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GEORGE FERRIS

GEORGE BRIAN FERRIS It is with deep regret and great sorrow that we announce the passing of George Brian Ferris on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at the age of 68; beloved husband to Judy for 48 loving years. He was an amazing father to Kim and Brian (Denise). Cherished by his grandchildren, Alyssa, Stefani, Matthew, Brittany and Amy, step-grandchildren Courtney and Colton; sisters Betty, Lorraine and Carrie, and, brothers Stan and Bob. George was predeceased by his parents Frank and Jean, and brother Larry. He is left to mourn by his Aunts Laura (George), Florence and Ida, countless cousins, nieces, nephews and friends so close, they have become family! George was born October 5, 1943 on the family homestead 100 miles north of Winnipeg, just outside Chatfield, Manitoba. As the eldest boy in the family, he quickly developed an outstanding work ethic which carried throughout the rest of his life and became the underlying ethos of his character. There was no job too big or small; George took on any challenge, with gusto, perseverance and became a man worthy of the utmost admiration and respect. George moved to Winnipeg at the age of 18. He found an interest in boxing and as with all of his endeavors he rose to the top and achieved the status of Manitoba Welter Weight Champion and later Middle Weight Champion . He worked for Bond Ronald candy factory where he met the love of his life Judy. After George proposed to Judy, he realized that he needed to become a better provider so they could start a family. He landed a job at a foundry in Winnipeg, where he worked until the company went bankrupt. This set him on the path of his life long career in the construction industry. In 1975 George and his partners started a company called Pourex Limited. Keeping true to his form, Pourex exceeded expectations and became one of Winnipeg's premiere road construction companies and later helped form Bituminex Ltd. Throughout the years, George built up a solid reputation as man who was very reliable and true to his word. This applied to all aspects of his life. He was very active in the St. John Brebuef Parish, worked tirelessly with Knights of Columbus #1107 and served actively as a member of the Board of Directors for Columbus Courts. People knew that if they needed to get something done and done right, all they had to do was call George ! George was not all work and no play. Just as he worked hard, he played hard, at the Horse Track and Casinos all over the world. He was an avid hunter, loved curling and travelling. George and Judy spent many years traveling all over the world, but their favourite getaway was Hawaii with a large group of friends and many nights playing chase the ace! George was first and foremost a family man. He was a tower of strength to his family and friends. He was particularly proud of his role as Papa to his seven grandchildren. Not only was he a colleague, friend, confidante, uncle, brother, grandfather, father and husband; he was a mentor and father figure, who deeply touched the heart and soul of the people he came in contact with and will be forever loved and missed. Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 21 at St. John Brebeuf Roman Catholic Church, 1707 John Brebeuf Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Viewing prior to the Mass at 12:30 p.m. Father Mark A. Tarrant presiding. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 22 at the Windsor Cemetery in Tuelon, Manitoba. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 200-6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6. The family would like to thank the Emergency Medical Team that arrived on the scene, whose tireless efforts gave us the opportunity to say goodbye. We also want to thank the nursing staff at both Victoria and St. Boniface Hospitals who helped us through this time of grief with respect and dignity. More importantly, we want to thank our close family and friends who were there by our side during this time of sorrow. Special thanks to Fran and George Van Walleghem and family who nourished our body and spirit. LECLAIRE BROTHERS in care of arrangements, 775-2220.

As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on June 19, 2012

Guest Book(10 entries)

  • Brian and Family. I knew George for a short four years. When I took gravely ill last year George called my wife and wanted to come to the hospital to visit. When he appeared his words to me were you gotta slow down. I wish he would have. I miss him and often think of him. George P. Maintenance Manager Shurlift IND./Princess Auto
    - Posted by: George Prideaux (Friend) on: Oct 17, 2012
  • Uncle George will be missed dearly!
    - Posted by: Natalya Robertson (niese) on: Jun 22, 2012
  • Our condolences to your family on your loss. I (Eddy) always appreciated him as my boss at Pourex. He was a good man.
    - Posted by: Eddy & Diane Funk (former employee at Pourex) on: Jun 21, 2012
  • Our prayers are with you Judy, Brian and Kim at your time of loss and sorrow. George will be remembered as a consummate gentleman always having an passionate ear for his friends. We'll miss him dearly and hold his memories in our hearts.
    - Posted by: Bob and Maureen Spiers (Friends) on: Jun 21, 2012
  • The construction industry has lost a rare and good person. Always pleasant to deal with and a real professional. Our deepest sympathy to the family and many friends. He will be missed.
    - Posted by: Kodiak Construction Inc., John Paizs, Geza Nagy and staff. (Colleague and friend) on: Jun 20, 2012
  • I am sad to hear of the passing of George (Mr. Ferris). Please accept my condolences Judy (Mrs. Ferris), Brian and Kim. My prayers are with you and your family. George will be sadly missed. Debbie Trakys
    - Posted by: Debbie Trakys (Friend) on: Jun 20, 2012
  • Remembering George with fond memories, both at work and at play. June and John
    - Posted by: June and John Pelland (friend) on: Jun 19, 2012
  • George, always a smile on that great mug! Judy and George always opened their home to many...when Rhonda (his cousin) first moved to the city from Teulon to start her career with hydro..their home was her home (on Oak), Brian was that brother that scared the life out of us watching a scary movie! Judy whipping up some snack or other..then when they moved to Vanderbuilt, I came over as Sharon, Rina and Rhonda were visiting family, Auntie Ida was there and for me, although it was my first visit to the home, was LIKE coming home! They took me on a tour..even under the basement stairs George had to show me the system to prevent flooding; always the contractor! :) I can't begin to imagine your loss as you are all such a close family and George and Judy were so proud to talk about and share their children's and grandchildren's accomplishments, joys and failures as that is what makes a unit... My sympathy with all of you at this time..together you will move forward and remember this lovely man with fondness in your hearts, smiles on your faces and warm hugs when you need to feel him near. Now George can be with his parents and those that left to wait for him...he will be taken care of. Forever..Linda (Campbell)
    - Posted by: Linda Campbell (Friend (made to feel like family)) on: Jun 19, 2012
  • I was saddened to hear the news of Mr. Ferris' passing....though I didn't know the man very well I knew of him. Bri always talked highly of his dad. It was in 1995 when Dale and I were building our house out in Sanford that I really got to experiance Mr. Ferris' generosity. We needed to do a finishing grade of our new yard, we had found a place to get the dirt from and just needed the equipment to be able to haul. I made a phone call to Brian, he to his dad...the end result was a big loader and two trucks. Dale had his class 1 so he drove the trucks back and forth while one of the workers filled them. Looking back Mr. Ferris was a true blessing to us..we did not have much extra at the time. I know that the family will grieve his loss and miss him terribly but I also know that GOD has a different plan for him now. We hope that the family cherishes their memories and that they celebrate his life..he was and always will be a great man! Deb(Wright) and Dale Schulz
    - Posted by: Deborah and Dale Schulz (classmate of Brian's and girlguide of Judy's) on: Jun 19, 2012
  • I remember going to the Ferris home near Burnt Lake & thinking what a big house but then I was six years old. I am so sorry for your loss.
    - Posted by: Bernice ( Browning) Smith (Family Friend) on: Jun 19, 2012

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