George Cyril Joseph Couckuyt
March 28, 1952 – March 31, 2025
Chapter 1 - Chatham
Of Grand Bend, passed unexpectedly, but peacefully at Stratford General Hospital with his beloved wife of 45 years, Brenda by his side.…
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It is with sadness that we advise of the passing of George Couckuyt. He was 73 years old
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.
Timeline
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Born
March 28, 1952 -
Passed away
March 31, 2025Age 73
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Celebration of life
April 29, 2025 • 11:30 am @ Pinery Cemetery, Klondyke Rd. Grand BendPinery Cemetery, Klondyke Rd. Grand Bend • 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.
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Tribute shared
March 1, 2026Submitted by Robert Cousineau