George “Scott” Orfald

George “Scott” Orfald was adopted as an infant by George and Dorothy Orfald of Minneapolis in 1933. He died at the age of 86 on July 26 2019, at Extendicare Peterborough (Ontario, Canada).

Family man, social worker (child and family services), community volunteer, cottager, lover of classical music and jazz, avid reader, intellectual and humanist; always a lover of animals, Scott had pets all his life (dogs, cats) without which life was incomplete. With sadness, we have seen him lose connection with so many things that brought him joy in recent years. He sometimes challenged us with his fierce independence and held on to his dignity as long as he could. He cherished his family, he expressed appreciation to his caregivers, and we are all better people for having known him and loved him.

Grieving the loss and also celebrating the love we shared are his wife, Anne Orfald; children, David (Debby Clarke), Catherine (Steev Morgan), Susan (Paul Duchene); grandchildren, Jamie (Marissa), Hannah (Jamie), Terra, Rowan, Devin and Walker; great-grandchildren, Fen, Robin and Ellie; sister, Sally (Jim Burns), and extended family and friends in the US and Canada.

Memorial donations that would honour Scott’s life are: Unitarian Fellowship of Peterborough (Ontario), any animal welfare agency, any child and family service, any environmental or peace initiative.

“I have always admired your relationship with animals and your caring for nature and the environment. I hope that you see these traits reflected in your family, because I know that they are there.” [letter from a grandchild]