George Stephen passed away peacefully on Wednesday March 15th at Toronto Western Hospital. He had just celebrated his 93rd birthday. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lorna, his two sons Ian and Mark, their spouses Katie and Sheri and his two grandchildren Jamie and Casey (and partner Lauren). George will also be missed by his brother, John, of Aboyne, Scotland and his wife Catherine and daughters Alison and Lesley.

George joined the navy during World War II as part of the Fleet Air Arm and served as a fighter pilot in South-East Asia. He came to Moncton, New Brunswick in 1943 to learn to fly a variety of aircraft and that was where he met Lorna, the love of his life. After leaving the Fleet Air Arm at the end of the war, he moved from Scotland to Toronto in 1950 and married Lorna after a seven year courtship.
He began his business life with Caxton Publishing in Toronto. Then he joined Montreal Trust Company and embarked on a successful 25 year career in the pension planning and trust business, attaining the position of Vice-President, first in British Columbia and then in Ontario. During his tenure with Montreal Trust, George and a co-worker, J. Fraser Coate, developed the RRSP concept in 1957 and convinced the Federal Government in Ottawa to offer RRSP’s to all Canadians as a savings and tax deferment opportunity. While working for Montreal Trust Company, he spent four years as Director of Trust Corporation of the Bahamas, living in Nassau and enjoying life in the Caribbean.

An avid golfer, George was a past President and devoted member of Lambton Golf Club in Toronto. He loved the challenge that golf provided as well as the social aspect of the game. A good summer meant 100 rounds of golf. He was very proud to be able to “shoot his age” in his early eighties. He was also a member of Forest Hill United Church since 1950, serving in many capacities and taking a leadership role as a Trustee and as an Elder of the church.

George’s sense of humour, his kindness and love of people made a real difference in the lives of his family and friends. He will be sorely missed. His was a life well lived.

Friends and family are welcome to attend the Visitation at the Turner and Porter Butler Chapel, 4933 Dundas St. W. (between Islington and Kipling Ave) on Monday March 20th from 4 – 7pm. A Funeral Service will be held at Forest Hill United Church, 2 Wembley Rd., Toronto on Tuesday March 21st at 2pm. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Forest Hill United Church Memorial Fund.