George Binder Obituary
Dear Hope Church Family,
We would like to share the funeral arrangements for our beloved congregation member, George Binder, who passed on August 3, 2026. The family would like to warmly invite all members of our church family who wish to attend and pay their respects.
The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at McInnis & Holloway Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North, Calgary).
A graveside service will follow at Queen's Park Cemetery (3220 5 St. NW, Calgary), with a reception afterward in the Hospitality Centre at the funeral home.
For those who would like to pay their respects prior to the service, there will be a visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at McInnis & Holloway.
The family is grateful for the love, prayers, and support of our church community during this time and welcomes anyone who is able to attend.
Please continue to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers as they gather to celebrate his life and remember his lasting impact.
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April 26, 1934 - Betschmen, Yugoslavia
August 4, 2026 - Calgary, Alberta
It is with great sadness, but with faith and gratitude for a life well lived, that we announce George Binder went home to be with his Lord and Saviour on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the age of 92 years.
George was born on April 26, 1934, in Betschmen, Yugoslavia. In 1953, he and his family immigrated to Canada, beginning a new chapter in their lives. Upon arrival, the family settled in Raymond, AB, where they worked together on a sugar beet farm. George later moved to Calgary, where he began his career with Dominion Construction as a labourer.
In 1959, George met and married the love of his life, Susan Jilling. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, hard work, and love. They were blessed with two children, Grant and later Deborah.
George dedicated 55 years of his career to Dominion Construction. In 1964, he earned his Red Seal carpentry certification through S.A.I.T. and continued to grow and advance throughout his career until he became Chief Superintendent. He was passionate about the construction industry and was deeply committed to developing future generations of tradespeople. Through his involvement with the apprenticeship board, George played an important role in establishing the apprenticeship program for the concrete finisher trade. He took great pride in mentoring others, promoting skilled trades, and sharing his knowledge and experience.
George was also proud of the tangible legacy he left throughout Calgary. Over the course of his career, he contributed to many significant construction projects, helping to shape the city he called home. One project that held a special place in his heart was Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park.
Family was at the heart of George’s life. He will be lovingly remembered for his humour, his stories, his patience, and the countless memories he created with those around him. His kindness, wisdom, and steady presence touched many lives.
Above all, George was a man of deep, unwavering faith. George and Susan were members of St. John Lutheran Church for many years. George served as a deacon and was involved with the Church Council, where he worked with church finances to help ensure its continued operation. He also helped with the transition and handover of the church to a new congregation. George and Susan later attended Hope Lutheran Church, where they continued to worship faithfully every Sunday until George was physically no longer able to attend. George and Susan made many friends and touched many people through their faith, their works, and their Christlike love for others.
George is survived by his beloved wife, Susan; his son Grant Binder (Tammy) and daughter Deborah Barkowsky (Kevin); his grandchildren Kadyn and Jana Barkowsky, Ashleigh Caswell (Ryan), Alex Lyons (Dallin), Christoph Binder (fiancée Jax Olar), Sean Binder (Celine), Damian Binder, and Marcel Staats-Binder; and his great-grandsons Carter and Dawson Caswell, and his soon-to-be-born great-granddaughter.
He is also survived by his brothers Erich Binder (Lynda) and Nik Binder (Ginny); sisters-in-law Elizabeth Binder and Trudy Binder; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
George’s memory will live on through the family he cherished, the people he mentored, and the many lives he influenced throughout his remarkable journey. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB), on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with George’s family here.
In living memory of George Binder, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes. Additional memorial trees will be planted through Canadian conservation and reforestation initiatives, as a result of memorial contributions. McInnis & Holloway, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.