George Cyril Joseph Couckuyt March 28, 1952-March 31, 2025
Of Grand Bend, passed unexpectedly, but peacefully at Stratford General Hospital with his beloved wife of 45 years, Brenda by his side. Dearly loved brother of Donna McQueen of Surrey, B.C. and #1 Uncle of Hannah McQueen. Brother-In-Law of Linda & John Campbell, Heather & Bob Maass, Garry Desjardine & Diane Meurkes, Nelson Desjardine, David Desjardine & Anmarie Hoffman. Special Uncle of many nieces & nephews and great nieces & nephews. Life long friends of Dan (2024) & Marianne Lucio. Predeceased by his parents Cyril (1994) & Emma (2019) (Murphy). Sister-in-law. Marian Venner (2021) & Barbara Clarke (2020)
George had a 25 year career with the O.P.P. where he was stationed in Merlin and Wheatley. He taught C.P.R. and first aid as well as being a firearm’s instructor. Upon retirement, he and Brenda moved back to Grand Bend to his childhood home. Always up for new challenges, he traded his red flashing light for a blue one and was a snow plow driver for 10 years.
George enjoyed many hobbies such as woodworking, (never-ending house renovations) as well as photography, stained glass and his latest artistic talent was creating jewelry from silverware. Over the years he spent many hours on the water fishing or boating for relaxation. His garage was his happy place with organized chaos, but “he knew exactly where everything was.”
George was a member of the Ontario Provincial Police Association and a proud & dedicated Ordinary Member of The Royal Canadian Legion both in Merlin & Grand Bend for 33 years, serving as Vice President, Poppy Chair as well as being a Promotions & Advertising volunteer.
Even though these last few years George faced physical limitations due to a diagnosis of Inclusion Body Myositis in 2017, he was always up for a chat and willing to share an opinion or advice or simply listen. He had a wide range of knowledge of many topics and likely never realized how much he truly touched people’s lives throughout his life.
George has generously donated ocular tissue for the purpose of transplant and also furthering medical research through The Trillium Gift of Life Network.
As per George’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A short service at Pinery Cemetery, Klondyke Rd. Grand Bend will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. A gathering to share our stories of George and raise a glass immediately following in the downstairs lounge at Grand Bend Legion 20 Municipal Dr.
Donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Veteran’s Memorial Br. #498 Grand Bend or towards The Poppy Campaign would be appreciated.
T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood entrusted with arrangements
Thank-you to the caring staff at South Huron Hospital, Exeter and Stratford General Hospital for the excellent care and compassion given to George this past week. Also to Dr. Klein, Dr. Lam, Dr. Ondrejicka, Dr. Shoesmith who cared for George over the years. Special thanks to George’s Bayshore P.S.W.‘S particularly C.J. who made our lives so much easier.
As long as we can love each other, and remember the feeling of love we had, we can die without ever really going away.
All the love you created is still there. All the memories are still there. You live on — in the hearts of everyone you have touched and nurtured while you were there….
Death ends a life not a relationship.
Guest Photos
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Jim Popiel
Brenda,
My heart goes out to you and your family. George was my very best friend. I’m so thankful for the years of friendship, laughter and unforgettable memories. George will be missed by everyone. Jim Popiel
Richard and Wendy jennison
Sorry to hear this news , known George for a long time. Our condolences.
Sheila Butchart
When I lived in Grand Bend and enjoyed Friday night at the Legion I got to know George and Brenda. My condolences to Brenda and extended family and friends
Sheila Butchart
Harold and Kristina McCracken
Brenda and family.So sorry to hear of George’s passing.Lots of memories from when you guys lived in Merlin.We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.R.I.P. George.
Xavier and Ruthanne Boogemans
So Sorry To Hear of George’s passing Thinking of You Brenda and Families
Our Sincere Sympathy to You All
Xavier and Ruthanne
Doug Nemeth
Thank you for sharing your memories and yourself with your community. You will be missed. Condolences to your family.
Marc Boileau
George was a wonderfully fun and funny person. I met him first as a rookie officer in Merlin. He was just as amused as we thought we were when an auto prank in the late hours incurred a minor auto infraction. He laughed and said, “DON’T DO THAT AGAIN!” This is the shortest prank story I can tell but there were others. George and Brenda joined us in our celebration of Lizzy’s birthday at Grey Havens and it was one of our favourite memories. I am so sorry to hear that Brenda lost him. Stella and I send you our deepest condolences. I know he will be missed in all of the many circles of your lives.
Dave Klein
I remember George was always a practical joker to Brenda on April Fools day.He had an appointment with me one April Fools day.Brenda was my office assistant and she asked me to get even with him.So I listened to his chest[I was his family doctor].Took off the stethoscope and asked him if had been feeling okay.He said yes.I listened again and asked no chest pains or tightness.He is starting to get worried and says no I listened again a third time and then start to laugh and say Ap/ril fools.Brenda was quite pleased she had got him.
Janet klein
We are so saddened by the loss of your George. So many memories of you both in Merlin…… gone but never forgotten for sure. I can still remember the day he first walked in our office…..so handsome in his uniform. ❤️ You have been in our prayers with kind thoughts and sincere sympathy. Love Jan and Dave.
bill rochester
Brenda and Family. So sorry to read about George. He was a kind and loving human being. Our prayers are with you all at this time. Bill Jody Rochester
Carol Dumais
Dear Brenda and Donna,
We are truly saddened to hear of George’s passing. His warm smile and dry wit will be how we remember him! On behalf of my mom, Alma and the entire Vansteenkiste family, we offer sincere condolences and send you love and strength as you honour his wonderful life.
