GEORGE FREDERICK BRIANT -

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GEORGE FREDERICK BRIANT 1916 - 2013 George was born to Gertrude Paulette (Boyce) and Sidney Herbert Briant at Erith, Kent, England during a First World War zeppelin raid. He retained childhood memories of being outfitted with a protective tin hat. On March 19, 1921, George sailed with his parents from Liverpool to St. John, New Brunswick. In 1925 the family settled in Plumas, Manitoba. In 1939 he married Tina Lillian Unger and they had four children: Rosemary, Bob, Gloria and Wanda. He joined the Canadian Army in 1941 and went overseas as part of the First Survey Unit. This Unit traveled extensively in Europe and the United Kingdom and George had many stories to tell of his experiences there. After the war, George explored several work options to support his family, including working in a greenhouse. His love of gardening continued through his life. In 1951 and until his retirement he worked for the Canadian National Railway as a Roadmasters Clerk. This job took him, and his family, to Gillam, Manitoba and Kamsack, Saskatchewan where he became known as a champion fisherman. His picture appeared in the news together with his record-breaking 24 and a half pound, 44 inch Pike. Following the death of his wife Tina, George transferred with CNR to Dauphin, Manitoba where he continued with his love of fishing and was active in the local Legion. In 1963, he married Eva Emily Farrell (Ainsworth) who brought her daughter Pat into the family. George and Eva had many happy years in Dauphin where he opened up for Eva a whole new world of fishing and camping. This was a world they shared enthusiastically well into their retirement years. In 1973 George and Eva moved to Winnipeg and remained there after his retirement from the CNR. Over the years they traveled frequently to Victoria, British Columbia and to Toronto. They were intrepid travelers, also going across Canada and to England. George loved motor vehicles and over the years of their marriage, he and Eva owned 14 cars and five campers, each a different make and model. George and Eva enjoyed visiting their children, relatives and friends in many parts of Canada and always had wonderful, loving stories to tell when they returned. They looked forward eagerly to family visits from their children. In later years, George spent many happy winters in Sarasota, Florida and many happy summers in the "upper cabin" on Rainy Lake in Fort Frances, Ontario. Here George also left the legacy of wonderfully planted flower gardens. He loved all flowers, but especially roses. Here he had many joyful moments with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was known as G'Pa to Jack and Aria and as a great-Grandpa to Ace, Max and Blake. He became the Nintendo champion of the family. George was a wonderful cook and created many original slow cooker recipes. In Florida he surprised all of us by ordering for his lunch a baked potato stuffed with caviar. He also was a wonderful poet. He was writing serious poems at 12 years of age and each pet dog and cat in the family had its own poem. George was predeceased by his sister Freda, his first wife Tina, second wife Eva, brother Doug, daughter Rosemary, and grandson Dale. Left to cherish his beautiful memory are daughters, Gloria, Wanda (Bill), Pat (Gary), son Bob (Kathy), grandchildren, Andrea, Patrick (Deanne), Heather, Cara Joy, Mylee, Greg (Heather), Mark (Sylvia) and Laurie (Don), and his wonderful great-grandchildren. In his own words from his poem "The Long Steep Hill", written when he was 12, George leaves you these thoughts; "There's a long steep hill to happiness, Which few have ever climbed. There's one I know close to the top, And I'm not far behind. So take my hand, you at the bottom; I'll help you on your way. We'll journey up the hill together, And so we'll climb all day. And on the morrow you'll be so gay, Gone is all your blueness. Come, we two together will climb up The hill to happiness. And at the top we will find peace, and rest" George carried this philosophy of hope and helping others all through his life. Thanks to the wonderful care givers at Extendicare Oakview Place, who were like family. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 23, 2013