GEORGE DELOS SNEDDEN

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GEORGE DELOS SNEDDEN It is with great regret that the family of George Delos Snedden advises you of his death on Friday, August 18, 2006, quietly and peacefully at the Neepawa Hospital with his wife Ellen at his side. When George was told that he had lung cancer and that it would be about six to nine months for it to be terminal, he told his Doctor and later his family, I am 66 years old and I have lived a good life! I have done everything that I wanted to do and I have always done it just the way I wanted to! Whatever time I have left I intend to keep on living my way!...And that he did! In the time that he had left, he and his wife visited friends near Toronto then out to visit friends in Calgary. In November, they made a last trip to Texas to say goodbye to his friends there. He golfed every chance he could with his friends in Neepawa and Texas until the time came when he could no longer play a round without tiring. In January, he and Ellen returned to Canada and enjoyed the mild winter with their family and friends at home. He had many a session at the kitchen table with his buddies. The family gatherings took on new meaning, pictures were taken and he cherished every moment. As friends and acquaintances learned of his problem they dropped in to visit or called to see how he was doing. They all rose to meet his resolve and gave him companionship that was priceless. We cannot thank them enough for their gift of friendship. He tidied up all the loose ends and made sure everything was done to make things easier for his family after he was gone. Just about the time the discussions would get too serious he would come up with a real zinger of a comment to lighten things up and everyone could have a good laugh. Then to everyone's surprise he was blessed with over 14 months of good living. We never heard one complaint as his breathing capacity diminished. He kept repeating This has been the best year ever . On Thursday, when he was admitted to the hospital, he was ready to go. He never wanted to have a long stay in hospital and he got his way. George was born June 22, 1939, in Russell, MB, the only son of Cliff and Olive Snedden. His sisters are Faye (Don) Campbell of Sorento, BC; Ferne (Dave) Collum of Vernon, BC; and Judy (Gordon) Reid of Lacombe, AB. George started his schooling in Strathclair, MB. He moved with his family to Minnedosa, MB in 1948. As a teenager in Minnedosa, he was involved with the Army cadets, Dragoons , and he played goalie for the hockey team. February 28, 1959 he married Ellen Mae (Waddell) of Newdale, MB. Their family includes: Perry, his wife Maureen, with their three daughters; Honey and her husband Dave; Krista and her daughter Justyce; and Nadine. Dennie, her husband Don Phillips, with their two sons; Brian and his partner Courtney; and George. Jay, his wife Sherry, with their two children; Jason with his partner Emily, and Brittany. Shelly Check, her partner Roger Foxton, with their children; Tiffany and her husband Jeff Virgovic and their children Nicholas and Zachary; Stefanie and Kenneth Check; and Robin and Dana Foxton. George began his Plumbing apprenticeship in 1958 working at Minnedosa Plumbing and Heating. After obtaining his Journey-mans ticket he began his own business in Erickson, MB, when the town got its own waterworks. He was then offered a position as head plumber for Dalzel Hardware in Russell, MB. His next position was in Swan River, MB, where he was lead man on the new Swan River Hospital. He spent the next few years working as a foreman on several jobs working out of Winnipeg on projects in northern Manitoba. In 1969, as his family grew, he felt that he was away from home too much, so he was glad to have the opportunity to join in a partnership with his wife Ellen, and John and Elizabeth Vaughan starting a new Plumbing business in Neepawa, MB. Shortly thereafter, he purchased Vaughan's share of the business called Neepawa Plumbing Heating Ltd. In 1979, the business split into two parts making Neepawa Plumbing (1979) Ltd., and Snedden Holdings. Gradually the business grew and changed from a local service oriented business to a Commercial Mechanical Construction Business with contracts all over Manitoba, and limitedly into Saskatchewan and Ontario. In 1995, George sold his business and retired turning the reigns over to his son Perry and his wife Maureen. George took great pride in his business name and over the years trained many apprentices. His personal contacts made with apprentices, journeymen, other contractors, engineers, architects, wholesale representatives, and so many more people who may have started out on a business relationship, but were to become true friends. When George retired in 1995 he and Ellen fulfilled their dream of traveling. They returned year after year to their winter home in Weslaco, TX, making new friends there from all across the USA and Canada. There he discovered a new hobby of Scroll Saw Working. He spent many hours working with the saw making decorative plates, wall hangings and wonderful Grandfather Clocks. Many friends and relatives have pieces of his work to treasure. George loved to Help Out , whenever a friend started a project George was one of the first to arrive to give a helping hand or advice. House siding, repairs, or laying patio blocks, a trip to anywhere for any reason and George was a willing accomplice. As one friend said, his language was Colorful and he was always ready to set someone straight or give them a hard time. He teased unmercifully and expected the same in return. We are going to miss you George! Funeral services will be held at the Neepawa United Church (475 Mountain Avenue) at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 24. White's Funeral Home of Neepawa will be in charge of arrangements (204) 476-2848.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 21, 2006