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GEORGE CHARLES SMITH
Date of Passing: Sep 12, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGEORGE CHARLES SMITH 1934 - 2012 With great sadness our family announces the passing of George Charles Smith. George passed away peacefully at the age of 78 at St. Boniface Hospital on Wednesday, September 12, 2012, with his family at his side. George will be greatly missed by his loving and devoted wife Kathy (Kathleen), daughter Donna Schulz (Rudy) and granddaughters Megan Schulz (Wayne) and Kaitlyn Schulz and by his brothers Robert (Marie), Roy (Debbie) and sister Ruth Smith, brothers-in-law, Sheldon and Ron Fast, nieces, nephews, many friends and his brethren in the Winnipeg Fire Department. George was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Violet Smith and sister and brother-in-law Norma and John Bruce and nephew James Bruce. George was born and raised in Winnipeg on March 14, 1934. He and Kathy began their loving journey together on November 12, 1955. George was with the Fire Department for almost 40 years, retiring in 1994, as a Battalion Chief. He was very proud to have had the opportunity to be of service to the department and the community. He formed the Winnipeg Fire Prevention and Education Committee and fire safety promotions with various local newspapers, radio and TV stations. While with the East Kildonan Fire Department, George bought the Santa Claus Parade from Eaton's in 1966, for $1.50. He and George Killen (St. Vital Fire Department) ran it for years (involving all suburban and city departments, family, friends and his entire neighbourhood) before passing it to the Winnipeg Jaycees in the mid 1970s. He was chairman for the 100th anniversary of the Winnipeg Fire Department. He received the Premier's Volunteer Service Award in 2008, for his leadership in the Toy Mountain Campaign. He continued to serve his community after his retirement by helping form and then leading The Winnipeg Firefighters Support Group, Food Van (Fire 711), Firefighters Honour Guard, and Retired Firefighters Breakfast. George's hobby was caring and doing for others. Family for George was always top priority and part of our daily lives. His quiet strength and unwavering support were a steady constant that we counted on. He never flagged or faltered in his support of his family. His integrity, humour and steadfastness were often commented on. He was honored to have been a part of the Winnipeg Fire Department and to have been able to look out for his guys . After his retirement, invites for supper from the firehalls were a special treat for George. Each and every one was a source of enjoyment. Service will be held on Thursday, September 20, 2012, at North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church, 1315 Gateway Road at 1:00 p.m. The family would like to thank the Winnipeg Paramedic Service and ICU, St. Boniface Hospital for the care George received. Special thanks to Lynn, RN extraordinaire and her crew of special gems for their unflagging help. Their supportive, caring, respectful presence was constant. We appreciate the time they took with answering our questions and concerns. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests any donations be made to the Firefighters Burn Fund Inc., 303-83 Garry Street, Winnipeg , MB R3C 4J9. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 15, 2012
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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So sorry to hear about George. I will always think of him every time I eat cake! Deepest sympathy Kathy as I know you will miss him greatly. - Posted by: Donalda Matity (Friend) on: Sep 26, 2012
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I was lucky to have been George's driver when he got promoted to district chief at 8 stn. #1 platoon. He was respected and loved by all on the dept.. He had a way of getting the best out of the crews he commanded. We miss you George. - Posted by: scott Hunnie (Fellow Firefighter) on: Sep 25, 2012
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You will be missed George. You were a true gentleman and a joy to have known. You were always kind, friendly and welcoming be it the rawest rookie to senior officer. I will always remember your exclamation at firehall meal time of "OH MY FAVORITE" to every meal...except hotdogs! Rest well George. Ken - Posted by: Ken Proulx (Co-worker) on: Sep 20, 2012
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George was a Prince of a man and deeply respected during his career with the Winnipeg Fire Department. Our deepest sympathy to George's family. We will certainly miss him very much. - Posted by: Peter Kloos & Tracy Semmer Kloos (Colleague & Friend) on: Sep 19, 2012
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Want a short drill session just mention leftover extra cookies in your lunch and fresh coffee, it was always George's favorite. He was a true gem to have as a friend and a colleague. - Posted by: mike robson (brother firefighter) on: Sep 19, 2012
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You were one of the good guys, George. You will be missed. - Posted by: Scott G. Miner (Colleague) on: Sep 17, 2012
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I will miss his sense of humour and little pranks that he would pull on me at the market. Most of all I will miss seeing him across from me - sitting with arms crossed and a small smile on his face! - Posted by: Donamae Hilton (Friend) on: Sep 17, 2012
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Konna and family, I am truly sorry for you loss. Have comfort in the fact that George made a huge difference in this great city. I knew George for the past 8 years and we worked together with Toy Mountain in support of the Salvation Army. I will miss his dedication and enthusiasm for helping others. - Posted by: Boris Kolisnyk (Friend) on: Sep 17, 2012
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I guess we first met at the Fire station on Watt St. Who knows how young we were. But we will always have the DVD of the opening of the Kimberly station. It was my birthday. My father had great respect for you, and so do I. Thanks George. - Posted by: Michael T. Ruta (Brother Firefighter) on: Sep 17, 2012
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Cathy, Donna and family, so sorry to hear of George's passing. He was a good person and will be missed. He always had time for a chat and a brownie. Sorry I can't make the service but will thinking of you and the family on Thursday. - Posted by: Judy Boatman (friend of Cathy) on: Sep 17, 2012
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The Fire Dept, Salvation Army, will be enhanced by George's attributes - Posted by: Jack &Donalda Arklie (fellow firefighter) on: Sep 16, 2012
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We will miss you George, you were always there when we needed help with anything. Rest in peace. - Posted by: David Scott and Fire Fighters from #1 Fire Station, 3 Platoon (Brother Fire Fighter) on: Sep 16, 2012
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Donna and Family, We were so sorry to hear of your loss. We will remember your Dad from all of our market days. take care, Wendy and Lolly - Posted by: Lolly MacKenzie & Wendy Vincent (friend) on: Sep 15, 2012
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Our deepest sympathies go out to Kathy and the family, I pesonally have known George since 1955 when we worked together in East Kildonan. Though there was never a close relationship, our casual meetings were always cordial and not without humour or a bit of kidding/joking around. George was a special kind of guy and will be sorrowfully missed by all. I apologize, we will no be able to attend the service on Thursday but our sincere wishes and prayers go out to Kathy and the Family. Gordon and Muriel - Posted by: Gordon and Muriel Wohlschlager (Friends..) on: Sep 15, 2012
