Few residents of Abbotsford have been as dedicated to and involved with our community as former mayor George Peary.
For more than 50 years George was a prominent and constant presence in Abbotsford, and friend to those of us on Council who had the privilege of serving alongside him over the years. Like many members of our community, we have countless cherished memories of George and were deeply saddened to hear of his passing from cancer on Sept. 29 at the age of 84.
George’s impact on our community was felt almost immediately after his arrival in Abbotsford in the early 1970s, when he began his 28-year career with the Abbotsford School District. As vice principal at Abbotsford Senior Secondary and principal of Maple Ridge Secondary, W.J. Mouat Secondary, Abbotsford Junior Secondary and Yale Secondary, George touched the lives of generations of young people in our community, including Mayor Siemens’ wife Kelly.
George went on to serve as councillor for the District of Matsqui and City of Abbotsford for 18 years, followed by three years as a school trustee before becoming mayor of Abbotsford from 2008 to 2011. During his tenure on Council he played a vital role getting the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre over the finish line.
George was also active in numerous community organizations. He was a charter president and member of the Rotary Club of Abbotsford, director of the Abbotsford Sports Hall of Fame, chair of the Fraser Valley Health Region, honorary member of the Indo-Canadian Business Association, advisor to Abbotsford Hospice fundraising programs, and a member of the Abbotsford Police Board, Central Fraser Valley Fairs Association, Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, MSA Museum Society, Habitat for Humanity and Agrifair to name a few.
As one would expect, George received many awards for his service and accomplishments, including the Rotary International Paul Harris Award (twice) and the Distinguished Alumni Award from his alma mater Brandon University. He was named an Honorary Military Engineer by 192 Airfield Engineering Flight Abbotsford in 2002 and was presented the Order of Abbotsford in 2015. He was also a recipient of two royal accolades: The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 and King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024, both in recognition of his contributions to the community.
George leaves a remarkable legacy of public service, and his passing is a great loss to our community. Our thoughts are with his wife Sylvia and the rest of his family at this time.
Abbotsford City Council