Dan and Carol Dumais
Dan Schaus
Knowing George and Brenda for many years was such a pleasure. Be it working with George on the OPP or socializing with the two of them. George always had a twinkle in his eye and he will be missed.
Dan & Jacquie Schaus
Karen McLellan
Brenda, So sorry to hear of George’s passing, please accept my sincere condolences,
Lynn Ferwerda
My deepest condolences Brenda, Donna and family. George was always so friendly and had such a kind smile. Always enjoyed sitting at your table at the meat draw. Listening and telling stories with George and friends.Hugs to you all.
Lori Baker
Brenda – so sorry to hear of George’s passing. I didn’t know him well (in person) but felt I knew him through Facebook and his amazing knowledge of Grand Bend. I always enjoyed reading his comments and seeing the old pictures.
Thinking of you and sending our sincere sympathies!
Lori and Brad Baker.
Peter warner
Dear Brenda,
Wishing you strength in the days ahead and all the wonderful memories to cherish forever.
George started a legacy with his “If you grew up in Grand Bend” page on Facebook which I for one of many thoroughly enjoy.
My sincere condolences,
Peter Warner
Wayne & Donna Desjardine
Brenda
Sorry for your loss, thinking of you.
Wayne & Donna Desjardine
Sharon Soldan
Thinking of you, Brenda, and sending my sincere sympathy.
Jack&Margaret Kraft
Dear Brenda
We were very saddened to hear the news of your George’ s sudden passing. George was such a great guy and will be missed by many. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Sending you a warm hug❤️
Margaret&Jack
Bev and Lynda Seney
Brenda, we were saddened to hear about George. Sending our sincere condolences to you and his family at this difficult time.
Steven Byrd
Brenda, please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. I hope you find comfort in the memories you shared with George over many years. You may recall, that I worked with George at Merlin Detachment back in the late 1980s. I have fond memories of the OPP, serving at Merlin Detachment, and working with George. He had a great sense of humour, which was sometimes needed, as we occupied ourselves on nightshift in, and around, Wheatley! As a young Constable, I always appreciated his many insights and tips on how to conduct a better criminal investigation.
My sincere condolences to you, your family and friends.
Steven
Brenda Deacon
Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy Brenda on George’s passing. I have many fond memories of working with George in Merlin, as well as the many social times we had as a group. I was a young woman starting my career in Merlin and the hardest thing was learning to type his name properly (pronunciation was easy after he told me the trick). I remember my happiness at reconnecting with you and George through the Grand Bend Legion. May you find comfort and solace in the knowledge of the positive impact he had on so many. He will be missed. Love Brenda & Brian Harris
Jim & Linda Dietrich
Sincere sympathy to all the family, so sorry for your loss.
Jim & Linda Dietrich.
Xavier and Ruthanne Boogemans
Brenda and Families We So Very Sorry To Hear Of Georges Passing
Thinking of You All
Xavier and Ruthanne
Marilyn Bond
Dear Brenda and family it is with great sadness that we heard about George’s passing. Please except our deepest condolences.
Steve and Marilyn Bond
Jill & Ralph
Dear Brenda, Donna & families,
We are grateful to have known George & treasure many times chatting at Legion meat draws. He was knowledgeable, engaging & had a wonderful sense of humour. In latter years, he approached his health challenge with grace & resolve. May peace & love surround you. With caring thoughts, Jill & Ralph
Heather Harris
Brenda and family: I’m not sure what to do, I’m not sure what to say, but one things for sure, I promise to pray. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. George was a great guy and would always talk to you if he was on duty and you saw him walking the streets of Wheatley.
Gary Hamilton
My sincere condolences to George’s family. I have known my friend his entire OPP career. One of the really good guys. George will be missed by so many.
Lynne Desjardine
Brenda, Donna, & Families:
We are thinking of You with sympathy at this time of sorrow. George will be missed in our community by many.
Best regards,
Lynne Desjardine, Jason & Simon
DebbieChapleau
Brenda and entire family deepest condolences. Cherish your memories
Gary and Debbie Chapleau.
Mike Roelofsen
Brenda: I was shocked and saddened to learn of George’s passing. We were high school classmates at NLSS and later colleagues on the OPP – I was at Chatham Detachment when George was in Merlin. My sincere condolences to you and your family and friends.
Max and Nancy Gardner
Brenda so sorry to hear of this sad news , thinking of you and the families, sincerest condolences, Max & Nancy
Rick Sawyers
Brenda and family please accept my sincere condolences on your loss of a truly well liked husband and father. I had the pleasure of working with George first in Pinery Park when he was with the Ministry of Natural Resources. When he joined th O.P.P. he taught me first aid several times and every year at firearms training in Cedar Springs. There is not an O.P.P. in number one district would not have something good to say about George, he was liked and respected by all. I was truly saddened to hear about his demise. Rick Sawyers badge 3386
Anmarie (Kraft) Hoffman & David Desjardine
Our deepest & heartfelt Sympathy, Brenda….We will definitely miss your George. Such a thoughtful & kind speaking man. We will miss our visits & colourful conversations of everyday & world issues, and the Desjardine family gatherings. He was always so positive & our guy to call for updates on weather, the latest movie releases and the updated news in Lampton & Bluewater…… RIP Georgie …we will truely miss U xo …..Love & Hugs Anmarie & David
evelyn vincent
To Brenda and family and ALL who knew a Loved George
Praying the good memories help bring peace and strength.
A life well lived