GEORGE LOEWEN

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GEORGE LOEWEN October 9, 1927 - August 20, 2007 Peacefully, in the early hours on Monday, August 20, 2007, Dad's journey on earth ended, at the age of 79. George is survived by the love of his life, Kathy Loewen of Riverton, MB, as well as their children and grandchildren, Brenda and husband Bill Riddell, Michael (Kara) and Scott; Gerald and wife Carolyn, Erin (Kang Min) and Christine; Len and wife Linda, Whitney, Alexa, Neil and Eric; Lori and husband Gerry Enns, Derrick, Mackenzie and Alexandra. George will also be lovingly remembered by his brothers, Peter, John and Eddie, and sisters Mary, Minna, Wilma, Anna, and Valida, as well as sisters-in-law, Agnes, Helen (John) and Mary, along with many nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by his parents, Isaac F. and Elizabeth U. Loewen, his younger brother Leonard and his beloved daughter-in-law Cheryl. George was a self made man who excelled at many things. Born in Blumenort on October 9, 1927, he and Kathy were among the first of many families who moved from Steinbach to open new land north of Riverton in the 1950s. Shortly after they bought a sawmill and he operated a lumber camp each winter for the next 20 years, gaining many life-long friends and great stories. During this time he became a pilot and he spent many happy times in the skies with his Cessna 180. George was a prominent farmer in the Riverton area. He loved to improve things and could fix almost anything. He loved his grandchildren and it was always a good day when he had one or two of them on the farm with him. In later years, George and Kathy became snowbirds and spent winters in Mission, Texas, making good friends there. Here he became an athlete, biking and golfing daily. Dad leaves his family and friends with many wonderful memories of times spent with him - on the farm at Riverton, in the bush camps, in his airplane, on the golf course, and of course at his winter home in Chimney Park. Grandpa had a special bond with each and every one of his grandchildren. Playing cribbage with them, golfing with them and giving them a hard time were among his favourite things to do. He will be so terribly missed by all 11 of them. Dad will especially be missed by his soul mate and loving wife of 57 years, Kathy. They had many adventures together: breaking the land in Howardville, hauling in grain from the boloney farm , building their homes, travelling in Asia, Australia, Central America, Mexico, every state in the United States, and all of Canada from sea to sea to sea! George was a Past Exalted Ruler of the Riverton Elks Lodge #530. He was involved in the development of the Riverton Seniors Lodge and the Riverton Ambulance. He was a Councilor for the R.M. of Bifrost for nine years and a member of the Manitoba Pool Local for many years as well. Being an independent man, Dad found life after his stroke extremely difficult. Our family is very appreciative of the nursing staff and all of the care workers who helped Dad be as comfortable as possible. Memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Riverton Recreation Centre, on Thursday, August 23, 2007. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke foundation. A private interment for the family will take place prior to the service. From A Pilot's Prayer And when the goals are reached at last When all the flying's done I'll answer with no regret- Indeed! I had some fun Dad certainly had a lot of fun! Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli, in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 22, 2007