GEORGE WILLIAM ORTWEIN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GEORGE WILLIAM ORTWEIN On Sunday, September 19, 2010, George William Ortwein, dearly beloved husband of 45 years of Colleen, passed away with her holding his hand at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg at the age of 68 years. George is the loved and respected father of Dale (Kim), Ian, Eric (Lynne), and Gina (Brian Smith); and the admired grandfather of Tyler, Tabitha, Payton, Nicholas, Brianna, Amelia, and little Emma. He is also survived by one sister Mary Gail Garwah of Calgary, and her family. George was born in Winnipeg on February 24, 1942. After graduating from both Tec Voc High School (electrical) and Daniel MacIntyre Collegiate, he joined the R.C.A.F., receiving his commission as a Flying Officer on March 6, 1964. He then worked for Burroughs Business machines for the next three years, flying on weekends with the R.C.A.F. 402 Reserve Squadron until he had enough flying time to join Air Canada. He joined Air Canada as a First Officer flying the Viscount on March 6, 1967. He was later a First Officer on the DC9, and was promoted to Captain in 1979 on that aircraft. He was employed by Air Canada for 35 years. George loved to travel by every possible means - plane, train, car, boat, ATV and especially on foot. He took Colleen and the children on numerous memorable trips to England, France, Germany, Greece, Switzerland, the Caribbean, Venezuela, Hawaii, and other parts of the U.S.A. Later, after the children were grown, he took Colleen on trips to explore Macchu Picchu in the Andes of Peru, sailing on the Nile in Egypt to marvel at the pyramids and Abu Simbel, and on an amazing Orient Express train trip through the Mexican Copper Canyon. When George's lung problems prevented him from flying even as a passenger, he decided to drive himself and Colleen in the family car throughout all the Canadian provinces and the Northwest Territories, visiting briefly with any of the offspring or family that might be living and working along the way. They never felt he stayed long enough. These road trips gradually expanded to include the scenic byways and National Monuments in nearly every state in the U.S.A. One of his most favourite places was the family Pickerel Lake cottage in Ontario. He had completed building it over the years, as well as a guest cabin for the grandparents, the gazebo with barbecue deck for family gatherings, and several outbuildings. He was the carpenter, Colleen the painter, and the children the worker apprentices. But always he left time in the afternoons for water sports, and in the evening, fishing. His other most favourite place was the family home of 35 years in Charleswood beside the Harte Trail. The family wishes to extend thanks to the caring professionals at Grace Hospital ICU and at the Health Sciences Centre Intermediate ICU who looked after George in the last months of his life. In compliance with George's wishes, a private family interment has taken place in Brookside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in George's memory may be made to the Lung Association, 629 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3A 1P6 or the Charleswood United Church Hearts and Minds Campaign, 4820 Roblin Blvd., Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3R 0G6. George, you were my everything. Love, Colleen

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 25, 2010