LOEWEN, George Bernard
August 13, 1928 - May 30, 2008
The fourth of five children, George was born on a farm in Willowbrook, Alberta, delivered by his father. After years of farm labour, he entered the work force just before his 16th birthday and rapidly became a "jack of all trades," working as a logger, painting contractor, truck driver and railroad employee. In his mid twenties George became the only man to walk in and then walk out of the Chilliwack Hospital after having contracted polio. George's strong work ethic, along with his multi-talents, helped him to be successful at many different jobs and hobbies throughout the rest of his life. He worked as a
corrections officer at Oakalla, during the 1950's, when there was still death row. At age 36, George went back to school and completed Grade 12, and then began a rigorous three years of combined work and education to get his teacher's certificate. For three years George went from classes at U.B.C. to graveyard shift at Haney Correctional Institute to home for a few hours sleep and then back to U.B.C. again. After receiving his Vocational
Instructor's Certificate George implemented the W.E.A.T. Program
( Women's Exploratory Apprenticeship Training) at Haney's Pacific Vocational Institute in 1976 where he taught in 13 trade areas such as welding, carpentry, and painting. Women came from all over the province, and even out of the province to attend. George continued to receive many letters of thanks from his students years after he left teaching in 1984. Around home, he cleared land and built two homes and a mushroom barn, which became a successful home-based business. During his retirement years he enjoyed touring around the lakes in the interior and even went on an adventure to
Africa to visit his son. He will always be remembered for his love of his grandchildren, playing cards and darts, trains, fishing, Chryslers, volunteering in his communities, and growing, canning and sharing fruit from his trees. He will be sadly missed by his daughter, Sher Goerzen (Jim), his son Tim (Tannis), and his 5 grandchildren: Christy (Joshua), Tara (Jim), Chay, Ben, Kelsey and sisters Elizabeth and Ann. The family would like to thank the staff at Heritage Square in Vernon for their loving care. George passed away peacefully after a 3 month illness with his daughter by his side. He was predeceased by his mother (Katherina), father (Bernhard), and brothers (Ben and Aaron). A celebration of George's life will take place on Saturday, June 28, 2008 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm in Maple Ridge. Please email the family at sgoerzen@hotmail.com for details or call 604-467-9180.