GEORGE GFELLNER

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GEORGE GFELLNER Passed away suddenly on September 17, 2003, at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. George was born on January 28, 1916, in Zircz, Hungary. In 1927 at 11 years of age, George and his older sister Maria followed his parents and his older brother and younger sister to Canada. George and Maria had remained in Hungary for a year, living with extended family to complete their elementary schooling prior to coming to Canada. George was determined to speak precise English without an accent and taught himself reading and comprehension by devouring any reading material he could lay his hands on. The National Geographic magazine was a favourite. George went to St. Johns High School in Winnipeg and was fortunate to have a job at the Post Office during the last years of the Great Depression. In 1941, George answered the call of his country and joined the Canadian Army Reserve. Lewis C. Newman, the author of "H69644," a 1984 account of life in the Canadian Army during the Second World War, alluded to his friend, George Gfellner. He described George as one of a group of fellows who became acquainted while commuting on a streetcar in Winnipeg. In the reserve, they traveled to Shilo, to practice firing Crimean War vintage artillery pieces. While at Shilo, George and five of his buddies heard of an artillery regiment that was recruiting in Brandon. George traveled to Brandon in 1942 with five of his friends and joined the 25th field artillery regiment. He was sworn in on November 2, 1942, and became a full bombardier. According to Newman, "George took to army life like a fish to water." In December of that year, George was transferred overseas to England. George was hospitalized in England, suffering from pneumonia. On December 16, 1944, George received his commission as a first lieutenant, from King George VI. George assumed the position of adjutant to his Commanding Officer while in England. In 1945, at the conclusion of hostilities in Europe, George was transferred back to Canada. He was awaiting redeployment with the "army of occupation," destined for Japan, when the war ended. George was invited to pursue a career in the Army but declined, and returned to civilian life. A number of his friends did not return from the war. George resumed the position he left at Canada Post in Winnipeg. In 1946, George married Mary Mestery whom he knew as a family friend for years, and with whom he had corresponded, while overseas. George and Mary had four children, Barbara, Susan, Cathy and George. The 1960s were good years. Barbara, Susan, Catherine and George spent their early years growing up on Ottawa Avenue, with memorable summers traveling to Vancouver to visit family. The family conducted biannual car trips to Vancouver and camped in the White Shell every other year. In the late 1960s, George was diagnosed with diabetes, which was to challenge him for the remainder of his life. During his employment with the Post Office, George decided to learn French and was certified officially bilingual in 1970 by the Canadian Government. George remained at the Post Office, completing a career spanning 35 years, retiring as a postal official in 1976. After his retirement, George continued his studies in French and pursued other academic interests at the University of Winnipeg. George continued to pursue his passion of personal fitness, maintaining the ability to walk 10 kilometres and complete 400 push-ups per day, into his early 80s. He was also an avid cyclist. During their retirement, George and Mary enjoyed many trips visiting their children, in Quebec, British Columbia and Brandon, MB. In 1992, George and Mary sold their home in Winnipeg and moved to Brandon. In 1996, George and Mary celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. George maintained his association with the Post Office, through the Heritage Club, and often returned to Winnipeg to enjoy his fellowship with other retired postal employees. George and Mary enjoyed their remaining years in Brandon, in close company with daughters, Cathy and Barbara. He was a quiet intellectual who enjoyed reading, keeping up with current events, watching hockey and baseball, and conversing with others. Despite his personal and physical resilience, George eventually succumbed to his long battle with diabetes, leaving us suddenly on September 17. He was predeceased by his three siblings, Lawrence, Margaret and Maria; and by his son-in-law Douglas Donald. George will be missed by his devoted wife Mary; and children, Barbara (Gerald Dueck), Susan (Frank Bouvette), George (Sandi), Catherine Gfellner-Donald; and two grandchildren, Daniel Donald and Kathryn Gfellner. The funeral service was held on September 23 at Memories Chapel in Brandon with interment at the Brandon Cemetery. George Gfellner, Daniel Donald, Gerald Dueck and Frank Bouvette acted as pallbearers. The family expresses appreciation for donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association in memory of George. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to memorieschapel@mts.net Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, Brandon, 204-727-0330.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 11, 2003