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GEORGE WILLIAM HARBOTTLE  Obituary pic

GEORGE WILLIAM HARBOTTLE

Born: Feb 26, 1939

Date of Passing: Feb 05, 2012

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GEORGE WILLIAM HARBOTTLE February 26, 1939 - February 5, 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 years, Suzanne, his daughter Bridgette (Richard) Lavoie, his son Vincent (Ilze) Harbottle, his grandchildren, Mark and David Lavoie and Vincent and Danielle Harbottle, 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 seven 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 to 1956. 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 to 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 three terms, until 2010. He also was the Eastern Rural Director for the Association of Manitoba Municipalities which he was honoured with a lifetime 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 would like to thank all family and friends for the kind words, support and prayers. A Celebration of George's Life and Funeral Mass will be 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 will be said at 12:30 p.m. Interment of Ashes will take place at a later date. If friends so desire, memorial donations in his memory may be made to the CancerCare Unit in Pinawa, Manitoba. SOBERING FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM, Beausejour 268-3510 or MB Toll Free 1-877-776-2220 www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 08, 2012

Condolences & Memories (8 entries)

  • George and I were on council at the RM of Alexander for one term. Needless to say it was a term that I will not forget. George had his opinion on everything and he made sure that everyone heard it. His favorite saying was "That is my opinion and everyone is entitled to it" At the end of the day everything always worked out. My wife Gisele and I have a lot of good memories of George. He will be missed. Our condolences to Suzanne and family. - Posted by: Marcel Rivard (Friend) on: Feb 09, 2012

  • Our sincere sympathies to Suzanne and familly. Goerge was a past Board member and a great advocate for our Bilingual Municipalities Association. We are greatful for all he did for our Association. I always loved the way George expressed his opinions. He was a colorful personality and a great ambassador for municipal politics. He will be missed. Merci George, - Posted by: Louis Tétrault (Municipal ) on: Feb 09, 2012

  • Met George while doing some contract work for the the RM of Alexander. Truly enjoyed his insights and humour and seeing him in action as the leader he was. My sincere condolences to his family. - Posted by: Dean Yaremchuk (Colleague) on: Feb 09, 2012

  • Professional, respected, dedicated, a true leader. George will not be forgotten God Bless the Harbottle family at this time. - Posted by: Mayor Bruce Henley (friend) on: Feb 08, 2012

  • George was a straight shooter who did a lot of great things for his community. My condolences to Suzanne, Bridgette, Vince and families. - Posted by: Brian Ryall () on: Feb 08, 2012

  • George was on the Board of Trustees of the Municipal Employees Benefits Program since 2004. His commitment and witty sense of humor will be missed by all of us. Rest in peace, George! - Posted by: Rose Neufeld () on: Feb 08, 2012

  • I met George when I was the chief administrative officer for the RM of St. Francois Xavier, and George was the Reeve of the RM of Alexander. At the meeting where we met, we had a strong difference of opinion. I think George was satisfied that I did not back down, and we have remained friendly ever since. I am glad to have met George - my life has been richer in consequence. God bless you, George. Bob - Posted by: Robert Poirier (Met through work) on: Feb 08, 2012

  • In 1966, George gave me the incentive of joining the ROYAL CANADIAN ARMY. When I first saw George in his RCAF uniform back in the 50's, he became an inspiration to a young boy trying to make something out of himself. Through the years after my retirement, George was always interested in wanting to know how you and your family were making out. When my eldest son got married in 2000, I approached George to see if he would MC the celebration. Without a moment's hesitation he accepted and it was spectacular, not only with his presence but with the fluidity of his words and adding a gracious glamour to the event. I spoke to George and his wife about a month or so ago before his passing. Thank you George. May only 10% of our population have your dedication, loyalty and honesty and mostly your integrety, our township would be in a better place as we will never achieve your level of 100% See ya on the other side, my friend/comrade. Jacques Lemire,CD1,WO.Ret'd - Posted by: LemireJacques (Friend and mentor) on: Feb 08, 2012

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