George Gamache

George John Joseph Gamache, long time resident of The Pas, passed away suddenly on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at St. Anthony’s Hospital, The Pas, at the age of 82 years. He was born at the same hospital (St. Anthony’s) on Thursday, March 24, 1932. George leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 61 years, Joan; children Brenda (Lawrence) Garand, Lisa, Jennifer, Brent; Craig (Heather) Gamache, Thomas, Sam; Don (Sharon) Gamache, Chelsea, Bryce, Hannah; Susan (Jeffrey) Thiele, Jordan, Wade, Josh, Bryn; 4 great-grandchildren: Kate, Sarah, Matthew, Rachel; his sister Jean Warren, brothers-in-law Don Orchard and Jack Gleadle; Sister-in -law Lois Martin, and numerous nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by his parents Ernest and Alice Gamache, his brothers, Leo, Roland, Scotty, and Rene; Sisters – Lenny, Terry, Julie and Rollie. He grew up in The Pas attending Sacred Heart School and was employed as a carman for the Canadian National Railway for 40 years. His first year of employment at CNR was spent in Churchill at the young age of 15. He was also the cook on numerous train derailments in the north. George also enjoyed being a Cub Scout Leader for 5 years. George and Joan spent many fun winters in Yuma, Arizona where he honed his wood carving skills. He was very artistic, making many wood carvings, bowls, garden decorations, unique walking sticks and beautiful willow furniture. He entered his wooden bowls at the Northern Juried Art Show and won 1st place. He followed in his father’s footsteps and loved to do carpentry work. He spent many hours in his workshop during his retirement, making birdhouses and taught some of his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren how to make them. He made a beautiful cradle for his great grandchildren to use. He took a course and did beading and mukluk making. He was known for his beautiful flower beds and entered the local Gallery in the Garden the last couple of years to show off his amazing lilies’. George loved to dance and would often spend the whole night dancing at weddings! He loved to decorate his home and yard for Halloween and Christmas. You would often see a unique snowman in his yard in the winter and lots of carved pumpkins at Halloween. He enjoyed seeing the kids dressed up on Halloween and sure got his share of them when they moved to Cathedral Avenue. George and Joan spent their married life raising their family in homes he built on Lathlin Avenue and Ralls Island before moving to Rocky Lake after his retirement. They spent many years enjoying the lake life before moving to Cathedral Avenue. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. In keeping with family wishes, cremation took place and a service of remembrance to celebrate George’s life was held Saturday, January 24, 2015, 1:00 pm, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, The Pas, Manitoba, with Father Paul Bringleson presiding. Music ministry was provided by Rochelle Rydberg. Scripture readings were proclaimed by Kate Boyce, Jordan Thiele and Bryce Gamache. Memories of the heart were shared by Brenda Garand, Craig Gamache and Susan Thiele. Immediately following the service a reception was held, for family and friends, at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall. A private family interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, Manitoba Division, 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 2B7, would be appreciated by George’s family. Many thanks to the amazing nurses and medical staff at The Pas Health Complex and Chemo Department for their kindness to Dad over the past year.