My belated condolences to Barb and the family. I was unaware that George had passed away. He will always be remembered as a very experienced member of the bar who walked down the hallways of any court without any pretension, always willing to help out any younger member of the bar like myself. He was always willing to speak to any group of students on being a lawyer as he did for my nephew in high school, all without remuneration. George agreed to be my co-counsel on my first murder trial. His experience, wisdom and assistance was very much needed and appreciated. George will be sorely missed by younger members of the bar who could always rely on him in receiving  a good word of advice when walking down the corridors in the Brampton courthouse! Dear friend, may you forever rest in peace. 

The epitome of upbeat enthusiasm and warmth, George showed up with Barb, my best friend from University, when he was in his early 40s.  At the time, I thought 40 was pretty old, (compared to us, that is!) However George’s Immense zest for Life, as well as the breadth and depth of his many interests soon put that idea aside.

Since George and Barb were based in Ontario, and I lived on the West Coast, our face-to-face get together’s over the years have been few and far between, punctuated by sporadic, long phone calls. It wasn’t until my partner, Chris and I stayed with them at their home in Mississauga that we really got the chance to get to know George and his enthusiasm for everything from Tennis to his in-depth study of Music.                                                           I particularly appreciated his love of Jazz and in lively discussions I was encouraged to ‘rethink’ some of my opinions on, say, Sinatra! (George was very convincing!!)

Given the Ontario summer heat, we spent most of our time out on their back deck. One afternoon George treated us to a wonderfully succinct overview of legal concepts for lay people. I have never forgotten his dissertation on why every Citizen has the right to excellent legal support, however heinous the crimes attributed to him/her…  all this heavy discussion while he stroked the head of one of the Numerous cats who shared their home – and as cardinals dropped by to check us out.

This visit with Barb and George was punctuated by his insistence that he was taking us all for a drive… around a good bit of Ontario as it turned out!                    Our mode of travel was, to our surprise, in George’s Ancient Cadillac convertible –with the top down; a great boat of a thing, it attracted bemused looks from bystanders and a lot of laughter on Barb’s and my part.

Because we are Artists, he took us to Kleinberg to see the work of the Group of Seven, as well as wine country on the Niagara peninsula!

As it turned out, this little tour was an exceptional experience for us and a wonderful example of the generosity of spirit – one of the many gifts of           George Wootten, who will, most certainly, be greatly missed by those he’s left behind in this World.

I was privileged to know George only for a few short years, not meeting him until he was working his final legal case. In  retirement, he regaled me with wonderful stories of his past, over our many long lunches, always punctuated by at least one brief song. There remain many fascinating chapters he had not enough time to include.

We are lucky to have enjoyed George's friendship  over many years. He was a Renaissance man, as his many passions and areas of expertise attest. We will cherish memories of his cheerful disposition, always engaging conversations, and the 5 o'clock ship's bell.

June and Jack Countryman

Although I met George a lot later in his life, I could tell he was the kind of person who left a positive impact on the people around him. His positive energy and willingness to try new things was always something I found inspiring. He had such an adorable smile, where you couldn’t help but smile yourself. Whenever George would tell me about his life, I was always amazed at how much he got to experience - from his career in law to his ability to play countless sports to the way he met Barb… it truly seemed like a movie. He was so passionate about so much and that showed me to follow more of my passions as well. He truly will be missed by everyone at Wellington Park; in fact, his name gets brought up every time we play Frank Sinatra. Rest In Peace George.

We met George in 1982 when Barb was playing in downtown Toronto. George somehow convinced Ron to join him in a performance of ‘It’s Hard to be Humble’. Ron is shy and didn’t know many of the words, but George carried the performance like a Broadway star! He was so much fun! That was the beginning of a wonderful friendship. We enjoyed George’s incredible voice ever since. Whether he was singing to us over the phone -and yes, he could sing anything - or hearing him play his trumpet in a combo, his talent gave us so much joy. 

George lit up any room he walked into with his big personality and his boundless enthusiasm was magnetic. His depth of knowledge from law to music to history to sports made him a great conversationalist. 

George was a dear friend and I loved him.                          

Thank you George , when I was with you I was not afraid.

Uncle George was larger than life. He always left a remarkable impression on me growing up. He had a deep sense of justice and would not hesitate to correct anyone if he felt they were out of line. Uncle George was a passionate individual. Always apparent were his love of music, boats, animals and of his family most of all. I remember with great fondness my childhood visits with Uncle George, George Jr. and Greg. I cherish a more recent memory of Barb accompanying Uncle George on the piano as he belted out some of his favourite tunes. In his later years, as his physical health declined, I would always marvel at his mental acuity and incredible sense of humour. Uncle George accepted his lot with grace. His positivity was inspiring. I will miss him dearly. Love and rest in peace, Wendy

A full life, a deep loss.

My sincere condolences.

My old dog Buddy took to George and Barb the very first time we walked past their house on Stonehouse. George would be cutting his lawn with his electric mower and kilometer long extension cord ( with at least one roll of duct tape keeping it together ).

Over the many years to follow, Buddy and I would visit with George and Bard ( who spoiled him with numerous cookies ) George would give Buddy a cookie and I would pass him my towel so he could wipe the drool off himself ( Yes, Buddy was quite the puddle maker ) 

Great memories of a great man. I am proud to call him a good friend. 

I will miss him