George was born and raised in the Parkdale district of Toronto. At the age of 14, he was selected to attend classes mentored by Arthur Lismer at the Ontario College of Art. During the years 1920-21 he attended the summer art school run by The Group of Seven artists at Port Hope, Ontario. Teachers that he gained instruction from included Arthur Lismer, JEH MacDonald and Frank Carmichael.
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As the world became derailed by war, George was determined to serve his country and entered officer training for the Royal Canadian Air Force. His eventual special status as artist in the field allowed him to continue the creative process during the 5 years he served in the air force.

At war’s end, George returned to Toronto and married Bambi, his wife of 40 years. They began a life together on a forest property they called Brackenwood in the small town of Cooksville. With a family to support, George pursued a 40 year career as chief stylist at Barrymore Carpet Co. An incredible expertise in color helped define both his textile career and painting obsession.

George demonstrated a lifelong commitment to Canadian landscapes and extended this to include works of European cities and war scenes during his R.C.A.F. service overseas. While oil paintings were his primary medium, he did produce a large body of etchings and engravings during the 1930’s and during the latter part of his life, became an accomplished fibre artist.

His accreditations include:
Member Ontario Society of Artists
Royal Canadian Academy of Arts (ARCA 1944 / RCA 1975)
Member Canadian Society of Graphic Artists
Member Canadian Painters and Etchers Society