George Nelson Rumble

After a sudden and brief illness in his 86th year, George passed away peacefully in his sleep at Toronto Western Hospital with his loving family by his side. George is survived by his wife of 59 years Sylvia "Jean" Rumble (nee Erwin); daughter Leah Needham (Kyle); special "Poppy" to grandchildren Brianna (Alex), and Cameron; and son David Rumble (Mai Jen) Of Taiwan. George will also be missed by his furry grandchildren Kali and Hazel who would never pass up an opportunity for a bone from their favourite human. He also leaves behind a sister Elizabeth Liao (Dr. S. Kei Liao) and their children May-Lynn and Gene Yu. 

George was born in Windsor, Ontario, the son of Nelson and Jean Rumble (predeceased) and moved to Caledonia, Ontario at the age of 8 where he met and had many adventures with his life long friend, William Dietz (predeceased). After completion of high school George joined the Navy and spent 5 years serving on various navy ships. At the age of 25, he obtained his Stationary Engineer Fourth Class and worked at Mount Hope Airport where he also obtained his pilot's license. During his time at the airport he had the opportunity to meet Tim Horton and Ron Joyce as they were in the beginning stages of building the donut business. Subsequently, he and Jean embarked on a new chapter in their lives by becoming proprietors of Tim Horton store number 31. In 1972 they opened the first Tim Horton store in Orillia located on Colborne Street and eventually their 2nd store on Memorial Avenue. During his days with Tim Hortons, George became involved with the Tim Hortons Children Camp located in Parry Sound, Ontario. He was instrumental in getting the archery range off the ground and as such, was named "Rumble's Range". He spent many hours at the camp with the children introducing the art of fishing, one of his many passions. 

George spent 20 hardworking years before deciding it was time to retire from the donut business. Retirement however did not last long, as he found himself looking to fill his days and worked at Country Produce for a short period of time and then Francis Metal where he was able to fulfill his love of long drives during his role in public relations. George's love of nature led him to enjoy fishing, hunting and boating with his many friends over the years. Also, a white-water canoeing enthusiast he was able to take joy in many long river trips where he revelled in the beauty and peacefulness of the outdoors. George loved to create "good eats" as he would refer to the meals he prepared, mastering the art of his smoker. He nicknamed his grandson Cameron, his "taster guy" who would always get the first bite. He had a special handshake with his granddaughter Brianna, who he nicknamed "Breezer" and they would end every visit with it, lovingly known to them as "Hugs and Punches". 

Over the years, George was a member of The Kiwanis Club, The Downtown Mangement Board and a member of St. Mark's Presbyterian Church where he made many friends. George will most of all be remembered for his quick wit and dry sense of humour, if you got it, you got it. 

The family would like to take this time to thank Dr. Catford, Nicole and Kim who provided George with many years of wonderful care. We would like to also thank the amazing team at Toronto Western Hospital for their expertise. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Reverend Linda Patton-Cowie for her ongoing support and who visited George at Toronto Western Hospital the night before he passed. We know how much that would have meant to him.

Arrangements have been entrusted with Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West St. N., Orillia. George's wishes was cremation and due to family being overseas, there will be no funeral at this time. A celebration of life to take place at a later date. If desired, memorial donations to the Orillia SPCA or St. Mark's Presbyterian Church may be made through Mundell Funeral Home. Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.mundellfuneralhome.com