George Thomas Lauder passed away quietly at the Rocky View Hospital on January 3, 2020 due to heart failure and a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 75 years old. He met Gail Edge at the skating rink in Cochrane (Gail was in Grade 6) and they married September 10, 1966 and settled in Cochrane, where they raised their two children, Gregg & Paige. George worked in the sheet metal industry in Calgary for more than 25 years. After retiring he worked with Gregg at the barn, operating Gregg Lauder Reining Horses. Born January 10, 1944 at Rimbey, Alberta and raised around horses George had more than a little horse blood running in his veins. George’s parents and grandparents were active participants in the horse world. George’s great grandfather, “Doc Lauder”, came west in 1874 as a veterinarian with the Northwest Mounted Police. In 1923 George’s grandfather Tom was the first winner of the now world famous Chuck Wagon Race at the Calgary Stampede and has been inducted into the Canadian Cowboy Hall of Fame. George and Gail started showing at AQHA events after their marriage. As a family they put on many miles travelling Canada and the USA to participate in horse shows. Eventually he settled into Reining Horses: breeding, raising and training them along with his family. His 4 grandkids share the same twinkle in their eye as Grandpa when they see a good horse. George actively supported the horse community, serving as AQHA Ring Steward, NRHA representative and scribe for many shows in Western Canada. He really enjoyed their trips to Smithers, BC and to Whitesboro, Texas to visit their kids and grandkids, as well as holidaying in Hawaii & Mexico with friends. He is survived by his loving wife Gail, son Gregg (Anette), grandson Ollie; daughter Paige (Jeremy), granddaughter Tylar, grandsons Trace & Turner; brother Doug (Betty); and his two best Corgi friends Sally & Penny. George’s Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, January 12, 2020 at 2 pm at the Jumping Pound Hall, 44208 Township Road 250 (north of the Jumping Pound turn off on Highway 1). The Lauder Family is establishing a Reining Alberta Crisis Fund in memory of George, his love for horses and his dedication to supporting the community. The George Lauder Crisis Fund will be available to members of Reining Alberta when they or their families are in a moment of need. In lieu of flowers or cards the family ask that contributions be made to the Reining Alberta Crisis Fund, Lauder Crisis Fund, Box 10279, Airdrie AB T4A0H6 or online at gofundme.com Condolences may be forwarded through www.cochranecountryfuneralhome.com. Ph: 403-932-1039. LAUDER, George Thomas January 10, 1944 – January 3, 2020 Cochrane Country Funeral
