GEORGE ALBERT DECUYPERE -

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GEORGE ALBERT DECUYPERE 1935 - 2009 It is with a deep sense of loss that we announce the passing of George on August 7th, 2009 at the age of 73. After a courageous battle with cancer George died peacefully in his home with family by his side. Born on November 26th, 1935 to parents Achille DeCuypere and Jeanne Druwe, George was raised in St. Boniface, Manitoba, the middle of five children. He held many fond memories of the summers he spent on Lake of the Woods with his family and working as a young guide. George continued to spend time there throughout his life and passed on a love of that special place to his children. George began a three-year career as an RCMP officer when he was 18. He met and married RuthAnn Cyr and began to study Electrical Engineering at the University of Manitoba. By the time he graduated he was the father of three small daughters. George worked as an engineer for Manitoba Hydro in Winnipeg and eventually in Gillam, Manitoba where he and his family, now larger by three sons, lived until 1974. In later years George's career took him overseas to Ghana, Iraq and Pakistan where he met Shirley Illingworth. They moved to Calgary while George worked on the Syncrude Project in Northern Alberta and Alaska and together they retired to Gabriola Island, BC in 1994 where George lived until his death. George was predeceased by his beloved partner Shirley Illingworth. He will be lovingly remembered by his children: his daughter Cathy and son-in-law Meredith, grandchildren Jessica, Adam, Zoe, Dusty, Blake, and great-grandsons Kingston and River; his daughter Sharon and son-in-law Rene, grandchildren Lisa, Alexia, and great-grandson Gage; his daughter Lisa and son-in-law Neil, grandchildren Maggie and Kate; his son Gary and daughter-in-law Marina, grandchildren Kevan and Rowan; and his sons Daniel and Marc; his brother Bert and sister-in-law Adele, his brother Ron, his sisters Irene DeCruyenaere, Patricia and brother-in-law Glen Horst, as well as many other relatives and friends. George will be remembered for his sense of adventure, humour, intelligence, strength, and determination. A memorial was held with family and friends at George's home on Gabriola Island.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 29, 2009