Obituary of Geoffrey McEwan "Geoff" Bolter

Formerly of St. Thomas, peacefully passed away at home in Point Edward, Ontario on January 31, 2023, in his 93rd year. Beloved husband of the late Kathleen Mary (née Lesiter) Bolter (2010). Dearly loved father of Gillian Bolter, Andrew Bolter (Diane George-Bolter), Sara Bolter (John Currid) and David Bolter (Nancie Im-Bolter). Cherished grandfather of Genevieve Lennox (Jeff McLarnon), Andrew Lennox (Cinthia Cordova), Gabriel George, Gwyneth Bolter, and Riley Bolter. Proud great grandfather of Fiona, Imogen, Lily, and Emmett. Dear brother to John Bolter, dear brother-in-law of the late Vera (née Longworth) Bolter, and dear uncle to Jon and Jerry Bolter.

Born September 24, 1930, in Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire, England, Geoff was the son of the late Reginald and Edith (née Wright) Bolter. He spent his childhood in Newton-le-Willows and attended Manchester Grammar School. He served his National Service in the RAF as a Lancaster Bomber ground crew member and went on to study and achieve his Aeronautical Engineering qualifications, becoming a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Specializing in fuel systems, hydraulics, and design testing, he worked at BAC in Filton, England and then at the Naval Engineering Test Establishment in Montréal, Québec, then Boeing in Seattle, Washington, Hawker Sidley in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, England and finally retired from DeHavilland in Downsview, Ontario.

Geoff was loved by those who got to know him. He was a genuine good guy, with a rascally sense of humour, a family man, a devoted husband and loving father, who supported his wife Mary (the love of his life) when she had health issues later in her life with tenderness, strength and love, which will always be an inspiration to us all.

In his retirement years, after settling in St. Thomas, Ontario, Geoff was very involved with the St. Thomas Seniors’ Centre, where he and Mary ran an acting group, and later, where he organized the table tennis club and was known for his wicked spins.

The family would like to thank the St. Joseph’s Hospice Sarnia Lambton palliative care team who supported Geoff with such compassion and grace in his final months, and all the amazing dedicated PSW homecare workers whose work is crucial to enable people to live with dignity and independence.

A private memorial service will be held at the Sifton Funeral Home, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160). If so desired, memorial donations to the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation or St. Joseph’s Hospice Sarnia Lambton will be appreciated.