George Harbottle

1939 ~ 2012

George Harbottle, surrounded by love and support of his family passed away peacefully on February 5, 2012 at the age of 72, at the Pinawa Hospital.  He will be forever remembered and sadly missed by his wife of 10 yrs. Suzanne, his daughter Bridgette (Richard) Lavoie, his son Vincent (Ilze) Harbottle, his grandchildren, Mark and David Lavoie and Vincent and Danielle Harbottle and his stepchildren, Samuel (Elrika) Nolte, Sandra (Gabrie) Van Eden, Rehann  (Alida) Nolte, Hildegard (Rudi) Niemand and 10 grandchildren.

He is now reunited with his parents, Charles and Cordelia (nee Martel), his sister Beulah Praezitger (nee Harbottle), his brother, Chuck and his niece Debra Houston (nee Poitras).

George was born on February 26, 1939 in Pine Falls, Manitoba. He lived in Pine Falls until the age of 7 years old.  On February 5, 1947 they moved to St. Georges and his parents, Charlie and Cordelia opened the “St. George Café” in St. Georges.  George went to the St. George School until 1954.  He attended school at the Maison Joseph in Otterborne, Manitoba from 1954-56. In 1957 he completed his education at the St. Paul’s College in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  On July 1, 1957, George joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and was discharged in 1962.  On August 1, 1963, George was the Secretary Treasurer for the Village of Powerview until October 28, 1968.  On March 1, 1970, George, President of the Maskwa Toboggan Club with a crew of 26 completed 600 mile Centennial Good Will Tour return trip to Norway House.  In 1971, he was hired as the Director of Economic Development for the Manitoba Indian Brotherhood.  During, 1983-1988 he held the position of Secretary for the Village of Powerview and bought Powerview Agencies until he sold to Co-operators in 1998.  He also served as a magistrate for the Manitoba Justice for many years.  On October 28, 1998 George was elected the Reeve of the RM of Alexander and served 3 terms, until 2010.  He also was the Eastern Rural Director for the Association of Manitoba Municipalities which he was honored with a life time membership in November, 2011.

George has touched many lives and will always be remembered for his caring heart, sense of humour, passion, perseverance and dedication. He was a loving husband and a caring and supportive father and his children and grandchildren were his pride and joy.

Our family are deeply grateful and give a heartfelt thanks to Keith Clark, Dr. Richard Van Gend and the staff of Cancer Unit and the Pinawa Hospital for their amazing care and compassion for George. We like to thank all family and friends for the kind words, support and prayers .

A Celebration of George’s Life and Funeral Mass was held Friday, February 10, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in the Powerview Notre Dame du Laus Roman Catholic Church in Powerview, Manitoba with Fr. James Gray presiding. Prayers and rosary were said at 12:30.  Interment of Ashes will take place at a later date.

If friends so desire memorial donations in his memory may be made to the Cancer Care Unit in Pinawa, Manitoba.

Spread your wings

and take flight.

Soar like an eagle

to the great heaven above.

We realize that we must

carry on and be strong.

Until the day that we

do once again meet.

We do love you enough

to set you free.

To allow you to spread

your wings and soar.

Fear not as you enter into

the brilliant light.

Just spread your wings

and soar high like an eagle.

Soar towards the big blue sky.

It breaks our hearts knowing

that you are gone forever.

Yet the beautiful memories

shall remain within us.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

Offer Condolence for the family of George Harbottle