Obituary of Mr. George Laing
At 94, George Duncan Laing died peacefully on August 5th, 2024, at Centenary Hospital, with his family beside him. George was born March 5th, 1930, in Corstorphine (Edinburgh), Scotland, the son of the late Alexander Laing and Margaret Cummings.
As the sixth child of twelve children (two sisters and nine brothers), George survived the Great Depression and World War II bombing and rationing. Then, in 1954, he immigrated to Canada as a Master Electrician to "make something of himself." He worked in the construction industry until 1963, when he joined the Toronto Star, working his way up to become the Head of the Electrical Department. In 1959, George married Audrey N. Brown after meeting her at a dance on the Danforth. He retired in 1993 after 30 years at the Star and worked 20 more years as the evening manager of the Scarborough Soccer Centre.
George loved reading, gardening, sports, watching the news and learning about politics and social issues that impacted Canada. In his twenties, he travelled across the US by bus. He later drove across Canada and the US multiple times with his family, visiting his brother Duncan's family in Texas. George marvelled at Canada's varied beauty and vastness and was incredibly proud to be Canadian.
George read the Toronto Star daily, from cover to cover, and polished off multiple books a week, with Western, Mystery, and Adventure stories being his favourites. He enjoyed working in and around the house – able to install or fix almost anything – and was an accomplished gardener! He often recalled, as a child, many years of learning in the garden with his grandfather, Matthew Cummings.
In his younger years, George played soccer, cricket, and golf. He was also an avid distance cyclist, travelling the Scottish Highlands by bike. As an adult, he played tennis and golf and coached his daughter's rep soccer teams for many years.
George would have said that his greatest accomplishments were his children and grandchildren, and he spent many years babysitting and caring for his five grandchildren. He watched all of their practices, games, and performances. He was a fiercely proud father and grandfather - particularly because all have (and will!) completed university. He never ended a call without saying he was "as close as the nearest phone." He always told his family to drive safely, waving from the door to ensure they were well on their way and stayed up until everyone was safely home. He was truly a great husband, father, friend and neighbour.
George is survived by his son Norman and wife Heather Laing, daughter Heather and husband Billy Peterson; five grandchildren, in order: Jaimie and partner Samantha, Nicole Meli and husband Chris, Ashley, Jack, and Hughie; brother Norman Laing; niece Suzie McEwen and husband Scott; great-nephew Matthew and nephew Keith Brodie; and many other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life is yet to be determined. Please get in touch with Heather Peterson at g.laing.celebrationoflife@gmail.com if you are interested in knowing future details. Memorial donations can be sent to the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund by phone at 416-869-4847 or online at https://charities.thestar.com/santaclausfund/
