GEORGE SAWATZKY

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GEORGE SAWATZKY (Big George) January 11, 1933 May 27, 2009 George Sawatzky was born and raised in Gnadenthal, a southern Manitoba village. His interests lay in music, cars and tinkering with mechanical and electronic devices. Besides his years working on the farm he found employment at Altona Appliance, Redekop Electric, and National School Services. Several illnesses interrupted his life at various times. Pleurisy in 1954 took him to the Sanatorium at Ninette for seven months. Multiple Sclerosis began to make itself felt in 1976 and eventually required termination of employment in 1981. In the end cancer placed him in hospital from October 2008 to May 2009. George was amazingly accepting of his incapacitation and very creative in modifying his living space to accommodate his disabilities. He thoroughly enjoyed people and made many friends and acquaintances throughout the years. He was somewhat brusque at times but also very generous. Belief in God was paramount to George. Baptism, church membership, witnessing and mission support were characteristic of George's spiritual life. Thank you to all who offered love, friendship and support. George was predeceased by his parents, Johann and Margaretha Sawatzky, one half-brother John Janzen. He is survived by one sister-in-law Nettie Janzen Wiebe (Bill), three brothers: Alfred (Olga), Peter (Anne), Jake (Helen), and two sisters, Ruth Bock (John), Johanna Braun (Norman); also numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. The funeral service is to take place Monday, June 1, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at Grant Memorial Baptist Church, 877 Wilkes Ave. Winnipeg, with interment at 2:30 p.m. in the Gnadenthal Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Grant Memorial Baptist Church (for City Church). Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel 1-204-346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 30, 2009