Obituary of George-Birrell Aitken

Aitken, George Birrell (Retired Major) Peacefully in his sleep at his home in Barrie on Saturday January 18, 2003, age 79 years. Beloved husband of Jessica McCallum Mackay. Loved father of Gary Aitken and his wife Helen of Barrie, and Sheila Aitken of Devon, Alberta. Loved grandfather of Sarah, Gavin, Emily, and Colin. Loving great grandfather of Preston, Spencer, Aubrey and Madison. Dear brother of Mary Deeley of Burnaby, B.C., Jessie and her husband Winston Armstrong of Newtown, N.B. Brother-in-law of Ann Allan of Toronto. George was born in Milngavie, Scotland on January 14, 1924 and came to Canada when the family left for Sussex, N.B. in 1928. He enlisted in the 8th New Brunswick Hussars in 1941 and serviced with this squadron throughout all of the Italian campaign and North-West Europe and was discharged in 1946. George re-enlisted in 1947 and served with the Royal Canadian dragoons and was commissioned to the Lord Strathcona Horse and in 1957, was posted back to his wartime regiment when it became part of the regular force. George proceeded overseas with the 8th Hussars as part of the Nato Brigade and had a tour of duty in Egypt with the Peace Squadron for UNEF, in 1969 Major George Aitken retired from the Canadian Armed Forces and accepted a position as field officer with the Ontario Housing Corporation. George later became the Purchasing Agent for the City of Barrie where he worked for the city for 11 years until his retirement. The family will receive friends at the SCOTT FUNERAL HOME "GEORGIAN CHAPEL", 264 Burton Ave., Barrie from 2-4 & 7-9p.m. Tuesday, where the service will be held on Wednesday January 22nd at 11a.m. Cremation to follow. The Royal Canadian Legion under the auspices of Branch #147, Barrie will hold a service on Tuesday evening at 7p.m. As an expression of sympathy donations in memory of George may be made to the Royal Victoria Hospital Foundation. 1/20/2003- ID1264976 - Barrie Examiner