GEORGE ROBERT CURTIS

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GEORGE ROBERT CURTIS August 2, 1945 - October 12, 2017 With profound sorrow we mourn the untimely, peaceful passing of George, with loving family by his side. Born and raised in Winnipeg, George and Mary-Lynne (nee Koltek) moved to Kenora, ON in 1974, to embark on their life adventure at beautiful Lake of the Woods. Together they raised two accomplished children, while sharing the joy of family and friendship in their own slice of heaven. George was a member of the Kenora Police Service, retiring as Chief of Police after 35 years of dedicated service. He was widely respected amongst fellow officers, and his peers provincially and nationally, acting as vice-president of the Ontario Chiefs of Police Association. After retirement in 2003, he proudly served as a valued member of the Longbow Lake Volunteer Fire Brigade. He was a member of the Kenora Golf and Country Club, the Lions and Rotary Clubs. He was a voracious reader, savouring the newest releases provided by his close friend and favourite librarian, Pat Kornas. He was never without two to three books, and enthusiastically shared his learnings regularly over the years. In many ways, he was larger than life and a force to be reckoned with, passionately telling stories and sharing life lessons with anyone willing to listen. George loved his wife and children dearly, and adored his granddaughter, who routinely melted his stoic heart with her energetic and enthusiastic joy. She so aptly called him "Grumpa", and he could not have been prouder or more thrilled. In his youth, George was a strong and talented football player, excelling at linebacker for the Daniel McIntyre Maroons, St. Paul's Crusaders, and University of Manitoba Bisons. He remained a devoted, lifelong, and at times rabid fan of the Green Bay Packers, was excited to repeatedly visit Lambeau Field, and was thrilled to know his name was etched into a foundational brick at that "holiest of shrines". George loved annual visits to Mexico, while sipping Pacificos, he relished their tropical paradise with many friends and family. He shared his children's vision to establish a family camp on Channel Island. When visiting there, one got a sense of his pride and satisfaction in knowing that his family's roots in the community were going to be established for years to come. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Dorothy Curtis, his special uncle Patrick Coughlin, and his beloved dog Kneko. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary-Lynne, daughter Darcia, son Christopher (Laura), precious granddaughter Mavis, dearest Aunty Buddy Coughlin, Aunty Jean Yates, dog Symba, and will be missed by his many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as lifelong friends. A private family Celebration of Life has been arranged. Honorary pallbearers include Curly Lambeau, Vince Lombardi, Ray Nitschke, Bart Starr, Reggie White and Brett Favre. We know George will be sharing a cold one with his good buddy Lance whom he often referred to as the brother he never had. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff at St. Boniface Hospital, Dr. Jillie Retson, family and friends for their care and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at It's A Dog's Life, Kenora.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 21, 2017