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George
Obituary of George Frederick Rathwell
Rathwell, George Frederick
April 27, 1940 - November 21, 2019
George passed away peacefully with his family by his side on November 21 at the age of 79. Beloved husband of Sally for 56 years. Much-loved father of Jim Rathwell (Barb Reade) and Judy (Michael) McKinnon. Adored grandfather of Massey and Mekalah Leach-Rathwell and Drew and Owen McKinnon. Predeceased by his parents Verna and Jim. George came from a small family, but that all changed when he married Sally in 1963. He'll be fondly remembered by sisters-in-law Ann Berry (Ted Clancey), Jane (Eldon) Leach and Alice (Glenn) Kellar, and brothers-in-law Wayne (Sylvia) McNamee and Ken (Nancy) McNamee. Predeceased by brother-in-law Paul McNamee. George will be missed by many cousins, nieces and nephews. His adored puppy, Susie, will miss him dearly. George was born and raised in Perth and spent his entire life on the Second Line, raising his family on the farm on which he grew up. If you knew George, you knew he was a hard worker. A mechanic by trade, George retired in 2003 after 20 years with the Town of Perth and turned to his other full-time jobs: farming and tractor restoration. George leaves behind lifetime friends who were often by his side as he tracked down his latest Massey-Harris overhaul project, including the 101 Junior Massey-Harris tractor that originally belonged to his father. He was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes. Always willing to lend a hand, his resourcefulness and know-how will be missed by many. We thank Perth Community Care for warmly welcoming George in August, and for the care and kindness he received during his stay. Friends may pay their respects at the Blair & Son Funeral Home, 15 Gore St. W., Perth on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the chapel Wednesday at 10 a.m., followed by interment at St. John's Cemetery, Perth. Friends are invited to join the family for a reception in the Blair & Son Family Centre following the interment. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.