George Scribner Machum

   It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of George Machum on July 25, 2019 at the age of 87 years.  He left this world peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and with faith in the Lord.

   George was born on June 19, 1932 in St. John, New Brunswick to parents, Percy and Gladys Machum.  He matured into an earnest and hardworking young man who caught the attention of a beautiful and graceful young lady, Marilyn Deacon.  They pledged their love in holy matrimony on October 13, 1956 and celebrated 58 years together.  They were further blessed with three daughters, seven grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.

   Throughout his almost thirty-seven year career, George held many positions at many different locations.  He began in Moncton, NB as a stock clerk before becoming the first Chief of Halifax Terminal Control Unit, then the youngest Chief of the Goose Bay Area Control Centre at twenty-eight years of age.  From there, he moved his family to Ottawa serving as Chief of the Airspace Reservation Coordination office, then it was on to Edmonton, AB in 1972 where he started as Chief of the Edmonton Area Control Centre.  When he retired from the Public Service in 1985, George had been the Regional Manager, Air Traffic Services, Western Region for ten years.  During this time, he had also served as Deputy Regional Administrator for eighteen months and oversaw the amalgamation and restructuring of Flight Services and Air Traffic Control under the Air Traffic Services umbrella.  George was a diligent and principled manager who was equally dedicated to quality of service and to the people who provided that service.

   George’s greatest joy throughout his life was the love of family.  He picked up where Marilyn left off using Facebook and texting to stay in touch with every family member.  He spent many quality hours socializing with his circle of friends and he was a great listener.  George was dedicated to many community organizations including Citizens on Patrol in Winfield, BC, Crowsnest Pass Fire and Rescue as their Secretary/Treasurer and Victims’ Services, and both he and Marilyn highly regarded the RCMP and its members.  George was a caring and highly respected man who was generous, humorous and an inspiration to all who knew him.  We take great comfort in knowing that he is safely in the arms of our Lord.

   Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life are his devoted daughters, Judy (Darryl) Johnson, Janice (Brian) Way and Beverley (Douglas) Sprague; his grandchildren, Karyn (Michael) Hogue, Stephanie (Christopher) Eklund, Christopher Johnson, Matthew (Christina) Way, Heather (Justin) Hantos, Danielle (Grant) Becker, Bradley (Ashley) Sprague and Janet (Jay) Barre; his great grandchildren, Taylor, Brooklyn, Rylie, Carter, Morgan, Darryn, Macy, Aubrey, Kassidy, Avery, Brandon, Courtney, Aurora, Adalynne and Olive; his sister, Shirley (Bill) Irving; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family; and countless friends.

   He was predeceased by his wife, Marilyn Machum; his parents, Percy and Gladys Machum; and his brothers, Douglas and Robert Machum.

   The Memorial Service was held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church (13126-21 Ave, Blairmore, AB) with Rev. Nicky Keyworth and George’s son-in-law, Rev. Brian Way officiating.  

   Memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by the Grace Anglican United Church (PO Box 1044, Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0), STARS Air Ambulance (Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Calgary, AB T2E 8M7), or the charity of your choice.  Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca. 

Fantin's Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements. (403) 562-8555.

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