John David "Jack" George

Gracefully with his hands held, and surrounded by the love of his family and his beloved Maggie of 64 years, John (Jack) David George passed away May 26, 2014 in the comfort of his suite at Riverwood Square.

Jack was born in Waskada, Manitoba on May 6, 1926 to Leita (Ballard) and John (Jack) Albert George. His early years were enjoyed in the towns of Waskada, Shoal Lake, Killarney, Virden and Deloraine Manitoba. Jack was immensely proud of this heritage and the fact that both the George and Ballard families were amongst the earliest known settlers in both Swan River and Medora. It was in these south western towns where Jack received his education. After graduating from the University of Manitoba in Science in 1948, Jack further pursued his studies with his degree in Education in 1951, followed by his Masters in Education from the University of Alberta in 1968.

Jack was a life-long learner and the consummate teacher. He considered himself so blessed to have been part of two excellent teaching staffs in Flin Flon and Fort Garry, teaching both Physics and Maths. Jack greatly enjoyed helping students understand and appreciate the underlying logic, structure and beauty of science. In turn, he earned the respect and admiration of generations of students. Jack’s teaching career culminated by being part of a wonderful, creative staff at Dalhousie Elementary School.

So many of Jack’s rich, lifelong friendships were drawn from his honoured colleagues in the teaching profession. Retirement couldn’t change this in any way. One of his absolute joys was passing on his gifts for teaching at the Institute of Education in Malawi, Africa. He considered it an honour to have been part of the program in 1985, 86 and 87, where he continued to form deep friendships.

Jack’s faith was nurtured by the support he experienced at Northminster United Church in Flin Flon and Fort Garry United Church in Winnipeg. He served on numerous committees and was fortunate to know and respect others who were committed to the goals of working in solidarity for improved relations between Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals.

The foundation of Jack’s life has always been family. He was immensely cherished by his beloved friend and wife of 64 years, Madge Ramsay “Maggie” MacKay, and his wonderful sons John Norman (Mair), Donald Robert (Catherine) and Douglas Patrick (Michael), who were his greatest friends in the world. His daughters Nancy Catherine (Paul) and Elizabeth Jeanne “Liza” (Steven) were always the “lights of his life”.

Jack revered and was ever involved in the lives of his grandchildren Joellen, (Matt) Bryn, (Djillian) Jonathan, Stephanie, Riley, Sophie, Joshua, Emily, Liam and great granddaughters Zoe and Trudy.

Jack’s soul mate, sister Neva (Nicholls) predeceased him in 2012. She and her husband Glenn were wonderful travelling companions, fellow theatre devotees and adored friends. The two families shared countless celebrations and occasions together.

Jack was happiest relaxing at the family cottage at Falcon Lake. It was here where he voraciously read, completed word and logic puzzles abandoned by others, and shared wonderful meals with family and friends.

Although a man of science, Jack was a performer at heart who adored the Arts. He participated in both writing and acting of school and community theatre in Flin Flon and Winnipeg. Jacked loved a good scotch, playing bridge and golf and the “chess game” of competitive curling.

Jack showed the world how to be a true gentleman. He was educated, humble, selfless and interested in the lives of others. Jack was an unbelievably positive force in the world whose talent for finding the best in a person was appreciated by all. His absence will be felt by all who knew him and the example he set, impossible to emulate.

A celebration of Jack’s life will take place on Tuesday, June 3 at 10:30 am at Fort Garry United Church, 800 Point Road. Donations in Jack’s honour may be made to CancerCare Manitoba.

The George family extends heartfelt thanks to Cori and the compassionate employees of V.I.P. Home Care Services, GH3 at HSC and Drs. McKay, Forsythe and Cho. Sincere gratitude to Linda, Donna and the entire staff and residents of Riverwood Square.