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GEORGE EDWARD MILNE
Date of Passing: Jan 03, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGEORGE EDWARD MILNE George Edward Milne passed away peacefully January 3, 2012 at his home in Gimli, MB with his family by his side. George will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Rita (Van Blaricom), son Chris, daughter Susan Brooks (Nate) and granddaughter Estelle Brooks; his brothers, Don (Glenda), Art (Donna), Bob (Madeleine); sister Agnes and many nieces, nephews and friends. George was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary Milne. George was born June 5, 1939 in Beausejour MB. Prior to living in East Selkirk, the family lived in rural Western Manitoba. George spent his youth, completed his education and plumbing apprenticeship in East Selkirk. In 1963 he married Rita and two years later moved to Brandon, MB. The following years were spent teaching the plumbing pre-apprenticeship program at Assiniboine Community College. He also completed his Bachelor of Arts in Brandon. George inherited his father's bagpipes and fulfilled his passion by taking lessons and playing with several bands in Manitoba. Over the years he enjoyed showing his 1951 Chevy; building a cottage at Sandy Lake, teaching for a year in the north, as well as in Kenya. He also enjoyed moving 13 times in Brandon. George and his family enjoyed extensive travels and many wonderful family times at Sandy Lake, MB. George and Rita settled in Gimli in 2000 and were part of a wonderful and supportive community of friends. He continued his piping which took him on many band trips including Scotland. His teaching experience resulted in part-time employment at Stony Mountain Penitentiary and Rockwood. George's battle with Mesothelioma lasted 19 months. In the mid 1960s, George was briefly exposed to asbestos during his apprenticeship, resulting in this illness. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, January 12, 2012 at the Lakeview Resort in Gimli, MB at 2:00 p.m. with The Venerable Gordon Payne officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to The Gimli Humane Society, P.O. Box 1999, Gimli, MB R0C 1B0 and/or a letter to your Member of Parliament requesting an end to Canadian mining and exporting of asbestos. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
Publish Date: Jan 7, 2012
GEORGE EDWARD MILNE On Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at his residence, George Milne, aged 72 years of Gimli, beloved husband of Rita. A service of remembrance will be held on Thursday, January 12 at 2:00 p.m. in the Lakeview Hotel in Gimli, Manitoba. Full obituary to follow in Saturday's Free Press. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements.
Publish Date: Jan 6, 2012
GEORGE EDWARD MILNE At 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 George Edward Milne passed away peacefully at his home in Gimli, Manitoba, surrounded by his family, after a two year battle with mesothelioma. Obituary and funeral service details to follow in Saturday's paper.
Publish Date: Jan 5, 2012
Publish Date: Jan 6, 2012
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 07, 2012
Condolences & Memories (23 entries)
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I first met George at Bagpipe Camp and played with him in the Glenaura Pipe Band for many years. He was funny, smart and a really nice guy. He will be greatly missed. He afforded the band the opportunity to do pontoon boat performances after the Gimli Parades and always made sure to feed the crowds that showed up after. - Posted by: Kath Creasy (friend) on: Jan 12, 2012
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I first met George at Assiniboine Community College. George had the ideal personality for an educator. He was slow to anger and quick to listen. He touched the lives of so many people in a very positive way. He will always be fondly remembered by those who knew him. Lise & Peter - Posted by: Peter Lise Warkentin () on: Jan 11, 2012
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I first met George when a small group of us travelled to Scotland in 2007 to pipe with the Massed Pipes and Drums of Canada. We spent 2 wonderful weeks together and George always brightened our day with his infectious smile and attitude. We'll miss you bud. - Posted by: Maureen McFarlane (friend) on: Jan 09, 2012
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I remember George and Rita from the old, old days- back in the early sixties when we were all going to change the world. George did his share! Their strong relationship from teenagers to maturity is a true testament of love and commitment. You are in our hearts. Keith & Peggy Bricknell - Posted by: Peggy Bricknell (Old,old friend) on: Jan 09, 2012
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Chris, Rita and Susan, you are all in my thoughts and prayers and I offer you my sincerest condolences during this time. I have many fond memories of George from when I was in the 26th Field Regiment Pipe Band in Brandon. George had a wonderful disposition that was infectious. He was always kind, patient and more often than not, smiling. Rest in peace George. - Posted by: Adrienne Hanly (Friend) on: Jan 09, 2012
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We have been friends with George for approximately 10 years and are saddened to hear of his passing. We always thought of George as a good natured, sincere kind of guy you were happy to be with. Happy times were shared together. We raise our glass to you George as we are proud to call you our "friend." You will be missed. May God be at your side always. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Rita and family. - Posted by: Ted and Karen McFarlane (Friends from Edmonton) on: Jan 08, 2012
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It has been a genuine pleasure getting to know George and becoming good friends in our past 10 years as neighbours in Siglavik. We will miss the bagpipe practice sessions heard across the bay. He was truly one of the "good guys" one comes across in a lifetime and we had the good fortune of calling a friend. Our heartfelt condolences to Rita, Chris, Susan and family. - Posted by: Ken and Gerry Stephanson (Friend and neighbour) on: Jan 08, 2012
