The Chronicle Herald, Halifax, March 8, 2014 George Francis Connors It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, George Francis Connors on March 5, 2014. George, the youngest child of James and Catherine (Bowdring) Connors was born on January 14, 1933 on Bell Island, Conception Bay, Newfoundland. He is predeceased by his parents, James and Catherine; his siblings: Hugh (Helen), Lil (Bill), Peg (Tom), Jack (Mary), Evelyn (Tim), Stan (Evelyn), and Gerard (Loretta); his brother and sister-in- law Clarence and Marjory Atkins, and brother-in-law Roland Atkins. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Eileen (Atkins), daughters Lynn (Randall), Cathy, and grandchildren Connor and Kathleen Balcome ; sister and brother-in-law Marjory and Frank O’Brien, sister and brother-in-law Evelyn and Tom Brown, brother and sister-in-law Sam and Patricia Atkins, sister-in-law Lillian Atkins, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. George was a graduate of St. Kevin’s Roman Catholic School and during his early working years was employed as a draftsman and surveyor at DOSCO. George was an avid sportsman and still holds the record in Newfoundland senior hockey for the most goals scored in the shortest amount of time to win a playoff game. George has been recognized for his athletic accomplishments through his induction in the Bell Island Sports Hall of Fame and the Newfoundland and Labrador Hockey Hall of Fame. George believed in giving back to his community so he started to coach hockey on Bell Island in 1957. Upon moving with his young family to Dartmouth in 1966, George contributed 10 years to the Dartmouth Minor Hockey Association. As a coach, he encouraged excellence in his players, not just in sports but in their education and personal lives. George was Operations Manager of Steed and Evans (Maritimes) Limited for the last 25 years of his career. In his retirement he savored spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was his grandchildren’s biggest fan, no matter what sporting or musical event. He has always been an unfailing supporter of his immediate and extended family. George was one of the founding parishioners of Blessed Pope John XXIII Parish and an honourary third degree Knight of Columbus. Funeral Mass will be held at 11am Monday, March 10, 2014 at Blessed Pope John XXIII Parish, Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chalice (Canada) or the Bell Island Minor Hockey Association.