GEORGE CORLEY

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GEORGE CORLEY Peacefully, on November 9, 2006, George Jesse Corley, aged 82 years, passed away at the Health Sciences Centre. George is survived by his beloved wife Claire Toshiko (nee Matsuo); children, Donna Drake (Don), Bill (Carol Aiken), Carol Emerson, Jeff (Claire), Kathleen Theriault (Charles) and Lawrence; grandchildren, Jason (Denise), Justin, Michael, Lynne, John (Pat), Michael (Stacy), Jesse, Trish, Calvin, Jeffrey, Genevieve and Angelique; several great-grandchildren; dear brother Fred (Hazel) and sister Frieda Melnick (John); nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by his parents Angus and Amy; brothers, Jim and Bill; sisters, Clarice, Bernice, Ida and June. George spent his childhood years in the North End, attending Champlain, Luxton and St. Johns schools. In 1942 he joined the Navy and served as a signalman on the Port Colborne in the Battle of the Atlantic. He received a medal from the Soviet government for his participation in the Murmansk Run, taking food and supplies to the Russian troops in December, 1944. On D-Day, he was in the English Channel supporting the invasion of Normandy. After the war, he returned to Winnipeg, met and married the love of his life, Claire, began raising a family and worked as a Carman at the C.P.R. until he retired. George enjoyed a happy and active retirement that included travel, bowling, Tai Chi and ceramics. His full white beard won him several first place prizes in the Festival du Voyageur beard-growing contest, and made him a very convincing Santa Claus for many years. George was a Past President of the White Ensign Club and a proud member of the Manitoba Japanese Cultural Association. For as long as he was able, George faithfully attended the Every Other Tuesday Breakfast (aka the Old Guys Breakfast) with his childhood friends from the North End and Elmwood. Special thanks to grandson Jesse for accompanying grandpa to Amsterdam in 2005 so that he could join Canadian veterans being honored at the Commemoration of the Liberation of Holland; family friend Nelly Allard for her extra efforts in helping George and Claire remain active in their later years; and to the wonderful staff and residents of Lion's Place for helping to make George's last year a positive memory for his family. As requested by George, no formal funeral service will be held. A private family interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in George's memory may be made to the Lion's Place, 610 Portage Avenue. Dad, we will always remember and love you. Rest in Peace KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 18, 2006