George Stein - Thomas C. Whitcroft Funeral & Chapel

Stein, George – of Sauble Beach, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday September 7, 2025. George Guy Stein at the age of 85 years. Loving husband and best friend of Nancy for almost 60 years. Proud father of Kevin and his wife Cathy, of Cambridge, and David and his wife Donna, of Ottawa. Cherished grandfather of Nick Stein (Deanna), Spencer Stein, Harley Stein (Danika), Shelby Stein. Great-grandfather to Elliott Stein. Dear brother of (late Albert) and sister-in-law of Dorothy Stein of Barrie; and brother-in-law Douglas Graham and his wife, Saundra, of Goderich; Sadly missed by his nieces, nephews, and friends. Predeceased by his parents Frank & Alice Stein.

George’s working life reflected his entrepreneurial spirit, and love of community. He co-owned and operated a car wash in Georgetown, Ontario, and was an active member of the Optimist Club. He then spent 35 years building a proud career at CN Rail, where he was known for his reliability and camaraderie. After retiring to Sauble Beach in the early 1990s, George briefly returned to work on a contract with the TTC — a final chapter that showed his continued energy and commitment. His work life was full of stories, friendships, and a legacy of hard-earned respect.

A Tribute to Dad
Dad was a man of strong opinions and a sharp wit — never one to hold back when something needed saying, and always ready with a story that would leave you laughing. His presence was unmistakable, and his voice — whether sharing a memory, a joke, or a firm stance on a topic — was one we’ll always remember. One of the most tender images we carry is of him playing his organ for Mom while she cooked and baked.
He had a fondness for fishing and sailing on Lake Huron. We recall his ritual of picking up Chelsea buns and apple fritters from Baker Bob’s and he never missed a chance to enjoy fish and chips in Port Elgin. In his earlier years, Dad had a particular love for street meat from Don Wans and a unique way of estimating the cost of things — always measured against the price of a case of beer.
His mornings were sacred: the newspaper retrieved from the driveway, reading the daily paper, and a fresh Sudoku puzzle waiting to be solved. He passed that love of puzzles on to family, and in these last few years, sharing daily online Scrabble games with his grandkids — a tradition they’ll miss deeply. Dad was also a movie enthusiast, (good or bad, he watched them all) from classics to comedies, with Abbott and Costello, The Honeymooners, The Three Stooges, and anything with Tim Conway.
His stories were legendary, especially the ones that ended in laughter were repeated as he aged. Like the time Kevin and George drilled a hole in the laundry tub, not realizing it was already predrilled, or when they borrowed the neighbor’s vacuum to blow out the pool lines and forgot to reverse the water flow — sending water everywhere but where it was supposed to go.
He leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable memories, strong opinions, and the kind of laughter that stays with you long after the story ends.

And even as we write down our memories today, his wild turkeys are walking through the backyard looking for George to say good evening. And Grandpa, our next play in Scrabble is “ZENITH” — 21 points and the highest point of a life well lived. Your move! XO

We would like to the thank the following people who gave comfort and compassion to George in his last weeks of life. The following neighbours that kept an eye on him- Chris, Anita, Melanie, Ken and Steve. We are forever grateful! To the coffee boys, who listened patiently to his stories and saved his chair for Kevin. George would be so proud. To the staff at Fretz’s Value Mart in Sauble beach for taking his grocery order over the phone and calling when ready for pick up. He had a well-stocked pantry!

Private family arrangements entrusted to the Thomas C. Whitcroft Funeral Home & Chapel, Sauble Beach (519) 422-0041. Donations to the Heart and Stroke foundation, or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Condolences may be expressed online at www.whitcroftfuneralhome.com

Condolences(17)

Elaine Stein Markowski says
September 11, 2025 at 2:25 pm

Rest in peace cousin. I will miss your messages inquiring after mom. Your thoughtfulness and humor will be missed.
Carol Stein Mathers says
September 11, 2025 at 2:33 pm

So sorry to hear of George’s passing. May it bring your family comfort to know others care.
My deepest condolences to the family.
Pat and Keith Franks says
September 11, 2025 at 2:44 pm

The world was a much better place with George Stein in it!! Met George and his “boys” at Amici’s a few years ago after buying a cottage at Sauble Beach. He would greet us every day there and invited us to join the group. We soon fell in love with George and his mannerisms…..truly ONE-IN-A-MILLION. We so ENJOYED his company and will miss him greatly. Our condolences to ALL of his family. May he rest in peace and be happily reunited with Nancy. ❤️❤️ Pat and Keith GIANT HUGS AND MUCH LOVE!!
Freda Nassis says
September 11, 2025 at 3:16 pm

