George Turland

TURLAND, George Edward
June 7, 1950 – September 25, 2019

George Edward Turland passed away on the morning of Wednesday, September 25 at Queens Village for Seniors in London, Ontario, at the age of 69. George was the eldest son of Arthur and Norine Turland (both predeceased) of Kincardine, Ontario. His childhood years were spent in Bayfield and Goderich where he excelled at academics and athletics. In his late teens, George developed schizophrenia which severely impacted his quality of life; there were many ups and downs, therapies and treatments. Nonetheless, George was determined to live independently and so settled in London where strong mental health and community services were available.  He lived in housing supported by WOTCH (now CMHA-Middlesex) and worked for many years as a school crossing guard, a job he took seriously, and was pleased to be awarded “crossing guard of the month”. George was an accomplished piper and as a teen competed at highland games across Ontario.  Over the years he piped with the Goderich Pipe Band, the Forest City Pipe Band and the London Police Pipes and Drums. Later in life, his mental illness led him to give up piping. George was a great reader and participated in the Cherryhill Library book club.  He also enjoyed euchre games, attending church, chats with friends, family celebrations, watching skating and bus day trips. George was charitable and supported World Vision, the Salvation Army, and other causes. This past summer, when he was no longer able to manage stairs, George moved into Queens Village and immediately felt well cared for and was very happy to be part of that community – he said that he felt that he had “moved to the sunny side of the street”.  George will be remembered for always being ready with a smile and a corny joke and will be dearly missed by siblings Rosemary (Ed Addison), Charles (Rhonda), James (Becky Grieveson), Susan (the late Bernard Joly), Robert (Eve Geisler), Brenda (Bob Colquhoun), and his extended family. He was “Uncle George” to 16 nieces and nephews. Those who knew George are welcome to join the family for a memorial service at the Woodland Cemetery, 493 Springbank Drive, London at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 25, 2019 with a reception to follow. George’s family would like to acknowledge the support provided throughout George’s adult life by CMHA Middlesex, and by his case workers and volunteer visitors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: CMHA Middlesex, 534 Queens Avenue, London, ON N6B 1Y6 or the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario, 95 King Street East, Suite 300, Toronto, ON M5C 1G4. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com