George

When my brother George was born in 1916, he was given the names George after his great grandfather and Newton after his uncle, who was killed at age 19 in the first world war. He was two years younger than Ray, and that made them the best of pals growing up.

In the 40's, George joined the army and served in Canada in the Service Corps, which provides transportation to the other corps, and after the war went across Canada setting up auctions for army vehicles. Many a farmer bought a used army truck or jeep for use on the farm. The picture of George in front of his car is most apt, since he went into the automobile retail business in Toronto and Montreal after the war.

His partner on that cross Canada tour was James Cook, who later became his partner in the imported car business in Toronto. Eventually George started Cook-Toledo Motors in Montreal on St. Catharines Street just a little east of the Forum. He bought this business from Cook, importing British cars: Morris, MG and Jaguar. He sold many a car from there including a bright red MG with chrome wire wheels to me.

He later changed to Ford when the British cars became uncompetitive and then GM when he moved the business to Verdun. Every Christmas he would organize a party for all the employees and their families. At first it was held in the show room with Santa and presents for each child of each family. Later he would rent a hall and do it up with decorations and food. There wasn’t a snow storm that would stop the celebration.

He finally sold the business and retired to the Eastern Townships in Knowlton near Lac Brome where he and Barbara had owned a farm for some time.

George and Barbara had four children, compared to Ray’s five and my three –Linda, Elizabeth, Teddy and Judy. In his retirement, he and Barbara have kept fit by playing golf in the summer and curling in the winter.

George has always been a great family man. He came back to the farm where he was born often and, as a successful businessman, delighted in assisting his parents. He also helped me find a job off the farm when I was 18 and later by selling me cars, at the family discount I am sure. He has displayed his generous nature over the years.