My sincerest condolences to you and your family Dave, on the passing of your father.
Paul Heinbecker says
September 11, 2025 at 7:09 pm

Always remembered as a Railroad Brother, R.I,P.
John Leonardo says
September 12, 2025 at 6:16 am

I had the great pleasure to work with George at the TTR and on the TTC Sheppard subway project. His knowledge, dedication and professionalism are legendary within our signalling profession. I think of him often as he helped mold me in my signal professional…I will always remember his key phrase to me. “‘John, John, John”
Lynn and Bruce Gilmour says
September 12, 2025 at 9:29 am

So sorry to hear about George’s passing. He will be missed by family and friends. We were neighbours for quite a few years and went out for a few lunches with George and Nancy to George‘s favourite restaurants. Lord Elgin and Swiss Chalet . We will miss hearing George‘s funny stories. He had quite a few to tell but now he’ll be back to playing his scrabble games with Nancy trying to win the trophy back from her. Our condolences to the family
Perry Noseworthy says
September 12, 2025 at 10:41 am

As a young CN Signalman in 1976 I first came to met George. I soon learned this was a man of strong belief and actions.
One would be lucky to have the chance to listen and learn from his wealth of knowledge.
Marguerite says
September 12, 2025 at 12:42 pm

Uncle George will be truly missed. His family’s stories are right on the mark. Humour, care and kindness were his strengths. Enjoy scrabble again with aunt Nancy. Love Marguerite
Saundra Graham says
September 12, 2025 at 1:12 pm

About this man that the world has lost, Douglas his brother in law and myself Saundra always counted them as our very best friends. In fact Nancy and I always said we were more sisters than friends. Knowing each other since twelve years old Nancy and I were lucky to meet George and Doug and be friends forever. We miss them both. Love Doug and Saundra.
Donna williamson says
September 12, 2025 at 8:25 pm

Dear Kevin and David and families you have my sincere condolences. George was one of my favourite people. Know him from a teen and thought he was the perfect one for girlhood friend Nancy. We had many good visits over the years at our homes and cottages. Some with kids and lots with just us. I’ll miss you dear friend. Please say hi to Nancy for me.
Rest in peace
Kelly Phillip says
September 12, 2025 at 9:23 pm

My condolences to George’s family and friends. He was an awesome man
Mary & Doug Ransom says
September 13, 2025 at 7:20 am

Kevin, Dave and families, condolences to all of you. We first met George and Nancy at Sauble Beach. George always kept us on our toes and Nancy kept us supplied with cookies!
Many good times were held at Evergreen Resort celebrating our wedding anniversaries. Our children and grandchildren became friends also. George was a unique person and his droll sense of humour and dry wit, will be missed. Mary and Doug Ransom
Cathy & Jamie Grove says
September 13, 2025 at 8:11 am

I came to know George and Nancy at the beginning of the Pandemic when they started calling the grocery store to order their weekly groceries . I always looked forward to their calls . I got to know them so well I could do their groceries from memory lol . I still continued to do Georges groceries later on . When he would come to pick up his order he was always on time and then we got to have nice little chat and sometimes a hug . I will miss him dearly but George and Nancy have left me with some wonderful memories . My deepest condolences to the family .
Pauline & Bob Shular says
September 16, 2025 at 7:57 pm

George & Nancy were our neighbours in Sauble Beach & we enjoyed meeting up with them & chatting ! George always had a story to tell & Nancy was always wlilling to bring over her homeade jam & a little gift enclosed. She loved our rhubarb in the early spring! Nancy was the most amazing seamstress & we think of her often. They are both reunited now. May they rest in peace. Our thoughts are with the family at this time. Sincerely, Pauline & Bob Shular
Emily McCartney says
September 18, 2025 at 11:44 am

It was an absolute pleasure knowing George, I met him 2 years ago while I was working at the Foot Clinic in Port Elgin. He was such a kind and loving man. I always enjoyed our little chats in the waiting room as he waited for his appointment. We used to joke that we were kindred spirits in another life. Watching him take off his Toronto Maple Leafs hat every time he needed to pay or needed to put his appointment card somewhere safe, always made me giggle.
He was a very special man and he will be dearly missed.
Angie says
September 21, 2025 at 2:59 pm

Kevin, David, and families – we were so sorry to hear of Uncle George’s passing. He will be truly missed by all in who knew him. Uncle George had a way of telling a story that held your attention. I had the pleasure of riding the GO Train with him for about 18 months and there was never a dull moment.
May your fond memories bring you comfort and peace. With love, Angie and Chris