GEORGE D. CHASE

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GEORGE D. CHASE George Chase, widower and best friend of his sweetheart and wife Minnie; father of Penny Anderson (Jerry Lostowsky) and George (Dianne) and Poppa to Lindsey, Laurie and Melanie Anderson and Kirk and Kaitlyn Chase, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 9, 2006. George considered himself to be a very lucky guy. He was the 11th and youngest child born to Ethel and George Chase, on October 13, 1932 in Winnipeg. His mother was a beautiful lady who loved and cared for her husband and children. His father was small in stature but big in so many ways. He worked hard to provide for his family during a time when many families had few material things, but shared lots and lots of love. George loved his parents very much. Four of George's siblings died when they were young. His other four brothers, Harvey, Art, Earl and Clarence, and two sisters, Vi Mutch and Betty Riel, predeceased him. He is survived by sisters-in-law, Frances Chase and Margaret Chase, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. The Chase family grew up in the old west end of Winnipeg, living for many years on Simcoe Street. The children attended Wellington, General Wolfe and Daniel McIntyre schools. George had many fond memories of his west end days. George's luckiest day by far was in the fall of 1949 when he met Minnie Jannetta. They fell for each other and were married on September 18, 1954. Minnie was a tremendous girlfriend, sweetheart, wife, mom and nanny. She was a wonderful little lady who would do anything for her family and friends. She was the best wife anyone could have! George missed her tremendously since she passed away on November 23, 1999. George and Minnie stood beside each other no matter how the road turned or where it took them. They raised, loved and adored Penny and George, two great children who provided them with many bragging opportunities over the years. Penny and George, along with Dianne and Brian, provided them with five super grandchildren, Lindsey, Laurie and Melanie Anderson and Kirk and Kaitlyn Chase, whom they loved very much. Another of George's lucky days was in July of 1951 when he commenced his career with CN. Over his 43 year career, mainly in Winnipeg with short stints in Regina, Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto, George worked with many great CN co-workers, customers and competitors. George held many positions in CN's Marketing Department. When he retired in 1994, he was the Assistant to the Prairie Region Vice-President. In 1967, George, Minnie, Penny, George and Minnie's wonderful mother Assunta Jannetta, moved from the west end to St. James, taking up residence on Valleyview Drive. The family made many friends during their years in St. James. In 2004, George moved into Metropolitan Kiwanis Courts, where he made a lot of new friends. He became involved with the M.K.C. Computer Wizards who created the M.K.C. Grandmothers' Favorite Recipes Cook Book (which, of course, included Minnie's famous ravioli recipe). George enjoyed his time spent with community organizations such as Heritage Victoria Community Club, the CN Pensioners Association, the St. James Assiniboia Senior Centre, the St. James Assiniboia MSOS group and the Vintage Locomotive Society. When he wasn't volunteering his time, he loved to golf with his good friends. Although he liked the challenge of winning a few nickels, the companionship was always the highlight of the day. Over the years, George and Minnie spent many happy hours at their Winnipeg Beach cottage. They remodelled some parts and fixed others, with lots of help and free advice from numerous relatives and friends. Honorary pallbearers are Lou Mainella, Willie Gutsche, Harry Diakiw, Bill Cameron, Dan Chase, Bill Zack, Pierre Nault, and Ken Campbell. George's family would like to thank the staff at Metropolitan Kiwanis Courts and the 3rd floor staff at the Grace Hospital for their wonderful and compassionate care. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 14 at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Rosary Church, 510 River Ave.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 12, 2006