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GEORGE HARRY WAKEFIELD Obituary pic

GEORGE HARRY WAKEFIELD

Date of Passing: Feb 14, 2017

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GEORGE HARRY WAKEFIELD (1947 - 2017) George Wakefield passed away suddenly yet peacefully on February 14, 2017 at St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, after a brief illness. George is survived by his loving and devoted wife Gayle of 48 years; two sons, Michael (Judy) and James (Pamala); sister Judy and brother Craig (Bev); and his mother-in-law Mae Tuorila. He was predeceased by his parents George Harry Sr. and Catherine "Kay" Wakefield. George was born in Port Arthur, Ontario where he met and married his sweetheart Gayle Tuorila. He served as a police officer for 10 years with the Ontario Provincial Police and the City of Thunder Bay. In 1979 he transitioned into the role of General Manager for the family run Klomp-Wakefield Dairies under the ownership of Beatrice Foods Canada. A series of promotions brought George and his family to Winnipeg as GM of Modern Dairies, then on to Calgary as President of Palm Dairies. In 1995 both opportunity and industry experience afforded him the good fortune to start up his own dairy distribution operation, George Wakefield Foods Inc. 22 years later, the continued operation of this second-generation company is a testament to George's unflappable determination, the loyalty of his long-term customers, and the dedication of the employees who have supported his vision since the very beginning. During his lifetime and recently in retirement George thoroughly enjoyed traveling, discovering new places, and especially meeting new people. When closer to home, George enjoyed reading historical fiction, reminiscing over stories and anecdotes of past, debating politics and offering his social opinion on the matter of the day with close friends and family. He will always be remembered for his kind heart, quick wit and keen sense of awareness. A funeral service will be held at Thomson in the Park on Thursday, February 23 at 2:00 p.m. The interment will take place in Thunder Bay in May, 2017 along with a joint service honouring both him and his mother, Kay. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Sunshine Fund (send a kid to camp), 545 Telfer St. S., Winnipeg, MB R3G 2Y4, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 18, 2017

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

  • Gayle - we will always fondly remember our many good times and dinners together with you and George. Especially missed by Norm will be the frequent luncheons at Rae & Jerry's with George, which Norm always found were filled with entertaining and stimulating conversation. - Posted by: Norm and Dianne (Extended family ) on: Feb 23, 2017

  • Hi Gayle and family. So very sorry to read of George's passing. It sounds like you had a wonderful life together and you will miss him dearly. Take care. Love Pat and family xxoo - Posted by: Pat Kinner (wife's cousin) on: Feb 22, 2017

  • George was always larger than life. I remember looking up, way up, to him as a child, and even recently I still needed to tilt my head back to meet his eyes. I am very grateful that I was able to have a long conversation with him this summer as I had no idea that it would be the last one. He has done so many things in life and I am inspired by his accomplishments. My heartfelt condolences go out to Gayle and the boys. George was an incredible person and no one will ever take his place. - Posted by: Rev. John Salo (Extended Family) on: Feb 22, 2017

  • Dear Gayle and family; I am very sad to hear of George's passing. He was one of those kind of guys you just liked instantly. My 10 years in Thunder Bay were lived not far from the Wakefield family homes and I consider myself fortunate indeed to still call them my friends all these years later. I am planning the trip up for the May funeral. Heartfelt condolences to everyone tomorrow as George is honoured by his family, friends and co-workers. Sincerely, Pat Sneddon, Aylmer, Ontario - Posted by: Patricia Sneddon (Former neighbour) on: Feb 22, 2017

  • Dear Gayle and Family, Ever since Edie called us with the news we have prayed for you and the family.I am glad you have a lot of support around you but it is still a very sad time even though we know he is with Jesus Love , Noella and Terry - Posted by: Noella and Terry Clarke (Cousin) on: Feb 22, 2017

  • Gayle I am so sorry to hear of George's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. It has been so many years since our high school days, but I still remember you and George dating at the time. Sounds like you had a wonderful life together with lots of memories you can cherish forever. - Posted by: Denise Fromm (Gravelle) (High school friend) on: Feb 19, 2017

  • I never did pay him back for the trick he played on me back in 1982, or so, but I will miss him very much and send the deepest sympathy to Gayle and family from Doug and Jo-Anne, Kathy, Kevin and family, Keith and me. With love and sorrow, Eunice. - Posted by: Eunice Johnson (Gayle's aunt ) on: Feb 18, 2017

  • To Gayle, Mae and your entire family, I would just like to express my condolences. Although we didn't see each other too often I always enjoyed your visits and have nothing but the best memories of George. Always friendly and smiling, can't thank him enough for helping my dad out and our family. - Posted by: Jeffrey Johnson (Extended family ) on: Feb 18, 2017

  • Deepest condolences on the loss of Mr. Wakefield. As a former employee of Beatrice Foods in Winnipeg, I had the utmost respect for his leadership and "hands on" approach to managing the company and its staff. He asked the right questions and took a common sense approach in the day to day operations. The business world has lost a good one. - Posted by: Denise McNally (Former employee) on: Feb 18, 2017

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