George Koch
Following a brief illness with his family by his side, George Koch passed away peacefully on February 01, 2011 at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
George was born on October 11, 1932 in Bukin, Yugoslavia and immigrated to Canada in 1954. He settled in Muenster, Saskatchewan where he demonstrated his love of the land and working as a farm labourer. It was here at a community dance chaperoned by future brother in-laws that George met Elsie, his wife of over 54 years. They moved to Winnipeg, where George worked in construction; beginning their family of six children, Colleen (Shane), Maria, Glen (Debbie), Kyle, Andrew & Aaron, Allen (Cindy), Aaron (Amanda), Ty, Justice, Tyler, Donna (Rick), Logan (Jen), Adam, Rachel, Ken (Carrie), Cameron, Kennedy and Mark (Ann), Jenna & Kyler.
His grandchildren were his pride and joy-he would do any and everything for them at a moment’s notice. He is survived by his two sisters, Marianne (Adolf, 2005) and Magdalena (Anton) as well as his nieces and nephews.
In 1971 George moved his family to Kenora, Ontario where he managed Boston Pizza restaurant until 1998 where he retired. PIZZA G as he was affectionately known will be remembered for his candid banter, excellent food and match making.
George was passionate about his gardens. He took great pride in his bountiful harvest which he would gladly share every season. George would get a head start on spring and plant seeds at every sunny window throughout the house. He also enjoyed his weekly curling and his daily coffee “meetings” with his friends.
George was very community oriented with the church being the cornerstone of his life. He was a Fourth degree member of the Knight’s of Columbus and was very involved in supporting all of their activities. George will be fondly remembered at the Candy Man at church on Sundays.
Prayers will be said on Thursday, February 03, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church.
Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 04, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church.
Heartfelt thanks to the ICU staff of the Lake of the Woods District Hospital and the ICU and Respiratory staff at St. Boniface Hospital. Their dedication, compassion and empathy will always be remembered and appreciated.
Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com
BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS.
Gardening Angel
by Carrie Koch
I walk in Opa's garden,
Opa walks with me.
His steps are long and sure
but he slows down you see.
He tells me all his planting tricks
as we walk through the rows.
I marvel at his wisdom
for the many things he grows.
There's corn, potatoes, lettuce, too
but the carrots are the best.
We stop and talk a little while,
I'm learning as we rest.
Opa finishes his work
while I play awhile.
The sun shines down on both of us.
It must be God's smile
We have a gardening angel
Blessed by heaven above...
Opa's harvest is full of goodness
but I think it's filled with love.
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