LOEWEN – George Bernard
August 13, 1928 – May 30, 2008
The fourth of fi ve children, George was born on a farm in Willowbrook, Alberta, delivered by his father. After years of farm
labour, he entered the work force just before his 16th birthday and rapidly became a “jack of all trades,” working as a
logger, painting contractor, truck driver and railroad employee. In his mid twenties George became the only man to walk
in and then walk out of the Chilliwack Hospital after having contracted polio. George’s strong work ethic, along with his
multi-talents, helped him to be successful at many different jobs and hobbies throughout the rest of his life. He worked as
a corrections offi cer at Oakalla, during the 1950’s, when there was still death row. At age 36, George went back to school
and completed Grade 12, and then began a rigorous three years of combined work and education to get his teacher’s
certifi cate. For three years George went from classes at U.B.C. to graveyard shift at Haney Correctional Institute to
home for a few hours sleep and then back to U.B.C. again. After receiving his Vocational Instructor’s Certifi cate George
implemented the W.E.A.T. Program ( Women’s Exploratory Apprenticeship Training) at Haney’s Pacifi c Vocational Institute in
1976 where he taught in 13 trade areas such as welding, carpentry, and painting. Women came from all over the
province, and even out of the province to attend. George continued to receive many letters of thanks from his students
years after he left teaching in 1984. Around home, he cleared land and built two homes and a mushroom barn, which
became a successful home-based business. During his retirement years he enjoyed touring around the lakes in the interior
and even went on an adventure to Africa to visit his son. He will always be remembered for his love of his grandchildren,
playing cards and darts, trains, fi shing, Chryslers, volunteering in his communities, and growing, canning and sharing fruit
from his trees. He will be sadly missed by his daughter, Sher Goerzen (Jim), his son Tim (Tannis), and his 5 grandchildren:
Christy (Joshua), Tara (Jim), Chay , Ben, Kelsey and sisters Elizabeth and Ann. The family would like to thank the staff at
Heritage Square in Vernon for their loving care. George passed away peacefully after a 3 month illness with his daughter
by his side. He was predeceased by his mother (Katherina), father (Bernhard), and brothers (Ben and Aaron). A celebration
of George’s life will take place on Saturday, June 28, 2008 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm in Maple Ridge. Please email the family at
sgoerzen@hotmail.com for details, Phone: (604) 467-9180.