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GEORGE ROBERT JOYAL
Date of Passing: Jan 21, 2009
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGEORGE ROBERT JOYAL It is with great sadness, that we announce the passing of George on Wednesday, January 21, 2009, at the Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, BC with his son Jerome, and close friend Gloria, by his side. George was born in St. Boniface, MB, and lived mostly in the Winnipeg area for the first 40 years of his life. He then moved to Vancouver, BC. He travelled the world as a Pro Heavyweight boxer (as George JEROME) and fought a long list of fighters, between 1968 and 1980, including George Chuvalo. George was NEVER knocked off his feet! He spent the past 20 years as a boxing coach in Vancouver, where he nurtured many friendships. A very special friend was Conal McPhee, who was coached by George since he was 16. George was predeceased by his parents, Eva and Charles Joyal, a brother Donald in infancy, a son Duke at 16, and a brother Andy. He is survived by his three children, Georgina, Jerome, and Gavin, along with 12 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, his brother David (Paulette), and his sisters, Shirley (Tony), Lorraine (Maurice), and many nieces and nephews. Also left behind, Gloria Bond, a very dear friend of 27 years. George's funeral was held on Monday, February 2, at the Glen Haven Memorial in Vancouver, BC. A celebration of George's life will be held in Winnipeg, between 12:00 noon, and 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2009, in the Reception Room at the Donwood West Apartments, 1460 Portage Ave.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 07, 2009
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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My uncle. He had a very hard life. My dad was 2 years older and George was the only man my dad ever knew who was stronger than him. I remember George remarking on his fight with Chuvalo the Canadian Heavyweight Champ: "I had him, he was breathing like a pig!". I wish I had more time with this great man. - Posted by: Paul Joyal (Nephew) on: Mar 12, 2019
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First read about this man in Boxing Illustrated, 1977. The cover story? "Who is George Jerome"? Another great Canadian fighter from a previous era. RIP. - Posted by: Benny Adler () on: Dec 16, 2016
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Known this man for many years.. lost contact with in 2008 Now I know why... rest in peace George... see you soon - Posted by: vince (great friend & admirer) on: Apr 06, 2015
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george was a friend. everyone in vancouver knew and loved george. i would visit his apartment and he tell me about his fights. sometimes he would talk about the fighters he was training.he liked shooting pool sometimes we would have a glass of beer and shoot a game. we hung out in the same pubs and had many mutual friends. george had a great sense of humour. vancouver could be a rough town when george was around everyone knew there would be no trouble and lots of fun and good times. rest in peace george - Posted by: ALLAN WESAQUATE (FRIEND) on: Dec 18, 2012