George Wilfred Haley, age 77, passed away peacefully in the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital at 5:28 p.m. on May 6, 2025. He was lovingly held by family as he was called back home.

Born on the northern shores of Dornoch, Scotland, in Embo, George came to Canada as a toddler with his war-bride mother and older sister to reunite with George’s father who had been in Canada for a number of years prior, from Cornwall England, and had served as a Canadian soldier in WWII. Eventually the family settled in the Lassiter area north-east of Rycroft and began farming the land.

George met his wife Terry (nee Woods) around the age of 22 while working as a cat-skinner with Terry’s dad. George and Terry eventually settled back on “the homestead” where George grew up as a child and over the years expanded their farming operation to 1600 acres while they raised their three children. George had a knack for farming, and he could do his own welding and repairs of farm equipment. He was always an adept problem solver and could handle the many challenges of farm life. As a creative project one summer in the ‘90s, George took on the successful restoration of an old Farmall tractor.

When George wasn’t farming, he was often working in the oil patch. He was employed with Beaver Drilling for many years, working his way up to rig manager, and in 1984, he moved into self-employment as drilling supervisor with Anderson Exploration and finally Petro-Canada to close out his career. George was always looking out for the safety of his crews.

George and Terry eventually sold the farm in 2001 and moved west of Grande Prairie to a beautiful acreage they both loved, to retire from the hard work of farm life and eventually the oil patch. George’s oldest son found him his dream car at an auction, and George sealed the deal. He took many joy rides in his candy apple red 1957 Chevy, attending car shows and frequenting the A&W parking lot where he enjoyed conversation with other car enthusiasts and never missed out on a good Teen burger and coffee. George would never drive the ’57 if it looked like it was going to rain.

Aside from the hardworking man George was, he was smart, witty, and generous. He loved a good political debate and was able to walk away while offering a firm handshake despite differences in opinion. George was also an avid Oilers fan; the only activity that would supersede the evening farm duties while spring seeding was an Oilers hockey game, especially if they were in the playoffs.

Additionally, George developed an interest in family genealogy as well as health and wellness in his later years. He kept his home apothecary stocked up with vitamins and minerals.

He was a proud and loving father, grandfather and husband. He lived a quieter life after Terry’s passing in 2020, just days before Covid began, but he found routine and purpose in the care for their dog and cat that he loved. In these years he developed a deeper and richer connection with his three adult children, and he maintained Terry’s conscientiousness by reaching out to family and friends on their birthdays while staying in touch regularly. George had always kept himself well informed about global politics, and in his later years often shared his pragmatic views on local politics and global issues over social media.

George will be deeply missed by his family and long-time friends and likely many who knew George from being a long-time resident of the Wanham and Rycroft area. He was predeceased by his wife Terry of 50 years, mother Johan (nee MacKay), father Wilfred (William), sister Betty Rymhs, brother-in-law Roger Rymhs, and nephew Derek Harbaruk. George is survived by his sons Les (Margaret), Brian (Renee), and daughter Michelle; and grandchildren Grace, Carter, Mikayla, Mackenzie, Quinn, and Hunter. George is also survived by his youngest sister Joan Harbaruk (Terry), niece Tara (and extended family) as well as niece Trisha Rymhs (and extended family), niece Deena Rymhs (Chris), and Terry’s Mom Elizabeth Woods (and extended family).

At George’s request, there will be no funeral service, but the family will plan a get-together in the summer months to celebrate the lives and accomplishments of George and Terry and to inter their ashes at the Volin Cemetery.

George succumbed to congestive heart failure and despite the limitations of his breathing in his last days, he still maintained his witty demeanour with his nurses and family and live-in caregiver. He was pleased with the care he received from his nurses and attending physicians, and he would agree that in lieu of flowers to please consider memorial donations to the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation. supportyourhospital.ca/