A shocked silence spread over the city last Friday when word spread
around that Alderman George Ryder had suddenly passed away.
Alderman Ryder had been in poor health for some months, after a sudden heart seizure last fall. However he managed to attend council meetings and business affairs.
He was seen in the bank last Friday around 2 p.m., and shortly after
returning home was seized with a heart attack. He was rushed to the General Hospital but only lived a few minutes after admittance.
He was known and respected as a man of honesty and his quick wit made him many friends in the Yukon. He has lived in this community for 47 years and was engaged in the fuel business, which he was active in until last fall.
Elected as an Alderman to the first city council, Alderman Ryder was in charge of the Public Works Department.
He was a past master of the Masonic Lodge in Whitehorse and a member of the Canadian Legion. He leaves his wife, one daughter and three sons.
The funeral of Alderman George Ryder was held last Wednesday from the Old Log Church and was conducted by the Masonic Order.
Estimated to be one of the largest funerals held in Whitehorse, the procession to the grave side numbered over 70 with 20 automobiles following the march.
Masonic rites were read at the church and later at the grave by Lodge Master Mr. Dick Carswell. Members of the order deposited sprigs of evergreen and members of the Canadian Legion deposited poppies in the grave before the casket was lowered.
