1939 ~ 2012
George Harbottle, surrounded by love and support of his family passed away peacefully on February 5, 2012 at the age of 72, at the Pinawa Hospital. He will be forever remembered and sadly missed by his wife of 10 yrs. Suzanne, his daughter Bridgette (Richard) Lavoie, his son Vincent (Ilze) Harbottle, his grandchildren, Mark and David Lavoie and Vincent and Danielle Harbottle and his stepchildren, Samuel (Elrika) Nolte, Sandra (Gabrie) Van Eden, Rehann (Alida) Nolte, Hildegard (Rudi) Niemand and 10 grandchildren.
He is now reunited with his parents, Charles and Cordelia (nee Martel), his sister Beulah Praezitger (nee Harbottle), his brother, Chuck and his niece Debra Houston (nee Poitras).
George was born on February 26, 1939 in Pine Falls, Manitoba. He lived in Pine Falls until the age of 7 years old. On February 5, 1947 they moved to St. Georges and his parents, Charlie and Cordelia opened the “St. George Café” in St. Georges. George went to the St. George School until 1954. He attended school at the Maison Joseph in Otterborne, Manitoba from 1954-56. In 1957 he completed his education at the St. Paul’s College in Winnipeg, Manitoba. On July 1, 1957, George joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and was discharged in 1962. On August 1, 1963, George was the Secretary Treasurer for the Village of Powerview until October 28, 1968. On March 1, 1970, George, President of the Maskwa Toboggan Club with a crew of 26 completed 600 mile Centennial Good Will Tour return trip to Norway House. In 1971, he was hired as the Director of Economic Development for the Manitoba Indian Brotherhood. During, 1983-1988 he held the position of Secretary for the Village of Powerview and bought Powerview Agencies until he sold to Co-operators in 1998. He also served as a magistrate for the Manitoba Justice for many years. On October 28, 1998 George was elected the Reeve of the RM of Alexander and served 3 terms, until 2010. He also was the Eastern Rural Director for the Association of Manitoba Municipalities which he was honored with a life time membership in November, 2011.
George has touched many lives and will always be remembered for his caring heart, sense of humour, passion, perseverance and dedication. He was a loving husband and a caring and supportive father and his children and grandchildren were his pride and joy.
Our family are deeply grateful and give a heartfelt thanks to Keith Clark, Dr. Richard Van Gend and the staff of Cancer Unit and the Pinawa Hospital for their amazing care and compassion for George. We like to thank all family and friends for the kind words, support and prayers .
A Celebration of George’s Life and Funeral Mass was held Friday, February 10, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in the Powerview Notre Dame du Laus Roman Catholic Church in Powerview, Manitoba with Fr. James Gray presiding. Prayers and rosary were said at 12:30. Interment of Ashes will take place at a later date.
If friends so desire memorial donations in his memory may be made to the Cancer Care Unit in Pinawa, Manitoba.
Spread your wings
and take flight.
Soar like an eagle
to the great heaven above.
We realize that we must
carry on and be strong.
Until the day that we
do once again meet.
We do love you enough
to set you free.
To allow you to spread
your wings and soar.
Fear not as you enter into
the brilliant light.
Just spread your wings
and soar high like an eagle.
Soar towards the big blue sky.
It breaks our hearts knowing
that you are gone forever.
Yet the beautiful memories
shall remain within us.
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Mayor Eileen Clarke
Suzanne: My thoughts and prayers are with you and George’s family and especially his beautiful little granddaughter. He was a huge inspiration to me and I plan to attend his Memorial Service on Friday to honour his committment to the AMM as well as his special frindship. Take Care. Mayor Eileen Clarke
Linda Hargest
To George’s Family,
Cannot imagine how huge this loss feels.
He was one truly awesome person.
We will miss him.
We are blessed and honoured to have known him.
So sorry he is gone.
Robert Hollins
A truly kind, caring and thoughtful man. It breaks my heart to not be able to be in attendance to show my respects to George for myself, as well as on behalf of my late father who treasured his friendship with George so greatly in his time knowing him. We are all better for knowing him, and grateful to him for allowing us to do so.
Ralph Groening
It was my pleasure to have served on the AMM board with George. I always appreciated his candor, intelligence, and sense of humour. You always knew where George stood on any issue. My thoughts to Suzanne and family.
Tyler MacAfee
To George’s family,
It was an absolute pleasure knowing George. I will never forget the lively debates we had both in person while at AMM and later on the phone and through email as he always made a point of keeping in touch.
George was one of a kind and it is really sad that he is gone. He had a very meaningful impact on my life and I am forever thankful for having the opportunity to know him.
Lynne Bereza
To Suzanne and family,
The last time I saw George he gave me a hug. This was the day after he received his Honourary Life Award from the AMM. I know how special that hug made me feel, because that was George’s gift – making others feel special. He was a wonderful, caring man and I feel honoured to have known him. Take care.
Hannah Niemand
George was the greatest grandfather I could ever ask for.