George Milne

Born: May 2nd, 1939

Passed on: April 10th, 2013

MILNE, George Strachan – 73, Centre Musquodoboit, NS, formerly of Port Credit, ON. Heaven is ringing with music today! Adored husband and father, George departed peacefully on April 10, 2013. He will be mourned always by his loving wife, Judith, and his devoted daughter, Andie Perryman, Georgetown, ON.

George’s music guided his life. A gifted guitarist, he knew and learned much from greats such as Carl Perkins and Fred Carter. He played professionally with Ronnie Hawkins while members of “The Band” were still part of his “Hawks”. Also a songwriter and talented keyboardist, George's piano music was enjoyed throughout Ontario and in Nova Scotia through his own bands, “The Chords” and “The Milne-Dixon Band’ and his work with other talented musicians.

His eclectic career included many years in the family’s construction and concrete business, as well as decades in successful sales and real estate ventures, operating a restaurant and even working as a hockey agent signing many players for the NHL. Most recently, he was a beloved piano tuner and technician for many Nova Scotian families. Relocating to the serene Musquodoboit Valley in 1980, he shared his music grandly as a valued accompanist for vocalists, fiddlers, and music groups at events for charities, community, school theatre productions, and the church.

In his younger years, he was a star athlete in track, hockey and lacrosse. George loved most the years he played football under respected coach Nick Volpe in Port Credit, ON. He appreciated wilderness and the sea and was a keen observer of nature and an avid, patient birdwatcher. He soared in his small plane to remote lakes in Ontario for hunting and fishing adventures in the northern bush. In his youth he crewed aboard a Great Lakes racing yacht “The Stranger”.  In Nova Scotia, he enjoyed the camaraderie of his best friend, Kevin, aboard the MacKenzie’s vessels during the twilight of years of Nova Scotia’s inshore fishery on the Eastern Shore.

A son of Alex and Jessie Milne, he grew up in Port Credit, ON, the youngest of nine. His parents, as well as brothers, Bill, Sandy, Jack, Stan, Andy and Frank and sister Joy Finnie have passed away. Besides his wife, Judith, he is survived by his much loved sister, Jessamine Swance, Burlington, ON and his four children; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

Under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit., his funeral service took place in St. James United Church, Upper Musquodoboit on April 15, Rev. Michael Henderson and Pastor Bill Glenn presiding, with interment  in Christ Church Cemetery, Dartmouth, NS.

Donations can be made to Hope for Wildlife or charity of choice.