Mr. Speaker, it is with a touch of personal sadness that I rise today to remember prominent Pembroke citizen George Abdallah, who passed away this week.
George was a public man, in business, politics and community service.
“Trader George” joined his father in business in the early fifties, running a furniture and appliance business in Pembroke “at the block at the bridge”.
A member of the Pembroke City Council from 1963 to 1972 and then mayor from 1972 to 1974, George impressed upon me the importance of every single voter, as he missed being returned to office as mayor by less than a handful of votes. I valued his counsel.
Always active in politics, he was my driver in the last two federal elections.
George went on to serve over 20 years on the local hydro commission.
George was very active in charitable activities, as a one-time member of the Kiwanis, the Masonic Lodge and the Shriners. As a member of the Ottawa Valley Shrine Club, George could be seen on its float every Santa Claus parade.
On behalf of the community, I ask his wife of 57 years, Joan, and his children, Kathryn, Sandra and Brian, to please accept our appreciation of George of a life well-lived.