ROBERT GEORGE MCCLELLAND

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ROBERT GEORGE MCCLELLAND With love and gratitude for a long life, well-lived, the family announces that George passed away peacefully on January 29, 2014 at 97 years of age. Left to cherish his memory are his children Elaine (Paul) Gaultier, Shirley (Robert) Godkin, Mona (Gordon) Brown, Larry (Lorraine Benson) McClelland, Eric (Alon Cohen) McClelland and Merilee (Orval Procter) McClelland; sisters Irene Milne, Genevieve Manikel, Bernice Bedsworth and Margaret (Tom) England; sisters-in-law Marion McClelland and Mary McNab, and brother-in-law Bob McArthur. His grandchildren were a special part of his life: Ryan (Cat), Jodi (Darrell), and Jeremy Gaultier; Jennifer (Ryan) and Daryl Godkin; Aaron (Devon) and Meagan Brown; Robyn, Bradley and Adam McClelland; Daniel, Arielle and Ethan Cohen; Courtney and Corey Procter; and four great-grandchildren whom he adored: Madeleine, Silas, Brayden and Mila, as well as special friends Gladys and Denis Cadieux. George was predeceased by Merna, his beloved wife of 63 years; his sister Ruth, and brother Lorne. The eldest son of Tom and Ella McClelland, George spent his early years helping on the farm. At the age of 10 he was plowing with two four horse teams. He attended Marais School and Letellier High School. After graduating from the University of Manitoba in 1945 with a degree in Agriculture he worked for the Forest Nursery Station at Indian Head. He returned to Marais to farm with his brother, Lorne, when their father retired. During the fall campaign at the Manitoba Sugar Company he worked as a chemist, and it was there he met Merna. He was a Pedigreed Seed Grower for 30 years and strove to increase awareness of good agricultural practices by serving as a board member on various farm organizations including United Grain Growers, Co-op Vegetable Oils and the Rapeseed Association. George was a lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge and he served the community and church in many ways throughout his life. He farmed well into his late 70s and always took a keen interest in what was happening on the farms in the family. His love of nature and respect for the land was demonstrated in the pride he took in his farm. Family was important to George and he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. When they were younger, he was fond of giving them rides on the tractor or combine, much to their delight. George loved family gatherings and was happiest when surrounded by his kids and grandkids. In 2001, George and Merna left the farm and moved to Vasa Lund Estates. Their condo became the new meeting place for family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. The family wish to extend special thanks to the W.R.H.A. Home Care and Palliative Care staff for their compassionate care. We invite you to celebrate George's life at Charleswood United Church, 4820 Roblin Boulevard, on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. Video tribute prior to service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George's memory to Headingley United Church, 110 Bridge Road, Headingley, Manitoba R4H 1G3. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 31, 2014