GEORGE ROWE DURNIN

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GEORGE ROWE DURNIN On Monday, March 7, 2005, George passed away due to complications from cancer in Kelowna, BC. George was born in Brandon in 1926 to Charles and Nora Durnin. He took his early education in Brandon followed by graduation from the University of Manitoba with a Civil Engineering degree. His career in this capacity encompassed highway construction and maintenance with the Highways Branch of the Government of Manitoba, northern construction of schools with the Department of Public Works and the Western Canadian Pavilion at Expo 67 in Montreal. He branched out into municipal engineering first as the City Engineer of Brandon and from there to various positions with consulting engineering firms. Except for two years in Ontario, his career centred in Winnipeg. He retired in 1984 as Regional Manager of Reid Crowther and Partners Consulting Engineers. George was a member of the Professional Engineers of Manitoba, American Public Works Association, Manitoba Speed Skating Association, Dauphin Lions Club and the Kinsmen Club of Brandon. He served as Commodore of the Pelican Yacht Club as well as a member of the Board of Governors of the University of Manitoba. Upon his return to Brandon in 1994, he renewed the Kinsmen camaraderie through the K-40 Club. Invited to join the Rotary Club of Brandon, George greatly enjoyed his involvement with them over the past 10 years. Having been able to retire in 1984, Marilyn and George spent 11 years in Texas involving themselves in square dancing, round dancing, western dancing, golfing and the many activities in the retirement park. The last seven winters were spent in British Columbia where they enjoyed the many recreational opportunities offered in Kelowna. Retirement also included extensive travels and cruising. George was always a dedicated family man following his two daughters' involvement and achievements in speed skating and his two sons' involvement and achievements in hockey. He continued that role in his grandchildren's lives as well. Over 50 seasons were spent at the family cottage on Balmy Beach at Pelican Lake. These were greatly enriched by his association with Pelican Lake sailing friends, his neighbours, family and visitors. George enjoyed 53 years of marriage and is survived by his wife Marilyn (Williamson), son Kelly and wife Kim (Evan and Jenna-Marie) of Wawanesa, son Douglas and wife Susan (Madison, Lexie and James) of Winnipeg, daughter Pat Leech and husband Michael (Adrianne, Jordan, Meredyth and Gillian) of Brandon and daughter Nancy Goplen and husband Gary (Robyn and Nicholas) of Kelowna. Also surviving is brother Ted, wife Helen and family of Richmond, BC and sister-in-law Ollie and husband Walt Shakotko of Toronto as well as many of the Durnin cousins in the Brandon area. Funeral services will be held at Central United Church, 327-8th Street, Brandon, on Thursday, March 17 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Joan Jarvis officiating. A luncheon will be served immediately following the service. A private family burial service will be held following the reception. Contributions in George's memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com. Arrangements are in care of Brockie Donovan, Brandon, (204) 727-0694.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 12, 2005