousins, with American cousin, Orin Dooley, making special appearances. Summers also meant an annual road trip to Newfie and many happy adventures at Pap and Bam’s house, not the least of which was jigging for cod, pulling up the lobster traps, and eating homemade bread. Wonderful memories were also made on regular winter trips to Florida. And in this way so many full years passed. We all had to say goodbye to our Mom far too soon. Then Dad welcomed three sons-in-law into the family: Adrian, Gary and Tony. With the arrival of his much loved grandchildren, Dalton, Devin, Graydon and Carson, Dad became Poppy and he was ever so proud of all of his grandsons. Retired, he now had time for skating, football, soccer and hockey games, not to mention subverting some parental authority all in the cause of indulging the boys. He also met Elisabeth who became an important part of our family. Together they travelled Canada coast to coast. They also made trips to Europe, visiting Germany to connect with Elisabeth’s roots.
Dad lived ferociously independently until his last year which was spent at Sunrise of Mississauga, a caring home away from home. We, his daughters and our families, are very sad to say goodbye, but we hold tight to and take comfort in the many happy memories that we have.
Visitation will be held at Turner and Porter Peel Chapel, 2180 Hurontario Street, Mississauga on Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 11 – 12:30 pm.
Funeral Service will be held at St. John’s Anglican Church, 719 Dundas Street, E., Mississauga on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 1 pm. Followed by interment at St. John's Dixie Cemetery, 737 Dundas Street, E., Mississauga.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canada.