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My fondest moment with George was at one of our Newfoundland Dog Club Weekend Campout's. On Saturday evening after dinner, we would all gather for a "Gong Show". Well George took GREAT pleasure in playing the bag pipes for us all, and he was WONDERFUL! Then it came to "teaching me to play". After blowing as hard as I could, almost passing out, I notice George holding his sides in almost pain from laughing so hard. Little did I know, he had unattached something inside, so it didn't matter how hard I tried, they were never going to work! We ALL had many laughs for a lot of years over that. Rita, Chris and Susan, our heartfelt condolences on your loss. Tubby Miller & Family - Posted by: Tubby Miller (Family Friend) on: Jan 07, 2012
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George was central to many family events over the years. It is hard to accept that those years have passed by so fast. - Posted by: Art Milne (Brother) on: Jan 07, 2012
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Rita, Chris & Susan, I was very saddened to hear about George. We joined 26th Fd Regt P&D around the same time and were friends ever since. Those days of Minot trips and gigs played with the Westman P&D will be forever etched in my memory. He was funny, smart, a catchy laugh and always the gentleman. I for one will truly miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time, but please take comfort in knowing that he is free from pain and is probably playing in that huge Massed Band in the sky... Stand easy George, you've earned it buddy. - Posted by: Ruby Brydges (nee Jones) (Friend) on: Jan 07, 2012
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Our hearts and thoughts are with all of you. We pray that the peace that passes all understanding will comfort and give you strength during this time of great sorrow. We love you. Our lives have been enriched and blessed by knowing George, Rita, Chris and Susan. Rick, Joy & Family - Posted by: Rick and Joy Burik (Friends) on: Jan 07, 2012
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Our sympathy to Rita and family in the loss of their husband, father, brother. He was a true gentleman. - Posted by: Jim and Lorraine Forestell (Relative) on: Jan 07, 2012
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I was sorry to learn of George's passing and after working with him for 29 years at ACC, knew him to be a very good friend and someone who would go out of his way to help you if he could. He will be missed a lot. Our sincere condolences to Rita and family. Bill and Gwen Howe Friends - Posted by: Bill and Gwen Howe (Friend) on: Jan 07, 2012
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Rita, Chris and Susan - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Susan Wilkinson (Friend) on: Jan 07, 2012
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George was always willing to substitute teach for me at Rockwood Inst. We also had some great conversations travelling back and forth from Gimli to Stony Mt. We will all miss him very much. - Posted by: Ken & Moyra Habing (friends) on: Jan 07, 2012
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George was a real gentleman. He was quiet and had a great sense of humour. He left too soon. We will miss him. Deepest sympathies to Rita, Chris, Susan and family. - Posted by: John Hayles (Friend) on: Jan 07, 2012
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We have known George and Rita for the past 11 years. Many good times and some sad, this being the saddest. George's love of every thing Scottish was evident in every thing he did, from trying to foist 8 year old Scotch as being 25 years old, just because he had it for 17 years (a true wit) to the annual Robbie Burns Dinner. George was a true gentleman and a dearest friend. Our wishes and condolences go out to Rita and her family from deep in our hearts. We wish we could be with you now. Go with God, my friend. - Posted by: Phil and Nancy Laing (Dearest Friends) on: Jan 07, 2012
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My best memory of George is remembering his smiling face as we were all piping together on our wonderful 2 week Scotland adventure in 2007. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you Rita and family. - Posted by: Barbie Sands ( friend) on: Jan 06, 2012
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I was fortunate to play in the 26th Field Regiment Pipe Band and the Westman Pipe Band with George. He was a great person and so interesting to talk with. He loved performing and was very dedicated to making as many band engagements that he could. - Posted by: Brian English (Fellow Pipe Band member of the 26th Field Regiment) on: Jan 06, 2012
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So very sorry to read about George's passing. Will have fond memories of him. Now George and Bruce can have many hours of reminescing of their days at ACC. Phyllis - Posted by: Phyllis Carruthers (Friend) on: Jan 06, 2012
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Chris we are saddened to hear of your dad passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. - Posted by: Jerry and Cathy Keenan (April Keenan's Parents) on: Jan 06, 2012
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I first met George at ACC, and worked with him as a Department Head, a mentor, and above all, as a friend. He will be missed. - Posted by: Ron Hofman (Friend) on: Jan 06, 2012
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I will always remember George as a good man and my piping "Buddy". The world has lost a fine man and true gentleman. I am leaving for Arizona this coming weekend 8th Jan and regretfully can't make the service for George. My deepest sympathy is extended to Rita and his family. - Posted by: Jack Reay (Friend) on: Jan 05, 2012