Obituary of George Ouellette

Obituary George Ouellette George Ouellette was born on January 13, 1924 in Fanny Bay, British Columbia. George passed away peacefully in Fort St. John on Sunday, February 22nd, surrounded by family. George was a pioneer of the Peace River Area and a resident for almost 85 years. When he was near school age, George's parents, Paul and Josephine filed on a homestead in the Peace River area. In the spring of 1930, Paul sent for his family of Josephine, George and George's younger sister, Rita to join him on the Sunrise homestead. After sisters Jeanne and Marie were born, the family was complete. In the fall of 1949, George met the love of his life, Loa Bjornson, the new Sunrise school teacher at a community dance. They were married on July 3rd, 1951. George and Loa began their married life in Sunrise living with his parents and other family members. In 1954 they moved to George's Grandparents old log house. Together they were blessed with 8 children: Gordon, Rob, Don, Julie, Tom, Arlene, Doug and Karen. During this time they built their new house and moved in when Julie was a baby. George earned his living as a farmer. He took over his grandpa's farm at a very young age and then later his Dad's farm. By 1966, he was farming 1500 acres including a farm in Goodlow. In his later years, George's yard, along with his fruit and vegetable garden become his passion. His pleasure could always be gauged by the volume of his humming. Winter was the time for curling, which he started at the age of 40. He represented the Peace, curling in the provincial play downs 17 times. In 1990, he and his teammates represented the province of Alberta in the Canadian Senior Curling Championships. George also enjoyed fishing and river boating. In his later years, when his involvement in the farm slowed down, he took up golf. George was a dedicated member of the community. He organized the local 4-H club and was the leader for many years. He was a strong supporter and served on the boards of the Co-op, Credit Union, Farmer's Union and Curling Club. George always loved a good joke and his laughter could be heard in any gathering. People will remember George for his teasing. It was a favourite pastime of his, starting in the early years. He carried on this tradition with his children, grandchildren, family friends and acquaintances throughout his life. Even in his final years, George's sense of humour was characteristic of his relationships with his great grandchildren, and the staff and residents of the Seniors Apartments and Peace Villa. George had a strong sense of faith which governed his actions. Throughout his life, George was an active member of the Catholic Church. As a teenager, he travelled with Father Youngblood to the outposts. He was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus and an active participant in church services. In his late seventies and eighties, he volunteered for the midnight hours of the Adoration shift. George's faith can be summed up by his words "I am never alone". Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die. Mary Elizabeth Frye If so desired expressions of sympathy can be made in memory of George to the North Peace Seniors Housing Society or the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation Peace Villa Fund. Cemetery Details Woodlawn Cemetery Fort St. John, BC, Prayer Service FEB 27. 07:00 PM Catholic Church of the Resurrection 9504 - 100 Ave BC, CA Funeral Service FEB 28. 11:00 AM Catholic Church of the Resurrection 9504 - 100 Ave BC, CA Graveside Service FEB 28. 12:00 PM Woodlawn Cemetery Fort St. John, BC, CA Services