George Faribault Plaxton, Q.C.
April 24, 2024
George died at Highview Residence in London, Ontario on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, supported by family and wonderful caregivers.
He will be fondly remembered by his wife, Toni Plaxton, his children and their partners, Dawn Jetten (Ben), Kim Plaxton (Glen), Jill Plaxton (Glenn), and Greg Plaxton (Iris), his nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
George was one of ten children and was survived by his sisters, Anne Plaxton (Lillooet, BC) and Dawn Plaxton (Victoria, BC). George’s sisters and his many nieces and nephews remember him for his kindness, his big smile, his wonderful laugh, his joie de vivre, and his willingness to listen, ask questions, and provide sage advice. George and his siblings had strong bonds, which extended to the next generation. When they gathered, the mood was exciting and festive, with singing, storytelling, laughter, good food, and high spirits.
George was born in Ottawa in 1931 to Gabrielle (née Faribault) and Percy Plaxton, and was raised in a close-knit, busy household in Toronto. He attended UTS, the University of Toronto (Victoria College), and then Osgoode Hall Law School. As a young man, George worked in the Canadian Naval Reserve. While on assignment on the West Coast in the summer of 1953, he met Toni on a blind date at Witty’s Lagoon Beach. They married in Victoria in 1955. Shortly after his graduation from law school, they moved their young family to London, Ontario.
George was an excellent hard-working corporate lawyer who loved his legal practice. Many London businesses and their owners benefited from his legal advice and friendship.
George was very proud and supportive of his four children and their personal and professional accomplishments. He enjoyed his grandchildren, making up games with prizes and teaching them to play pool and paddle a canoe, among other things.
As a proud Canadian, George encouraged his children to explore Canada widely. His family traveled to various destinations on the west coast, throughout Ontario, and on the east coast. Once the children were grown, George and Toni enjoyed regular visits to family in Ontario, Texas, and Nova Scotia. They joined in many wonderful family adventures with their adult children and their grandchildren.
George’s love of canoeing and camping was passed on to his children and grandchildren. A passion for sailing was the impetus for many memorable sailing adventures on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, in the Caribbean, and on the Great Lakes, with family and friends.
In retirement, George took up numerous interests. He graduated from the fine woodworking program at Fanshawe College and created many beautiful pieces of furniture in his home workshop. Both the furniture and the workshop tools are now cherished and used by various family members. He achieved his millennium goal of walking the Camino route across northern Spain in the manner of a real pilgrim. He returned to the Camino twice to act as a host at Refugios (stopping places for people walking the Camino). As a member of the Knights of Malta, George volunteered at Lourdes with Toni, assisting visitors to the healing waters there. George and Toni enjoyed travels with friends, family and on their own.
George had Alzheimer’s and we wish to thank the staff at Highview Residences and Mary Clarkson, who helped him enjoy life through their kindness, patience, and spirited fun. They always provided compassionate, respectful, and loving care.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be conducted at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. A livestream of the service will be available for those unable to attend in person.
To register for the livestream, please click here:
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of George are asked to consider the Alzheimer’s Society Southwest Partners.
Leave a tribute for George Faribault Plaxton, Q.C.
Leave a tribute
So sorry for your loss. While I never got a chance to meet him myself, I have the privilege of living with some of his wonderful art and artifacts from what seems like a bright and adventure-filled life. Keeping your whole family in my thoughts.
My heartfelt condolences to Toni, Dawn, Kim, Jill and Greg, to their partners and children. I'm very sorry to hear that George has departed. I am filled with so many incredible memories of a very happy early childhood growing up on The Parkway between the Norris family and the Plaxtons. It was an era. We spent entire summers outdoors, in and out of each other's houses, swimming, riding bikes, roaming the Field. All the kids of all ages played together and we had no idea how good we had it. One summer the Big Kids (Dawn and Michèle and trickling down to Jill, Lisa and Megan) decorated a wagon in crepe ribbons, dressed the Little Kids (Greg and I) up as King and Queen and pulled us to some sort of event in Gibbons. Bijou trailed behind. We had so much fun. George was tall and had a deep voice and I was a little intimidated by him, until one day when I tripped and fell. Sobbing, Jill led me by the hand into the Plaxton kitchen. George sat me on his knee and comforted me gently. My sobs became those hiccups that can't be controlled. He chuckled lovingly which made my hiccups worse and everyone laughed and then I felt better. It was a kind of magical moment for me of being held in kindness and love. I never forgot that. I wish you all this same comfort as you face these early days of grief. Much Love Kristyan x
George & Jim - Sunday brunch at the London Art Gallery
George drinking from the Victory Trophy
Crossing The Bar
George Plaxton: One of the Greats, a Legend, the very essence of Duty, Honesty, and Integrity – a Real Class Act Has Crossed the Bar! As you all know Uncle George was an amazing man! I was very fortunate to have had lots of great times with Uncle George and receive lots of great advice from Uncle George over my life. Uncle George was my trusted advisor and lawyer in my early entrepreneurial days, and we did lots of fun stuff together (e.g. sailing, canoeing, pool games, dinners, etc.) during my years in London. Uncle George was great to me, as was Tony, growing up in London and throughout my life. I am very grateful for having them in my life. Uncle George always shared a great smile and good fun laughter with me and all those he met. He was a kind and loving example of a real man. I was blessed to have the opportunity of a nice visit with Uncle George a few weeks ago together Olivia Plaxton and to have had the opportunity on his final night to say goodbye to Uncle George. I said to Uncle George in his final night - Go peacefully into the good light and know that you are surrounded by the love of your family both here and there and no doubt Jimmy Boy is waiting with open arms for your arrival as you Cross the Bar. Dawn, Kim, Jill, and Greg are all extremely blessed with such amazing parents and their long, primarily healthy, lives and my deepest love and heartfelt condolences go out to Aunt Tony, Dawn, Kim, Jill, and Greg. Another one of The Great Ones - Has Crossed the Bar with much love and respect! Love Always, Mark Plaxton xo
Dad referred to his place at Highview as home and enjoyed the many activities there that kept him busy: doing puzzles, playing solitaire or dominos with us, doing art projects, keeping the beat with music, playing games with the group. This is one of my more favorite pictures of Dad at Highview. Lots of Love to you Dad. May the road rise up to meet you, travel well.
