Obituary of George Horvath

A memorial folder from the funeral service may be printed under the "Memories" tab, then choose "Memorial Program". George Horvath of Leross, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at St. Joseph's Integrated Care Centre in Lestock. He was 96 years of age. George Horvath, second child of Giselle & Joseph Horvath was born on August 18, 1917 at home in the Leross District. He was raised in Leross with his brother and six sisters. George attended Leross school until the start of the ninth grade. At that time he was told he would be helping on the farm fulltime. George worked on the farm until he enlisted with the army to assist with the war effort. He took his basic training in Maple Creek and then advanced training in British Columbia. He was assigned to the training division and then eventually promoted to Sergeant in charge of a mortar platoon overseas. He spent time in much of Europe before being discharged in 1946. George returned to the farm after the war and shortly thereafter met his future bride at his sister's wedding. Evelyn Schmale and George were married in June of 1948. George and Evelyn were blessed with four sons: Marvin, Ron, Gerald and Gordon. George and Evelyn bought their first parcel of land in the Leross area and harvested their first crop in 1949. George expanded his farming operations to include cattle and grain. George actively farmed for many years, actively operating a combine at 90 years old. George was also kept busy as he was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1948 as well. Court was often held at the family kitchen table with the kids in attendance. George was very active in the community as a member of the local school board, Credit Union board, Coop Board, Church board and Wheat Pool Committee. George's greatest fulfillment came from coaching many of the communities' youth on hockey and baseball teams. He never had the opportunity to play sports growing up and it gave him great pride to see many young men develop the skills of becoming a great team player. He certainly enjoyed winning but encouraged his players to be humble champions and gracious in defeat. George took great pleasure in all of Mother Nature's glory. He loved to watch a Saskatchewan sunset or stop and listen to the song of a Dove. This love of Nature also lead him around the world as he and Evelyn travelled to many destinations in Europe, North American and the Caribbean. In George's later years, he enjoyed singing with the United Church Choir. He could often be heard singing or humming a tune while he worked and very much enjoyed listening to music. He and Evelyn enjoyed spending time with the Leross Goodtimers where they played shuffleboard, cribbage and of course, bean bag toss. George always treasured his family and was very active coaching his sons and grandchildren. He enjoyed following all their activities and very seldom missed School concerts or sporting events. George was predeceased by the love of his life, Evelyn, earlier in 2013. Also his parents, Joseph and Giselle; sisters: Marie Rieber, Julie Clark and Anne Hansen; brother-in-law: Leonard Schmale. George leaves to cherish his memory: his brother Louis (Alma) of Leross; sisters: Margaret Schmale of North Battleford, Helen (Larry Frey) of Leross, and Jean (Peter Molter) in Ontario. Sons: Marvin of Leross, Ron (Doreen) of Leross, Gerald (Candace) of Red Deer, and Gordon (Marie) of Leross. Eleven grandchildren: Lorilee (Scott Davies), