CALGARY – The former head of the Calgary Poppy Fund has been found dead in Fort Pierce, Florida.
Local media reports quote police saying they were called Saturday evening about a body being found in the Indian River Lagoon.
Police later confirmed it was 72 year old George Bittman, a part-time resident from Calgary who lived on a boat at a local marina. How he died has yet to be determined.
Joey Bleviss, the Poppy Fund’s current head, says Bittman had dinner with friends Thursday evening and had arranged an appointment for Friday, but was reported missing after failing to show up.
Bleviss said it was possible Bittman could have tripped on his way home Thursday night.
The Calgary Poppy Fund helps needy veterans, their spouses and dependents with medical, shelter, food and dental care.
Bleviss said even though Bittman was no longer at the helm of the charity, he still helped out with events in Calgary leading up to Remembrance Day, and had only been back in Florida for a couple of weeks when he disappeared.
“He was a navy veteran and his goal was to sail the briny sea,” said Bleviss, who added that he had spoken with Bittman’s daughter.