Walter George Cross, December 9, 1932 – October 31, 2025

They say that in his prime, Before the pruning-knife of Time
Cut him down, Not a better man was found
By the Crier on his round, Through the town.

Oliver Wendell Holmes "The Last Leaf"

And so it was, on October 31, 2025, the last leaf of his generation on the Cross-Family Tree – Walter George Cross of Badger's Quay (via Hermit Cove) has achieved eternal life.

Born on December 9, 1932 and dying just short of his 93rd birthday, George outlived his loving wife, Joan, daughters; Elizabeth and Florence, Grandson, Jeremy, his parents Eli and Sophie, brothers; Eli-Hayward, John-Roland, Bill (Lettie), Bruce (Rhoda), sisters; Blanche (Obe) Spurrell, Kate (Ken) Spurrell, Mary (Eldon) Stratton, and Margaret (Claude) Carter, Brother-In-Law, Harry (Eliza) Fowlow and Sister-In-Law Florence (Dick) Coleman and Parents-In-Law Freeman (Hilda/Rowena) Fowlow.

George is survived by Sons Eli (Jocelyn), Bill (Joanne), Daughter-in-law; Irene (Peggy), Grandsons Matthew (Nicole), Ryan (Karyne) and Devon (Teanna), great grandchildren Claire, Carter, Brianna, Eldon, Sophia and Cohen.

At the tender age of 13 George sailed as a junior crew member on his father's fishing schooner to pursue cod "on the Labrador" which he repeated until graduation from high school. If truth be known he would have chosen a seafaring life had his mother not demanded he get a good academic education.

George's academic career included trade school and later Memorial University. He started a 21 year teaching career at Leading Tickles in 1955, where he taught and later married the love of his life Joan Fowlow.

George taught at Leading Tickles, Chance Cove, Badger's Quay, Greenspond and Wesleyville. His recreational interests demanded that he lead the charge to build four outdoor rinks around the province. He believed that a healthy mind and body complemented each other.

His teaching career ended prematurely in 1975 as he was lured into the provincial political arena and served for 8 years in three alternating terms over a ten year period winning three out of five elections for Bonavista North. He served the back bench well in the House of Assembly and achieved the role of Deputy Speaker during his last tenure.

Being the perennial role player George served on Town Councils, Recreation Commissions, Drama Troupes and more. Throughout his life he also served as a licensed lay minister in the Anglican Church for 66 years.

In 1985 George and Joan retreated in retirement to his birth rock at Hermit Cove, where he pursued a retirement career in hobby farming for 22 years living in a log cabin they built together, with the help of friends. In retirement he and Joan entertained their grandsons as he always had time for catching tom cods and sculpins, making cross-bows (pardon the pun) that shot rusted nails into the harbour and sailing boats safely in the cove. He could spin many an original story or teach a poem to entertain the boys.

In berry picking season, if you missed George you would need to look over any barren and eventually George, Cluney (a life long friend) and his fur buddy "Tip" would appear. Most of their berry harvest would be freely given to someone a little older or a little less physical. What George didn't give away, Joan did!

They aged gracefully together for nearly 65 years as spouses and in retirement they would spend hours holding hands. On birthdays and anniversaries, he would pucker up and before lunch deliver his Joanie with enough kisses to match the celebration. She gained her wings five years ahead of him and he's probably happily making up for lost kisses.

Cremation has taken place, visitations will occur on November 6th, Thursday at Kittiwake Funeral Home between 2 and 4, as well as 7 and 9 PM. Flowers though not preferred will be graciously accepted. Monetary offerings may be made to the family for Jeremy Cross Memorial Accessible Playground (Easter Seals NL) serving youth inclusively from across the province at St John's.

George's Celebration of Life will take place at St Alban's Anglican Church, Badger's Quay on November 7, Friday at 2PM. Ceremony will be lead by Incumbent the Rev'd Renee Easton accompanied by George's son, the Rev'd Eli Cross.

It would be an unforgiveable omission not to mention our gratitude for the amazing caregivers he happened to meet in life at home, at Otterbury Manor, at YKJeon Health Centre and lastly in death Kittiwake Funeral Home. Thank you hardly seems to cover it.

-Eli, Bill & Families.