GEORGE EMILE DAVID SYS

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GEORGE EMILE DAVID SYS George passed away peacefully on January 12, 2012 with his family at his side at St. Boniface Hospital. He was predeceased by his parents Amandine and Camiel, his infant sister Irene, sisters and brothers-in-law, Jeannette (Jules) Gheeraert, Marguerite (Armand) DeBaets, Audrey Poole, Mary Kesteloot and (Homer Vermeersch). Left to mourn his passing are Camilla, his wife of 49 years, and his three daughters, Ginny (Mike Sorokowski), Chris (Norm Chabbert) and Penny (Adrian Pugh). He will also be missed by his eight grandchildren, Devon Sorokowski, Samantha, Sean, Brody and Brett Chabbert and Pryce, Ben and Megan Pugh, and his sister, Esther Vermeersch. He is survived by two brothers-in-law, Andy Kesteloot and Dave Poole, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. George was born on Mazenod Road in St. Boniface on October 5, 1935. He lived on the family farm until 1974 and then moved to Dugald Road where he started his own business. George loved working on the land and after moving from the farm, he continued to help his brothers-in-law, nephew and son-in-law in seeding and harvest time for many years. He was gifted at small engine repairs and proved himself to be a very capable welder. His family came to know him as a jack of all trades and his daughters often called him for assistance when they needed something fixed or built in their yards. George was also a member of the Belgian Club, the Belgian's Veteran Association and Club 55+. George learned how to play the accordion at a young age and later taught himself how to play guitar. He played in several bands and is well-remembered as one of the accordion players in the Sys Trio. His love of music lasted a lifetime and he continued to play until he had a stroke in 2004. Besides being musically talented, George had a green thumb and for many years he started his own plants in the greenhouse that he built. George was very family oriented and remained closely connected to his sisters and many of the neighbours who grew up in the St. Boniface area. George and his friends Marcel Simard and Gordie Hall spent many hours building and repairing machinery. He recalled those times with laughter and fondness. When George had a stroke seven and a half years ago, his speech was greatly affected. It was at this time that Marcel and George became even closer. Though George was hard to understand by many, Marcel had a natural ability to communicate with him and they were able to carry on long conversations during their weekly coffee outings. George greatly treasured those visits and always looked forward to Marcel's company. George will be remembered affectionately for his zest for life, his love of laughter, his ability to make new acquaintances in minutes and the tell-tale twinkle in his eyes that let those who loved him know when he was especially proud or pleased. In keeping with George's wishes, cremation has taken place and a funeral mass celebrating his life will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 1:30 p.m., at Saint Joseph the Worker Parish, 505 Brewster St. Winnipeg. Interment will be held at a later date at Belgian Sacred Heart Cemetery. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. M. Gabriel, Nurse Annie and the several other nurses on 6A at St. Boniface Hospital who showed George and the family so much compassion during his last days of life. Flowers gratefully declined. If so desired donations may be made in George's memory to Stroke Recovery Association of Manitoba, Unit B, 247 Provencher Blvd., Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2H 0G6. Phone number: (204) 942-2880. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU CO FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street ejcoutu.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 14, 2012