Entered into rest with family by his side at the Brockville General Hospital, Charles Street Site on Saturday January 28, 2017. George Shire of Mallorytown, aged 86. He will be remembered by many for his construction skills as a brick layer and stone mason, and for his community volunteer activities. He served for many years as a municipal councillor and reeve in Ft. of Escott Township, and then again as a councillor in TLTI after amalgamation. He was an advocate for preservation of local history and took extra pride in the work the community did to preserve Springfield House in Escott. He was a long-time member of the Mallorytown Legion, the Rockport Men's Breakfast Club, and the Masonic and Odd Fellows Lodges. It would not be an exaggeration to say that at one time he knew practically every township resident by name personally and had probably built a basement, fireplace or chimney for many of them. Beloved husband of the late Gwendolyne Kahnt of Rockport, they married in 1955 and raised 4 children: Dan (Karen), Bert, Darlene Brant (Jamie) and Cindy Cross (Doug). He also leaves 4 granddaughters: Melissa Vander Ploeg (John), Amanda Wallace (Clayton), Jessica Cross (Steve), and Becky Cross. In 2015 he welcomed 4 great-grandchildren: Miles, Riley, Zachary and Ella and he was delighted to learn at Christmas that two more great-grandchildren were on the way this year. He was the eldest son of James Herbert Shire and Florence Agnes Lawson, born on the family farm near Caintown. Brother of Jean Turner (Bill), Hazel Shire, David Shire (Carolyn) and Paul Shire (Sandy). He was predeceased by sisters Vida Herbison, Alice Ryce and Helen Guilbeault, brothers Borden and Donald and by his parents. Dear friend of Beverly Howard of Lansdowne, he met Bev at Lansdowne United Church in later life and enjoyed yard sales and Legion dances with her. The family appreciates the compassionate care provided at St. Lawrence Lodge and the Brockville General Hospital. Family and friends may pay their respects at the Barclay Funeral Home, 1033 Prince Street Lansdowne on Friday from 2 - 4 & 7 - 9 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Saturday February 4, 2017 at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at Rockport Cemetery at a later date. In memory of George, donations to the Rockport Protestant Cemetery, the Rockport Rec Hall or the Mallorytown Legion will be gratefully acknowledged to the family. Macoy Masonic Lodge #242 A.F. & A.M. will hold a Memorial Service Friday evening in the Funeral Home at 6:45 p.m. all sister Lodges are invited to attend Messages of condolence may be sent on line at www.barclayfuneralhome.com.