DR. GEORGE SUTTON HOCHBAUM

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DR. GEORGE SUTTON HOCHBAUM With profound sadness and heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of our wonderful father, grandfather, brother, and son, peacefully in his sleep at the age of 63 years. George Hochbaum was born on December 1, 1946 in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. He grew up in Delta where he spent his days fishing, hunting, horseback riding, swimming, and enjoying the country life. He attended a one room schoolhouse and was often found playing football in the schoolyard. It was at Delta Beach where he met the love of his life, Valerie Ruth Jansen. George's academic endeavours began at the University of Montana where he studied for one year before transferring to the University of Colorado, completing a Bachelor of Science in 1969. He then went on to obtain a Master's degree in Science at Yale University in 1971. Following this, he achieved his Doctorate of Philosophy in Zoology at the University of British Columbia in 1980. George married Valerie in 1973 in Vancouver, BC; and together had their first child, Geordie Jansen, in 1975. George worked as a professor at the University of Regina until gaining a professorship at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. They had their second child, Christine Valerie, in 1980. After teaching, George moved on to work as a wildlife research biologist for the Canadian Wildlife Service, where he reunited with his longtime friend from Delta, Dale Caswell. The Hochbaum family settled in Waverly Heights where George and Valerie had their third child, Hans Albert, in 1988. It was around this time that George took his long time passion for wildlife art and decoys and made it his full-time hobby. He became a collector and dealer, attending conferences and shows across North America. George was well-known as the Bird Man and was highly respected among his fellow colleagues who would describe him as a man as wild as the decoys he sold . Over the years, George's collections were proudly displayed throughout his home like a museum of wildlife art. George enjoyed listening to a wide array of music, from Gran Parsons to Justin Timberlake. He could often be found at The Orbit Room drinking Redbull and Pepsi, dancing the night away. He was known for his charismatic personality, contagious smile, generosity, and warm heart. George looked at life as the total experience, and he'll be catchin up with all of us a little later on down the trail . He always had a story to tell and left a big imprint on everyone's lives he touched. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. George was predeceased by his wife Valerie; father Hans Albert; and sister-in-law Carol. Left to cherish his memory are sons Geordie (Kristine) and Hans; daughter Christine; mother Joan; brothers Albert and Peter; sister Trudy (Barry); and granddaughter Kennedy. A memorial service will be held in the Coutu Funeral Chapel, 680 Archibald St. on Friday, February 12, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E. J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 11, 2010