George WILSON

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WILSON: George Raymond Wilson passed away early on Tuesday, November 8th, 2011 at Brandon Regional Health Centre. He leaves to mourn seven children, Faye (Charlie), Wayne (Edith), Bob (Marie), Janet (Roy), Judy, Dennis and Marie, nine grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Also cherishing his memory are sisters Jean Beddome and Ruth (Alvin) Knudson and numerous nieces and nephews. Ray was predeceased by his wife of 66 1/2 years, Jean; his father, Robert, his mother, Ruth, his brother John, his sisters-in-law: Muriel Wilson, Christy McKay, brother-in-law Stewart Holmes, nephews David and James McKay, Jim Holmes, daughter-in-law Laurie Wilson and two great grandchildren Shawn Morgan and Austin Morgan. Ray was born on the family farm at Killarney, Manitoba on November 23rd, 1921, the eldest child of Robert and Ruth. He grew up on the farm and received his education at Hullett's one room country school. While serving a stint in the armed forces during World War II, while stationed in Debert, Nova Scotia, he met the love of his life, Jean Holmes. Ray and Jean were married on May 6, 1944 in Niagra Falls. After short says in Nova Scotia and British Columbia they returned to the farm following his discharge from the army. They farmed and raised a family of seven in the Hullett and Tisdale districts and relocated to Brandon in 1965. Ray was employed as an orderly at the Assiniboine Hospital and delivery driver for Champs KFC before getting back to his agricultural roots as a salesman with Co-op Implements. It was this career that led to a move to Carman in 1970, where he assumed the position of manager of the Carman depot. In 1975, Ray and Jean and 3 of the children relocated back to Brandon. A new change in careers led to employment with Assiniboine Realty and following a "short lived retirement" he spent a number of years driving a school bus for Brandon School Division. Early in life, Ray heard the gospel and remained true to God's word for the rest of his life. He was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather, always quick to provide support to his family and extended family, whenever and whatever was required. Next to his family and friends, his greatest joy was found through working with his hands,gardening, preserving the produce and sharing with everyone around him. He was proud of his heritage and never missed an opportunity to relate stories from his earlier life and experiences to anyone who cared to listen. His grandchildren would sit for hours, glued to his every word, and though grown up, some still recite the stories as well as Grandpa did. A time of viewing for family and friends will be held at Memories Chapel, 330 - 18th Street North on Sunday, November 13, 2011 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Funeral Service will be held at the Souris Glenwood Community Complex, 30 - 3rd Avenue West, Souris, Manitoba on Monday, November 14, 2011 at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in the Brandon Cemetery at 2:30 pm. Officiants will be Jim Atcheson, Ruth Sinclair and Amber Wilde. Pallbearers will be Ray's grandson's: Bob Morgan, Bill Morgan, Brian Morgan, Dean Bieber, Tony Campbell and Ken Wilson. The family wishes to thank the medical staff at Assiniboine Centre Floor 200 for the care and compassion they showed to Dad during his stay. A special thanks to friends of the family for all of the words of compassion and acts of kindness displayed during this difficult time.Expressions of sympathy may be made atwww.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 12, 2011