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GEORGE EDWARD BROWN
Born: Jan 22, 1936
Date of Passing: Sep 08, 2016
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
GEORGE EDWARD BROWN With great sadness, the family of George Edward Brown announces his passing on September 8, 2016. On a lovely fall day, with his family by his side, George could finally rest. George was born on January 22, 1936 in Morden, Manitoba. He was the fourth of six children born to Lena and George Brown. Survived by his loving and devoted wife Bernice, children Heather (Jim) and Gerry (April), and his grandchildren Nicolas, Luke, Janine and Abbey. George attended grade school in Winkler, Manitoba, where he met the love of his life, Bernice Hamm. Although they met in grade 6, she held him off until grade 11. What got her was the kiss curl that used to drop down onto his forehead. Luckily, that kiss curl defied Brylcreem. His other love at that time was the English language. He was a gifted writer, awarded a scholarship and went on to pursue his passion by majoring in English at university. He paid the rent by working on the railroad. Bernice and George married on August 8, 1959. Mom was teaching, they moved to the city and he finished his degree. His first job was teaching high school, including English, at Silver Heights Collegiate. Now that Dad was earning an income, Mom and Dad were able to move into their St. James home and start a family. First came Heather, followed four years later by Gerry. Dad later went into administration and spent most of his career as a principal. Mom and Dad raised their family in Winnipeg and at the cottage at Hillside Beach, which they shared with the Wiens family. George and Bernice had a circle of close friends including the Reimers and the Siemens, with whom they shared a passion of spirited discussions. In those discussions no topics were off limits. They loved to travel, to laugh, to sing along with Flo's accordion and some even dared to challenge George to a game of bridge. They also looked forward to their annual summer reunion with their high school friends. George also greatly enjoyed golfing with his buddies (including the "Rusty Zippers") and meeting his friends for their morning coffee sessions. As much as George loved those special times, they paled in comparison to the arrival of his grandchildren. The addition of the first grandchild to the family heralded the retirement of both George and Bernice. They were amazing grandparents and a great team. Mom was the idea person and driving force behind the varied and interesting activities, Dad provided the logistics and muscle to bring the plans to fruition. In their retirement, George and Bernice rekindled their romance and were never found too far apart. They wintered with their friends in Arizona, spent summers at the cottage, golfed, hiked, and generally spent time enjoying each other's company. His grandchildren knew him as a doting grandfather, boulder hopper, stone skipper extraordinaire, Saskatoon berry picker and secret weapon in Trivial Pursuit. His children knew him as a lover of books, a New York Times crossword champ and superb BBQer. Dad was consistently modest and an utterly dependable parent. He welcomed Heather and Gerry's spouses into the family with open arms and always considered them to be "his kids". George was resilient. He lost his mom to cancer when he was 10 and at the age of 75 he had a stroke which robbed him of his beloved words. Despite these set backs, Dad was never one to complain about his circumstances. He adapted and stoically faced his challenges. Following his stroke, with Bernice steadfastly at his side, he had the courage to face each day. George found hope, and was still able to enjoy watching sports on TV (with all the appropriate emotion), going for walks (he had to sneak past Bernice on the slippery days), and seeing his family. Even after the stroke George went with his kids and grandkids on wonderful trips to Arizona and New York City. During the last 16 months of his badly failing health, Bernice was his strong supporter and advocate. She helped him in every way he could be helped. We will miss you terribly Dad, Grandpa. But we are happy you are at peace. Profound thanks to all those who helped George, both at the Grace General Hospital and the fourth floor tower at Deer Lodge Centre. Your kindness and compassion will long be remembered. In lieu of flowers, please donate to CancerCare Manitoba or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. At George's request, no funeral will be held. An informal gathering of George and Bernice's friends and family will be held on Thursday, September 15 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. at 2:30 p.m. "I'm gonna go where there ain't no snow, the sun always shines and the wind don't blow..." For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 204-885-9715
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 10, 2016
