George Colin Harrower

George Harrower, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully at his long time home in Santa Barbara, California on June 4th, 2017. It was one day before his 91st birthday.

Members of his loving family were with him as he left on his next journey to be with the God of his Understanding.

George was born in Timmins, Ontario, Canada to George Harrower and Lily (Guise) Harrower. He was the last of his generation, as his older brother Peter, sister Betty and younger brother Lyall, all passed before him. He leaves behind his wife of 36 years Kay Guzman Harrower in Santa Barbara; his two daughters, Elizabeth Jane Harrower, grandsons Dorian and Brendan Taylor; Patti-Ann Campbell (husband Donny), grandson Scott Campbell, (wife Margaret), plus 3 great grandchildren; granddaughter Tara Campbell, (partner Candace); son Geordie Harrower (wife Caroline), grand daughters, Lily and Dorothy Harrower all from British Columbia, Canada. His California family; stepdaughter,Caroline (Robert) Schrader, grandchildren; Catherine, Bobby and Cara; stepson Daniel Summerhill (wife Vida); stepdaughter Suzanne Summerhill (deceased) and his beloved step-grandchildren whom he and his wife helped raise, Anthony, Kathryn (Destiny) and Andrew (Silas) Tellez, also Tristan Summerhill Alford, will miss their Poppy greatly.

George began working for Zurich life Insurance Co. in in St. Catharines, Ontario where he worked his way up to head office and was appointed as Superintendent of Agencies. He traveled from coast to coast, supervising 26 branch operations. He moved his family to Vancouver in 1963 where he began working for Commercial Union Assurance Company, establishing their head office there. He became Provincial Life Manager for British Columbia and Alberta. His branch offices became the highest sales producers in Canada, surpassing large established centers.

Upon retirement, he decided to come to California, which he had always wanted to do. He met and married his wife Kay in 1980. It was a second marriage for both and would last for 36 years. He started a small seafood business in Santa Barbara, which expanded to become Harbor Meat and Seafood.

George was a dedicated friend of Bill W. In August, he would have celebrated 60 years of continuous sobriety. He loved his time in the fellowship and credited it with saving his life. He was a much-loved “Old Timer” who made people laugh and always had a kind word of encouragement for the “Newcomer”.

George’s other great love was running. He began later in life, but once started, he achieved all the goals he set for himself. He and his daughter Elizabeth ran the San Diego Rock n Roll Marathon, his first, when he was 76, He also was recognized as the oldest finisher, running the Sunshine Coast Half Marathon in British Columbia. Locally he was a member of Santa Barbara Athletic Association, running in many local races includingThe Pier to Peak (3 times)

Loving, loyal, kind, hard working, tenacious, funny and one of the best people you could ever want to know or have as a friend, that was George.

All who knew and loved him will miss him dearly. The family would like to thank Hospice & Visiting Nurses for their help during his last days. Any donations may be made to Hospice.

A family celebration of George’s life will be held at a later date.