Newfoundland’s Hockey Icon George Faulkner, Who Married Barbara Paddock Two Years Ago In His Late 80s, Passes Away

George Faulkner, widely regarded as one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most legendary hockey figures, passed away on 19 January at 91.

Faulkner’s reputation as the province’s greatest senior hockey player is firmly notable in history.

He became the first professional hockey player from Newfoundland and Labrador when he joined the Montreal Canadiens farm team in Shawinigan Falls during the 1950s.

Although he was undoubtedly talented enough to play in the NHL, the Canadiens’ roster at the time was filled with hockey icons, including Maurice Richard and Jean Beliveau.

Perhaps his most significant achievement came in 1966 when he helped secure a bronze medal for Canada at the World Hockey Championships.

Remarkably, Faulkner remained active in the sport well into his later years. He was still playing at 81, and in 2014, NTV’s Mark Dwyer highlighted his remarkable career in a unique feature.

George Faulkner Leaves Behind His Beloved Second Wife, Barbara Paddock, Whom He Married In 2023

Only two years ago, George Faulkner, then 89, and Barbara Paddock, 85, shared that age is no barrier to love.

Faulkner was previously married to nurse Marjorie “Midge” Vardy, who passed away on October 24, 2010.

Barbara Paddock had been living in a seniors’ cottage across the street when she felt strongly that someone at the home needed her help.

A few days later, she found herself looking at rooms with the manager, and within a few months, she had moved in.

Just five days after settling in, she was walking back to her room from breakfast when she unexpectedly bumped into Faulkner around a blind corner.

Neither of them was paying attention, and for a moment, neither moved. They both stood there, unsure what to do, until Faulkner finally suggested a hug.

Paddock mentioned that during the pandemic, she hadn’t had a hug in a long time and was missing the comfort of one.

After their unexpected meeting, they became close friends and began spending more time together.

1946 bishops falls school team. With Alex George and Lindy Faulkner. At the old outdoor rink in Bishops. pic.twitter.com/aH75ZZ65vp

— Shawn Faulkner (@shawnoatthepark) January 13, 2025

Paddock admitted that when she learned Faulkner was the famous hockey player who had traveled worldwide, she thought, “How is this going to work?”

She knew nothing about hockey or sports and felt they were from entirely different worlds.

But it wasn’t an issue. Due to his hockey career, Faulkner mentioned that his injured knee didn’t help him when he proposed to her.

Paddock, though, took a moment before agreeing. She didn’t expect a proposal and was startled when he knelt. She had warned him not to do that, and then he couldn’t get back up, which worried her.

Despite a few mobility issues, their bond only grew stronger.

The couple became inseparable, enjoying every moment together. Even in their 80s, they made the most of their time, attending church regularly and enjoying dinner dates at restaurants.

Regarding his kids, in February 2016, George joined a parents-versus-kids hockey game with his grandson, George Faulkner Jr.

He later expressed how meaningful it was to have shared the ice with his two sons, Bob and Peter, and now his grandson.

Additional Information

• He was born in Bishop’s Falls, a town by the Exploits River in Newfoundland, Canada.
• His father, Lester, was also from Bishop’s Falls, while his mother, Olive, came from Point Leamington.
• He began his senior hockey career at just 15, playing for the Bishop’s Falls Woodsmen in the Grand Falls Senior League.