Obituary of GEORGE HORVATH

GEORGE HORVATH 1936-2015 George Horvath was born December 28, 1936. He had a happy, healthy childhood with his parents, brother, sister and extended family in East Kildonan. As a young man George had a variety of jobs, but always seemed to take special pride in his job as an usher at the old Tivoli Theatre on Maryland, he spoke of seeing all the old classic movies and having a good job that he enjoyed. Eventually he started working for Serle Grain. He was successful there not only at his job, but also in meeting and winning over Patricia MacCallum. As a young couple they spent time with family and friends and later often talked about times with friends, parties and the beach. They married in 1961, settled in West Kildonan and remained a couple for the next 53 years before George lost his “Patsy” last year. George’s career led him to Manitoba Public Insurance. He worked his way up and eventually became their Data Control Manager, he remained there the rest of his professional career. He was good at his job, well liked and he developed wonderful working relationships as well as many lifelong friendships. George and Pat had two sons. Dad and Mom were always very supportive of all of their children’s endeavors. George became a dedicated hockey Dad and never missed one of David’s kickboxing matches. All of George’s friends and family have heard more than their fill of stories about the successes of his boys. He also dearly loved his daughters-in-law and their families. Prior to having health issues George was an avid outdoorsman. He loved fishing and was a great hunter, and later he and Pat scour the backwoods of Manitoba picking mushrooms. They canned and dried mushrooms, pickled beets, pickles, made salsa. Any Boxing Day, guests of their annual Open House would head home with jars of goodies. As weather or health issues changed their hunting shifted to the casinos of Manitoba, looking for big treasure. A dedicated son, George loved and watched out for his parents. He laid flowers at their gravesides years after their passing. But George’s greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren. He spent a small fortune paying out for goals during hockey and soccer seasons for Brooke and Darius. He loved just watching them and Emerson grow, play and prosper. Those were his best days and proudest moments. His grandchildren were always the best, smartest and most talented. Dad, Bampa was someone who dearly loved and was fiercely protective of his family. George was predeceased by his wife Patricia (nee MacCallum), his parents Joseph and Dorothy and his older brother John. He leaves to mourn his passing his sons David and Trevor, his dear daughters-in-law Monika and Tara, his beloved grandchildren Brooke, Darius and Emerson and his sister Lily. Dad fought hard, lost alot in the last few years, but losing Mom took his heart. He left this world to reunite with her June 12, 2015. The family would like to thank the staff at the Health Sciences Centre, Sherbrook Street Dialysis and the Portsmouth Retirement Residence. All of your care made this journey easier for George and the family. Cremation has taken place, a celebration of George’s life is planned for June 24, 2015 at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada.