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RAGA,

George Edward (JUMBO)

Born April 22, 1933 passed on January 12, 2011 at the age of 77 years. He will be affectionately remembered by his cherished wife Ginny, and his four children; Denise (Bill), Chris (Marie), Laurie (Pat) and Wayne. A gentle, gentle giant to four beloved grandchildren; Dalyce (Ryan), Cory, Grady and Bailey, and his cousin and close friend Larry Mitchell.


Born and raised in Cumberland, George spent his life telling interesting stories from his childhood. He cherished that small town, especially his time at Comox Lake.


George was gregarious, with a big heart which was as large as hew was, a much better hunter and fisherman than he ever was a golfer. Warm, caring, welcoming and despite his size, he had the ability to put those around him at ease. Everyone will miss his tight embrace in which made you feel so loved and secure.


His skill as an accomplished hunter is well known; He has recorded entries in the Boon and Crocket record book for Black-Tailed Deer. Countless successful fishing and crabbing trips will be forever remembered by those friends and family who were lucky enough to be guided by George, and his collection of nautical charts with fishing and crabbing hot spots will be cherished by his sons. Watching George cut-plug herring with his enormous skillful hands was something to be admired. He was an extraordinarily patient man, well known for his long fuse, and was always the first to help others, or share his knowledge and skills. To have known him, made anyone a better person.


Proud of his Italian heritage, he was affectionately referred to as "The Cod Father" by many of his friends. He had a great love of cooking Italian food with Ginny, as his size attested to, and everyone loved his Italian dishes, smoked salmon, and sausages.


George was so comfortable in the outdoors, and so knowledgeable that he taught wilderness survival. He could start a fire in the worst of conditions, climbed many of the island's mountains and told endless stories of wilderness adventures. So renowned were his stories, that he annually auctioned off a day of companionship and fishing with Duck's Unlimited.


He taught his children and grandchildren a fierce belief in fairness, honesty, compassion and generosity toward others. A person couldn't leave George's house without a piece of smoked salmon, a bottle of homemade wine, or another homemade creation.


George began his working life in the coal mines in Cumberland as a very young man. From there he went into the woods, eventually working at the local pulp mill. He was a papermaker for years, before becoming the clothing man at Elk Falls. His work ethic was unparalleled. He was very highly respected on the job, and George led by example. When there was work to be done, he was the first man there to pull his weight, and the last man to leave. He took his work very seriously, and he excelled at it.


He taught his children the love of camping and the outdoors, and to always leave a campsite cleaner than they found it. George would never leave a campsite without wood split and stacked for the next camper.


A loyal man, he leaves countless numbers of very good friends who will treasure their memories of times well spent. He will be especially missed at family gatherings.


We are forever grateful for all your caring, love and support Dad. You will be especially missed at family gatherings. May you rest in peace.


No service by request. In lieu of flowers, donations to any salmon enhancement society would be very greatly appreciated.



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