The Robinson family lived next door to us on The Parkway with 4 girls. Our Mom shared the same birthday as Mrs. Robinson (Polly). Dr. Robinson (Mardi) made candid photos of many friends and held a party, so it was a big surprise to see Mom and Dad on the wall. Each photo had a matching quotation. The contest was to match the correct quotation to the photo! Lots of fun. I had these portraits for years and now they are with my brother Greg in Austin.
Uncle George was a leader in the Plaxton family for sure. The Plaxtons liked nothing better than to gather with their spouses & children to sing, visit and have fun. In this photo, George is surrounded by 6 of his siblings along with other family members - 5 of those siblings would have travelled from away to gather for this event. Uncle George and Aunt Toni were like a second home for me during my years in London - both as an undergrad student and later as a young Mom working on my graduate degree. He was loved and will be missed.
George was very special to me and in the many hours we spent together at Highview, we shared beautiful music and so many smiles. I will never sing Moon River without thinking of him. We miss you, George.
May have not met him but I do miss him
Great trip in summer of 2013 through Quebec to the Gaspe Peninsula. Nana and Granddad surrounded here by grandkids from the Canadian contingent... Zoe, Marya, Toni, Nana, Granddad, Greg, William up front, Peter and Galen Memories of the beach, swimming with seals, the freezing water, whale watching - and we did see whales, hikes and mosquitos. The tallest salmon ladder ever and some small mining areas in the interior. For some reason, lots of porcupines and gophers on the cliffs. Visiting old Quebec city and having the best time ever.
Toni and George on their wedding day in Victoria B.C.
Very fond memories of sailing out west with our Mom's brother Lloyd and family. Great times for sure. Sleeping under the stars, exploring unknown coves. I think I had my second cliff fall into a pit of rocks - no injury!
Dad enjoyed playing dominos and we had many a game while he resided at Highview. He so enjoyed winning !
Many family events resulted in a hay ride and western themed clothing. Lots of memories of spending the day on hay wagons, everyone piled on and having fun
Celebrating Granddad's 81st birthday with his grandson Galen. So many celebrations over the years all shared with family.
Charlie, Burke, Father Peterkin, George and Jim on their sailing adventure. Not sure if the champion cups are a prize or for drinking! They had so much fun together.
Mom and Dad enjoying pancakes and fresh maple syrup at McLachlan Brothers outside of London. Many a year grandkids would go with Nana and Granddad to visit the McLachlan sugar bush. Brings back memories for me of our family sugar bush with Dad's law partners at Circle R Ranch; spending days running around in the woods while sap was gathered and cooked down and the Dads cooked pancakes over an open fire with that first taste of maple syrup.
What an achievement, completing the pilgrimage over 34 days. Everyone was so proud of Dad in making his goal
George with Grandkids Zoe and Galen just before he heads off for the Camino de Santiago in Spain. It was with some trepidation and excitement that we saw him on his way.
Dad with his grandkids Zoe and Galen at St. Georges Church, Sutton ON in 2000. George spent his summer vacations on Lake Simcoe growing up, making this a special place for us to visit together.
Dad with the kids (Jill, Dawn, Greg and Kim) and our dog Bijou on camping trip to Temagami back in the day. Mom is taking the picture. We had great summer adventures each year. I think I had my first cliff fall on that trip.
Services for George Faribault Plaxton, Q.C.
Celebration of Life will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
June 22, 2024 2:00 pm
Make a donation
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
I want you to know that we will all miss George so much. His smile was such a ray of sunshine and I will personally miss seeing him whenever I have the opportunity to attend functions at Highview. My deepest sympathies to the entire family.
~ Suzanne Sharp