GALIGAN, George Nykoly Galigan

Passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, at the age of 90. It was a quiet leave-taking, fitting for a man who never made much fuss about himself and preferred his days steady, useful, and well lived.

George was born on March 26, 1935, in Culp, Alberta, to George and Mary Galigan. As a boy, he moved with his family to Vernon, BC and later to Rutland, BC where he went to school and learned early the value of showing up, doing your part, and keeping your word. At seventeen, he met Lorna, who would become his wife and constant companion. They married five years later and went on to share sixty-eight years together; years marked less by grand gestures and more by loyalty, shared work, and quiet understanding. George and Lorna raised four daughters: Brenda (Ed) Desaulniers, Wendy Galigan, Lorrie (Tim) Leins, and Vicky (Errol) Bennett.

The family followed where the work led them – in 1964, George was transferred to Williams Lake, BC with Chapman Moving & Storage, a move that shaped the next chapter of their family life. A few years later, he began working at Weldwood Sawmill, where he stayed until his retirement in 1996. It was honest work, and George was proud of it.

After retiring, George and Lorna returned to Kelowna, later spending four years in Chilliwack, BC before coming back to the Okanagan Valley again in 2019. Kelowna, BC was home in the truest sense; familiar streets, familiar routines, and the comfort of knowing where you belonged.

George loved golf and spent many happy hours at Michaelbrook, often alongside his grandson Josh and Lorna’s uncles, Norman and Orville Brownlee. More than the game itself, he treasured the company. He was happiest when surrounded by family, he simply adored his grandchildren Randy, Jesica, Ryan, Jennifer, Kenna, Joshua, Samantha, Jeffrey, and Kaitlyn, and his great-grandchildren Alex, Madelaine, Simon, Violet, Autumn, Lincoln, Jackson, Mason, Bentley, Freya, Ezra, and Vivian. In recent years, the photos sent his way meant the world to him, small windows into lives he followed with pride. He is also fondly remembered by his sister Anne and his many nieces and nephews.

George was predeceased by his parents, George and Mary; his brothers Steve, Nick, Ed, Peter, Billy, Johnny, and Stanley; and his sisters Mary and Yvonne.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Hendricks and the staff of the Pioneer Wing at Springvalley Care Home for their kindness and care, and for the support shown to Lorna during George’s short stay.

A service will be held at a later date.