·

Eight Bells George Cohon

Dec 7, 2023

Canada was lucky to have a visionary businessman and big-hearted humanitarian adopt our country and accomplish so much here. in the past few days after his sad passing on November 24, you’ve read a lot about George  – his founding of McDonalds, his establishing the brand in Russia and his long dedication to charitable work especially Ronald McDonald house.  Born in Chicago, he chose Canada and flew the Canadian maple leaf even when boating in Florida.

It was my particular pleasure to meet George as a boater. His Hinckley 48 Talaria stood out as a much admired powerboat in a mostly sail environment at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club. George was much appreciated at the club not only because he was a very charming member but also for his generous contributions to sailing endeavours. his sponsorship of the annual Paddlethon, which earned thousands for Ronald McDonald House gave RCYC families a chance to put on zany costumes and splash around the island aboard dinghies and water toys. 

When he agreed to do the story, I was very excited. Meeting him that day onboard McHappy III I was struck by what a warm, down-to-earth, funny and welcoming person he was. I don’t think I had even met a Companion of the Order of Canada previously, but the contrast between that loftiest of titles and the unpretentious guy at the throttle of the boat he loved caught me somewhat by surprise. I came away from the assignment with affection and incredible respect for him.

At his funeral, the sentiments didn’t need to be gushy. Every single relative and friend who honoured George saw him as caring, family-loving gentleman who was proud, of course, but unaffected by his stunning achievements.

John Morris; Online Editor

Related Articles

Books on Boats: Superyacht Saga a Compelling Tale

Books on Boats: Superyacht Saga a Compelling Tale

Grand Ambition: An Extraordinary Yacht, the People Who Built It, and the Millionaire Who Can’t Really Afford It by G. Bruce Knecht (Simon & Schuster, 2013) It’s impossible not to cross courses with really big yachts (superyachts, megayachts, call them what you will) – as we do often enough on the BC coast, one of their favourite destinations – and not be intrigued by the rarified world they represent. If you share this fascination, this book is for you.
It follows the construction of the 187’ Linda Lou for a self-made millionaire who wants his new yacht to be the best ever built in the US. But the financial crisis of 2008 and the subsequent recession erode his ability to afford his boat – and threaten the builder’s prospects of completing it. And then the owner

2015 Ricoh Sport Awards

2015 Ricoh Sport Awards

As in years past, the awards night will celebrate the outstanding achievements of athletes, coaches, officials, sponsors and volunteers from around the province – all of whom have contributed to sport in Nova Scotia. These individuals represent the best of amateur sport, not only by virtue of their athletic achievement but also through their dedication and commitment to sport.

 

Video Gallery

Pursuit S268 Sport CC

By Andy Adams

The Pursuit S 268 Sport centre console is a do-it-all kind of boat with a solid sense of style. Centre console designs have been developed for the southern blue water sport fishing enthusiasts (and this boat would raise fish with the best of them) but the Pursuit S 268 Sport centre console offers far more utility and enjoyment than just fishing.

Read More

Destinations

Bayfield Marine Turns 40 with Big April Events

(l to r) Holly, Adam, Pat, Ron, Shelley

Ron and Pat Reder started out in October 1984 across the road from where they are right now on the Bayfield River in Bayfield ON. The store front was about 10 x 20 and the rest of that side of the building was a stock room, wood finishing room, then behind that was more back stock and the lunchroom. Expanding every few years for the store front, then moving over to this new building five years ago, this year with Adam, Shelley, and Holly are carrying on the business.

Read More

Lifestyle