Dr George Kupfer 1934-2024
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. George Kupfer, Opa, and Dad on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the age of 90. He passed in his sleep while in care in Sidney, BC. He was predeceased by his second wife, Lorraine, in early 2024, after 42 years of marriage.
He was born June 4, 1934, in Brooklyn, NY, to George and Ida Kupfer. With dreams of becoming a missionary, George travelled to Three Hills, Alberta, to study at the Prairie Bible Institute. Moving on to Seattle Pacific College and the University of Washington, George completed a Master’s and Ph.D. in Sociology.
While married to his first wife, Geneva, they moved their young family to Edmonton. For 15 years he taught at the University of Alberta, inspiring a generation of young minds. In the early 1980s he established his own consultancy.
George has been described as “the father of public consultation”. He touched and inspired communities, organizations, and individuals with his compassion and values. George’s philosophy was: first build relationships; then engage!
George was noted not only for his work, but for the man he was. He loved his family and offered unending support. He had three children, a stepchild, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Recognizing individuality, he encouraged each of us to pursue our own dreams.
George was an intellect with a broad spectrum of interests. He was an avid reader, with a love for newspapers and the New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle, which he occasionally finished! He had a special place in his heart for animals and loved his terrier, Oscar.
His smile, the twinkle in his eye, and his ability to form lifelong friendships sustained him until the end.
He will be missed.
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I remember uncle George from when he and Geneva were newlyweds at seattle pacific college … our family stopped in Edmonton in our travel when we moved to anchorage for my dad Roger ( Geneva’s older brother ) to pastor the free Methodist church there… I was 16 and that was 52 years ago. I remember being so impressed that he was a college professor yet was so kind to us kids… and of course it was great fun being with Greg and Geri and Grant ….Whenever I talked to George over the years he was interested in my life and honoring of my mom and dad…
George & Lorraine and my family go back probably 35 years ago starting as neighbors and then becoming lifelong friends. I understood his work in public consultation because I worked in public relations and we talked about working together on some projects. That never did come to fruition but when he was severely handicapped from his strokes I bought him a electric four-wheel scooter so he could go for walks with Lorraine because he lost the ability to the balance to walk properly without with a cane so I talk to him regularly at the homes he stayed in after Lorraine died there’s not enough words in the English language to fully describe George And intellect a true friend larger than life just to use a few words he Lorraine are both missed on a regular basis all my best to his family
It left me feeling sad and pensive. He was the last of my Bible School and college friends and the most faithful. He reminds me of the saying “Friends are like stars; you can’t always see them—-but you know they are there.” My sympathy to Gerri and your family. Love, Carl
I was very sorry to hear of George’s passing. I met him about eight years ago when I joined a local book club of which he was also a member. He loved reading and was always well prepared. He provided thoughtful and insightful commentary in our group discussions drawn from a full life of experiences and family history. As several have mentioned, he was a true gentleman and I will greatly miss his presence and conversation.
I have known George for over 40 years. We often worked together and enjoyed traveling traveling together to the UK.
He was an inspiration to me
I was very lucky to have had these opportunities.
Is was with great pleasure that we met George in Calgary and in Dublin. He was a most entertaining, charismatic and charming. A real gentleman.
Our deepest condolences to his family at his passing after such a long productive life and may he rest in peace.
Ursula Newman and family.
George Kupfer was my friend for nearly fifty years. I knew him professionally and personally over that time. Our lives were intertwined over multiple projects,and family connections over those years. He was a friend,mentor and colleague. He was thoughtful,compassionate,inspirational and funny. In many ways,he touched me,my spouse Ginny,and our children Bronwyn,Gareth,Simon ,and Maggie(his goddaughter) . He was most of all a gentleman. I will miss him dearly but so glad that I will continue to find guidance in his memory. Special thanks to his son Greg and daughter in law Nathalie who were a great support in his final year.
coastdog2@shaw.ca
It was my great pleasure to know George and appreciate his friendship and his intellect during our so few days at Saan-Penn hospital. I recognize his positive influence on both Greg and Nathalie in your extended friendship and kindness to me.
We rememberGeorge as a very concerned advocate of the people who had their homes and farms covered with water when the Oldman River Dam was built in Southern Alberta.He was always open to discussion and spent time in our home presuading Hilton to do the right thing!