George Ylonen

January 30, 1931 ~ August 16, 2014

Peacefully with family at his side, George passed away on August 16, 2014, at 83 years of age. The son of Aili and Emil Ylonen who emigrated from Finland, George (Yrja) was affectionately called Yortsi by his parents and grandparents, Matilda and Oscar Revoniemi.

George will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Louise, daughters Lisa (Brad), Tannis (Calvin), Dolena (Lorne), and grandchildren Michael, Tim, Nicholas, Amber, Brooke and Dylan, and cousin Jukka Rislahti.

George enjoyed a full and happy life living on the family farm in Riverland, Lac Du Bonnet, homesteaded by his grandfather in 1908. For George, home in Riverland, looking out at the river, watching Louise in her flower gardens, his children and grandchildren swim, sauna and have bonfires, along with the occasional visiting bear and deer was his heaven.

George was known by trade as a miner and farmer. He was active and participated in a variety of community positions and services such as municipal counselor and reeve, a board member for the library, sports arena, and health clinic. He founded the Concerned Citizens of Manitoba, a group challenging the disposal of nuclear waste within the Canadian Shield. He frequently stated that his greatest accomplishment was his family and for this he was most proud.

George had many interests and pursued them with dedication and pure enjoyment. He was mechanically inclined as well as skilled in construction, building speedboats, rowboats and the family homes. He was very athletic and a skilled skier and swimmer, swimming Lake Winnipeg in 1954. His passion for flying and hobby of building model airplanes led him to purchase and fully restore a 1957 Aeronca Champ Aircraft.

George and Louise were avid travelers. Travelling with family across Canada, the United States and visiting numerous European countries and Cuba over the years.

A celebration of George’s life will be held on Monday, August 25, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the Lac du Bonnet Legion, 45 McArthur Avenue.

George’s family would like to extend a special thank you and appreciation to Dr. M. Bruneau, Anita Legall and Myrna Klassen, and friends who have provided wonderful support over the past several weeks.

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