Celebrating The Life of South Ealing's 'Guitar George'

Well known local character, the 57 year old died from Covid last month

photo taken by Andrew McLeay (formerly Ealing Soup Kitchen)

The funeral and celebration of the life of South Ealing Guitar man, George McWalter, who died last month, will be taking place on Friday.

Many tributes have been paid to the 57 year old street busker who was well known in the area, and would often be seen playing outside the Coop on South Ealing Road.

George was adopted as a child and had no family, but he made many friends in the local churches and Ealing soup kitchen.
His funeral will be taking place at Mortlake Crematorium on Friday (12th Feb ) morning and will be a short service. The main remembrance will be a celebration and memorial of his life and will be taking place at St Mary's Church on the same afternoon at 2pm, led by vicar Steve Paynter.

There will be spoken and musical tributes to a man that had an impact on everyone he met.

Under the lockdown rules only 30 places are allowed in the church and they have all now been taken, however the memorial will be filmed and streamed on the Youtube video link on St Mary's website.

George would often talk to his friends at the church about recording some of the songs he had written, but sadly due to the pandemic it couldn't be arranged.
However it's hoped a few of his songs can still be recorded - a lasting legacy from George.

Many times by “Guitar George” McWalter

Many times I felt let down by everyone

Many times I cursed you Lord and everyone

Many times in selfishness everyone I blamed

But it’s you Lord who loved me so

But it’s you Lord who made me whole

But it’s you Lord who took my pain

But it’s you Lord who died, who died for me

Many times I’ve turned away

when they put those nails into your palms

Many times I cursed you Lord

when they put that spear into your side

Many times I felt let down

when they put that crown of thorns upon your head

But it’s you Lord who loved me so

But it’s you Lord who made me whole

But it’s you Lord who took my pain

But it’s you Lord who died, who died for me

RIP George McWalter 1963-2021

Annemarie Flanagan

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11 February 2021