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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I apologize that this condolence is so late in coming to you. Mr Brown was my high school teacher during the 60s and encouraged a life-long love of Shakespeare and the "classics". It was my privilege to have been one of his students and thank him for the inspiration he provided during my teenage years. And yes, I can still see that persistent curl that used to fall on his forehead. He also introduced me to public speaking and debate which has served me well over the years. Truly a heartfelt thank you and wonderful memories accompany this message. He was a gem. - Posted by: Joan Fleming (past student) on: Feb 25, 2020
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Bernice I am so sorry to learn of George's death. He was my Principal at Westhaven School the first year I taught in St. James. I was assigned to Westhaven for .2 units which meant 2 afternoons a week. It was difficult being there for such a few hours, but George always made me feel a part of the staff. I also remember the wonderful year you and I worked together at Assiniboine School. My deepest sympathy, Audrey Fulham - Posted by: Audrey Fulham () on: Sep 20, 2016
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Mr Brown was my English teacher in 1966 to 1967. What I remember most was his sophistication as a teacher and a person. He lived on Lodge Ave. and I lived on Moray St. I drive by his house all the time and I always wanted to to stop and ring the door bell and just say HI but I never did. I feel sad about that NOW. He taught us Jane Austins novel PRIDE and PREJUDICE and brought it to life for us. It was a difficult book to read but George did a fantastic job!! The last time I talked to him was at the Silver Heights reunion in 2007 I quoted the very first line of the novel to him... IT IS A TRUTH UNIVERSALLY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT A MAN IN POSSESSION OF GOOD FORTUNE IS IN WANT OF A WIFE. He was such an amazing GENTLEMAN and a fantastic teacher. My wife had him as a principle and we both have only lovely positive thing to say about him. I wish the world would have more GEORGE BROWNS .... SOON HUGS AND KISSES TO YOU GEORGE KEN SOMMERFIELD - Posted by: Ken Sommerfield (George was my High School teacher at Silver Heigtts ) on: Sep 15, 2016
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Dear Bernice and family... I have wonderful memories of George as my administrator at Jameswood. His thoughtful leadership, kindness and sense of humour are fondly remembered... a man deserving of respect. And we, as a staff, shared much fun! Sending hugs and my sincere sympathy at this very sad time. XO - Posted by: Lorraine Prokopchuk () on: Sep 15, 2016
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Bernice and family we are so sorry to hear this news. We remember George as being a mentor to us in our early years of teaching at Silver Heights. He was such a great guy with a wonderful smile, a big heart, and always there to listen and guide. We were very blessed to have known him and will always remember him as having been a grand part of our lives. Gary and Pat Hamilton - Posted by: Gary and Pat Hamilton (friends and colleagues) on: Sep 14, 2016
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Aunt Bernice, Gerry and Heather, our Heartfelt condolences on the passing of uncle George. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. From the west coast Jeff/Karla/David and Eric - Posted by: Jeff (Nephew ) on: Sep 12, 2016
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Bernice, I was so sorry to hear of George's passing. Over the years I had the privilege of being his friend, colleague and on many occasions his golfing partner. He touched many people's lives in such a positive way, and will be sorely missed. Louise and I send you our deepest sympathy during this difficult emotional time. Chris O'Grady - Posted by: Chris O'Grady () on: Sep 12, 2016
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Dear Heather, Gerry, and Bernice, I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I know it has been a difficult journey for all of you in the past few years. And despite that he had so much dignity and resilience. It sounds like George was a remarkable man - kind, intelligent, loving. The best kind of husband and father you could have. Thinking about you. Xoxo Catriona. - Posted by: Catriona Andrews (Friend) on: Sep 11, 2016
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We extend heartfelt condolences to Bernice and her family, upon the death of a devoted husband, dad, and granddad. May you all take comfort in the wonderful memories you shared with him. His presence will be missed by us all! Glen & Myrna Loewen - Posted by: Glen and Myrna Loewen (Friends) on: Sep 10, 2016
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Auntie Bernice, Heather, Gerry and family...I am so sorry to hear of the passing of uncle George. You are all in my thoughts during this very sad time. Cathie Hamm - Posted by: Cathie Hamm (neice ) on: Sep 10, 2016
