"“It’s a long way from Riverton” is what George used to tell Wanda when they got somewhere they had never been before. They have been together a very long time. Their paths parted during WWII and they were re-united after the war. So once again their paths have parted and eventually they will be rejoined again as it was meant to be.
This world has lost a very good and honorable man in George Henry Peddie. He left behind many friends, relatives and colleagues that will miss him dearly. I don’t think George ever went anywhere that someone didn’t know him. So I’m sure he is with a lot of good people now that he just hasn’t seen for while. Without a doubt, he will be in our hearts until we all see him again.
George was my father, my dad, my teacher, my doctor, and my friend. I’m going to miss our weekly discussions about the Astros or Rangers, the Mavericks or Rockets, and the Texans or Cowboys. I am so glad he at least saw the Astros in a World Series and the Rockets win a championship. He was so thrilled to be part of both of those.
Until the day before his stroke, George took care of the sick and wounded like few others. I truly believe that was his purpose here on Earth. George Peddie recognized that the practice of medicine was totally unique in that it dealt with the full range of human emotions, unlike any other profession. For George Peddie, the bottom line was first and foremost, the well being of his patients and their families. Anything else was secondary. At all times, he strived to provide his patients with the best technical and emotional support he possibly could without exception to ease their pain and suffering. On this, he never wavered. Few have ever done it any better. I would hope that would be his legacy to the next generation of doctors who succeed him. He was a dedicated healer first – that was his dream, his lifelong ambition and his mission in life to the end.
George was a rare individual who truly left the world better than when he found it and had a lasting effect on hundreds, if not thousands of lives and for that, he will never be forgotten. His memory and legacy will live on in his children and grandchildren for a very long time. I know one of his only regrets would be that he didn’t get to tell each of you goodbye and share a parting story. He valued his friendship with all of you as do we. During his illness, your friendship and support to our family has been incredible and for that we are forever in your debt. So on behalf of the family, I sincerely thank you for being here today and for being a part of George’s life.
--- Drake McNeely Peddie"
