Born in Montreal in 1910, George began his career by studying medicine for two years at McGill University. In 1930 he left McGill to work for General Dry Batteries, moving to Toronto in 1936 as assistant to the Managing Director. In 1940, he joined Stromberg-Carlson, manufacturer of telecommunications and radio equipment, becoming general plant superintendent by 1949. He then moved on to the International Resistance Co. and later to Philips, where he started the Components Division. In 1960, George formed his own company, Ferritronics Limited, which is still in operation today. George was also instrumental in the formation of Lazer-Tech Limited, a printed circuit board manufacturing company, with his son Kenneth.

Although not formally trained as an engineer, George became an associate member of the IRE in 1940, a full member in 1945, a senior member in 1959 and a Life Senior of the IEEE in 1977.

George guided the development of the Region Office in 1972 to serve the membership of IEEE Canada (Region 7), and was its general manger until his retirement in 1983. He will be remembered for his work in educational activities; promoting IEEE short courses such as fibre optics, microprocessors and robotics as he traveled across Canada visiting and helping Sections become more effective. One of his greatest contributions was to support and stress the need for strong Student Branch activity at all the major learning institutions across the country, students being the lifeblood of the IEEE. He is remembered annually in the presentation of the George G. Armitage Outstanding Student Branch Award.

George was a founding member of the International Electrical and Electronics Conference (IEEC), becoming its General Chairman in 1971, and continued his involvement as Treasuirer. He was an active member of the IEEC Inc. Board, participating in the formation of McNaughton Learning Resource Centres and Scholarships. He was an active supporter and proponent of the evolution of IEEC Inc. into the IEEE Canadian Foundation, and actively participated in the conversion process. These programs of grants and scholarships continue George's goal to enhance IEEE Student Branch activities across Canada.

George enjoyed life and was frequently found entertaining friends at the "Elms" on the shores of Lake Simcoe with his wife Peg. In addition to his engineering and management talents, he excelled as a woodworking craftsman and a gourmet cook.

Peggy died in November 1989, and George passed away a year later on October 29,1990. He is survived by their children, Kenneth, Joanne and Kimberly, and by four grandchildren. George will always be remembered as a friend to those who knew him.