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George Verstraete
September 13, 1916 - June 26, 2015
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<div itemprop="description">George Firmin Verstraete<br /><br />Sept. 13, 1916 &ndash; June 26, 2015<br /><br /><br /><br />With great sadness we announce the passing of George Verstraete.<br /><br /><br /><br />George was predeceased by his beloved wife, Paula (nee Becelaere), and Roger, his older brother. He is survived by his children, Joan Joyal (Ernie), Larry (Jo), Bob, Maureen Schmidt (Tom), Irene Sallee (Danny) and Janice Sheedy (Chris) as well as 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.<br /><br /><br /><br />Dad was born in Mers des Bain, France, at the height of WWI while his family was taking refuge after being ousted from their home in Torhout, West Flanders, Belgium. When Dad was 13 years old, the family came to Canada and settled in St. Boniface, an area favoured by many Belgian immigrants. He met our mother, Paula, at the Belgian Sacred Heart Church where he was the choir director. They married on December 1, 1945, beginning a loving relationship that would last 66 years. <br /><br /><br /><br />A dedicated family man, Dad was unfailing in his role as provider for his growing brood. A skilled carpenter and master stairmaker, he worked at Acme Sash &amp; Door then later for Newman Millwork. He was a meticulous craftsman with an eye for precision whose work still graces many Winnipeg homes and businesses. <br /><br /><br /><br />Resilient, optimistic and practical by nature, Dad faced life head on, looking forward rather than dwelling on the unchangeable past. He was an inventive person who often solved problems with unique devices he built himself. In his 80s, when his eyesight and mobility faded, Dad adapted to his limitations. He tackled the computer, teaching himself new skills and widening his channels of communication. To express his viewpoint, he wrote editorials and emailed them to family members, newspapers and influential leaders around the globe.<br /><br /><br /><br />Dad was deeply committed to his Catholic faith and unwavering in his principles. He served organizations such as The Knights of Columbus, The Legion of Mary and The League for Life, and contributed to many charities that served the less fortunate. For those inclined, a donation in his memory to The Call of the Poor, P.O. Box 117, St. Norbert, Manitoba R3V 1L5, will be gratefully accepted. <br /><br /><br /><br />The family wishes to thank the staff and residents of Cathedrale Manor, Dad's many homecare workers, and Dr. Danais Brown, his family doctor for their ongoing support and concern. <br /><br /><br /><br /></div>