Abbotsford – Social media lit up on Wednesday October 1 as word came out that former Abbotsford Mayor George Perry passed away after a battle with cancer. George Peary was Mayor 2008-2011 and City Councillor 1990-2008. He was 84.
From Abbotsford City Council: 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 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 the City of Abbotsford’s Citizen of the Year 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.
Councilor Patricia Driessen: Former City of Abbotsford Mayor, long-serving public servant and community leader George Peary lost his battle with cancer this week. He was so kind and encouraging when we met leading up to the 2022 municipal election. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family
Bruce Banman MLA Abbotsford South (and a former Mayor) : I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of George Peary. George was a man who lived a life of service to his community, and Abbotsford is a better place because of him.
Though we were opponents in a difficult election, George was a gentleman in defeat and offered me advice and wisdom I have carried with me to this day. I will never forget one debate when I asked him how he was doing. His response was simple but profound: ‘There are worse things than losing… winning, for instance.’ Those words have echoed in my mind many times when the weight of public life has been heavy.
George often spoke of how the YMCA changed his life as a youth, steering him away from a troubled path and opening doors to the sport he loved—hockey. He was on his way to the pros before an eye injury cut his career short, but his love of sport and community stayed with him. It was his dream to bring a YMCA to Abbotsford, and though circumstances made it difficult to see through at the time, that vision spoke volumes about the kind of man he was: always looking for ways to give back and build opportunity for others.
Even after leaving political life, George continued his work for others—particularly in supporting Dasmesh School in its growth and success. He was a character full of life, a visionary leader, and a positive role model who never stopped putting others ahead of himself.
George Peary touched the lives of thousands of people in Abbotsford. His legacy will live on in the people he inspired and the work he championed. He will be dearly missed.
My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace
