George Thomas Compton
March 8, 1924 to December 19, 2023
Obituary
Passed away peacefully at home on December 19th, George Thomas Compton, aged 99 years.
Founding Principal of Booth Memorial High School, a lifelong educator, and a mentor to young people throughout Newfoundland.
Predeceased by his loving wife, Melva, brothers, William and Malcolm, and sister Naomi Fillier. Left with a legacy of precious memories are his children, Gloria Snell (Ivor), Glenda, and Gary (Kim).
Remembered with love by his Grandchildren, Major Nancy Braye (Mark) Carolyn Murphy (Jonathan), Michael Fagner (Jillian White), Kathryn Tansley (Aaron), Laura Howell (Jonathan), Emily Compton (Kevin Kelly), and Great-grandchildren, Hannah and Micah Braye, Lauren, Eric and Claire Murphy, and Aurora Howell, as well as much loved nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to Dr. Gary Rideout, Serenity Home Care for their thoughtful support and kindness, and Dr. Roger Butler and the community programs of Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services. Also thanks to George’s neighbors and friends for their thoughtfulness over the years.
Resting at Carnell’s Funeral Home, with visitation on Friday, December 22nd from 2-4 and 5-7PM. Funeral service to be held at 2PM on Saturday, December 23rd from The Salvation Army St. John’s Temple, Torbay Road. Interment at The Salvation Army cemetery, Blackmarsh Road. Donations in his memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on December 22, 2023
5-7 p.m. on December 22, 2023
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
2:00pm, Saturday December 23rd
Salvation Army Temple, 101 Torbay Rd, St. John's
Condolences to his family and his friends
I attended Booth for 3 years to complete grades 9-10-11 starting in ’69 to ’72. Mr. Compton was principal. I think everyone should know this about the kind of man he was. I believe this is his legacy, his lasting impression. Mr. Compton was a fair and honest man with impeccable life values. Booth came to be known as the “reject school”. This must be looked at in a positive manner. If for whatever reason, be it good, bad or indifferent, a student left their former school, Mr. Compton would allow you to attend Booth to finish your schooling and obtain a high school diploma. Your past history didn’t matter to him. He took in all comers regardless of where they came from. No other city high school was as lenient towards new students as Booth was. Word spread around the city of St. John’s that if you were serious about wanting to obtain your high school diploma, Booth would give you that chance; be it your second or even your third chance. It became known too that for many of these new students it probably was their last and only chance. My grade 11 class had lots of these new students aged 16-20 who came from all high schools in St. John’s. I remember it being such a blast! We must respect and give Mr. Compton much credit for doing this. Not all but many of these newbies tried to enrol in other schools in the city but were unsuccessful in their efforts. Mr. Compton and Booth became the only school to give them that final chance. To me, it seems like he was rewarded with such a wonderful long life because of his willingness to allow most of these students that last chance for success…………. Mr. Compton, May you enjoy a Restful Peace for Eternity ! You certainly deserve that honour…………………………..
So saddened to learn of George’s passing. He was a very dedicated educator, admired by those who worked with him. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. Sincere condolences to the Compton family.
Chesley and Mary Warren
So sorry to hear of Mr Compton’s passing.. I attended Booth from September 1961 to graduation June 1963. Thoughts are with you. Please accept our condolences. John Gillingham
Sorry to hear of George’s passing. I have fond memories of him when he was principal at Booth Memorial. Condolences to the families.
So very sorry to learn of Mr. Compton’s passing. He was such a lovely person, kind, thoughtful, and always endearing towards Aidan and Catherine. We were always appreciative of his friendly nature…such a wonderful neighbour. He had quite an accomplished career as an educator and dearly loved his family and his home.
Glenda, I have fond memories of your dad from Booth where he taught me Economics in ‘73. I remember talking to him about my future goals and that I was planning on becoming a teacher and he telling me about some of the teachers role with students and to pursue my dream. Cherish your memories of him and smile often when thinking of him.
Kathy Noseworthy
To Gloria, Glenda, Gary and families.
Sincerest condolences on George’s passing. George and Melva and family were so kind to me when I stayed at your house on Vinnecombe Street during my university years. George was a very thoughtful person and I’m sure a mentor to many people.
Glenda and family,
My deepest sympathy on the passing of your father. He was such a kind gentleman..
Truly a real dedicated Teacher and Gentleman.
I would see him walking often in Baird Subdivision and at the Mall. Would stop and have a short chat about school years and what we were both up to. He would aways remember who I was.
My Condolences to the family.
God Bless
Gil Smith
Student of Booth
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Compton. I remember him well from his years at the Salvation Army High School in Botwood, NL. I remember Gloria, Glenda and Gary….we were all very young at that time. Lots of good memories flooding my mind tonight as I watched his funeral service online. Sending many blessings, prayers and love to each of you Gloria, Glenda, Gary and your families.
Gloria, Glenda, and Gary
Your Dad (Mr. Compton) was a fine Christian Gentleman and a true teacher/mentor to all his students. He exemplified the true nature of a ‘wise man’ as he brought his gifts of grace, knowledge, and patience.
Our last interaction was when he was ‘willingly’ interviewed by my son, Zachary regarding the community impact of Booth Memorial for a university project. That was CoVid interview that had to take place over the phone….but your Dad persevered.
Well Done Mr. Compton! Enter your eternal reward. And who knows there may be a Heavenly School that needs some direction.
To the Compton family.
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Compton’s passing. I was a student at Booth from 1965-1968 and remember having Mr. Compton for literature in grade 9. I have wonderful memories both of Booth and Mr. Compton. May your cherished memories help you through these difficult days. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Deepest sympathy.
To the Compton family- I was a student at Booth in 1977-1978 and was blessed to have been taught economics by Mr. Compton. There are many fond and humorous memories of Mr. Compton during those years. May your fond memories carry you through the difficult moments.
With gratefulness to God I remember the encouragement and dignified example of the fine Christian gentleman who was my High School principal 60 years ago !
May the Lord bless and keep each member of his family and may we all walk together in the steps of faith and integrity he traced in the pathway before us !
So sorry to hear of Mr. Compton’s passing. I have many fond memories of sharing stories and having lots of laughs with Mr. and Mrs. Compton at their place when I would visit Gary. A true gentleman! Judy joins me in sending condolences to Gloria, Glenda , Gary and your families.
Sincerely,
Bill
Learning of Mr Compton’s passing today, I am flooded with memories of a person who was a role model for what education is about–touching the lives of students, teachers, colleagues, family and friends, in a way that makes us all aspire to be our best. Mr. C. was my inspiration, and my mentor during those wonderful years I worked at Booth Memorial High School. Ever encouraging, helpful and wise, he was the kind of person who reached for the positive on days that were a challenge. I feel truly blessed to have had the privilege to work with this man, a gentleman in every sense of the word. Frank joins me in sending condolences to the family.
Sincerely
Celeste Hawkins
Sincere condolences to the Compton family. Mr. Compton was my one and only high school principal from 1962-1966. He was a wonderful, understanding person who lived a long and productive life. My first encounter with him was at my grade eight graduation, where I was asked to present Mrs. Compton with flowers from the graduating class of Reid Elementary Mundy Pond school. I last saw him at the Booth closing, and was fortunate to speak with him and his wife, and have some pictures taken.
RIP Mr. Compton!
Glenda,
Sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Wishing you and your family comfort at this very difficult time.
To the Compton Family –
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. My memory of George extends back almost seven decades, as he was Principal of the Salvation Army School in my home town of Grand Falls-Windsor in the early fifties. My late wife Barbara always spoke of Mr. Compton as her favourite teacher, and she was chosen by him as the class Valedictorian on graduation. I’m sure she would have been the first in line to offer sincere condolences at this time.
Sleep in Heavenly peace, Mr.. Compton.
Eric Rowsell
Ottawa
Gloria, Glenda and Gary , sincere condolences on the loss of your dad.. He was such a fine gentleman. Cherish your memories as you celebrate his long and well lived life.
Gloria,Glenda and Gary. : please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your dear father . He was my Principal for the three years I attended Booth. Mr Compton and Booth Memorial High School were synonymous with each other. I could never think of one without being reminded of the other. He was such a fine gentleman, who guided the school with kindness and wisdom. It was an honor to have been one of the many hundreds of students who were the beneficiary’s of his exemplary leadership..Rest Well Mr.. Compton.
Gloria,Glenda,Gary, and Family;We are so very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing..We have many special memories of Mr. Compton. Sorry we are not able to attend the Funeral; we are away with Mark and Family. You are in our hearts.❤️
Sincerely,
Paulette and James Stowe
You
I have such fond memories of Uncle George. He was a man of character and a true gentleman whose nature was soft-spoken and patient. When he warmly offered his perceptions, you knew that you were hearing wisdom. I always admired his devotion to family and love of learning. I respected him for his integrity. A life well-lived and a great loss. Thinking of you Gloria, Glenda and Gary and your families. Love Lois
So sorry to hear about Mr Compton. I was one of his students at Booth. I always remember in my last year I decided to drop a non matriculation subject. He asked to see me in his office and discussed it with me. He wanted to make sure I was making the right decision and was very supportive.
Rest in Peace.
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Compton. During my High school years he was my High School Principal. I had tremenddous respect for him then and ever since. He lived a life of high intergrity, showing care and compassion to all. Of the many people I have known over the years. Mr Compton was one of those gentleman who I am forever grateful for his influence in my formative years. God Bless his memory ! A life well lived! May God bless and comfort all the family .
Heart felt condolences to Gary and the Compton family. So sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear this Gary and family.
Gary and Family,
So sorry to learn of the loss of such a kind and caring man who has left a wonderful legacy. I was blessed to have him as my high school principal and even in later years he always stopped and had a chat to reminisce. May all of your loving memories help your family during this time.
Susan Churchill Gover
Thinking of the Compton family during this sad time.
Your dad was a lovely gentleman in every way. He will be very missed, his was a very long life well lived.
Dear Gloria, Glenda, Gary and families
Deepest condolences on the passing of Uncle George. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Love and Blessings
Nelson and Deris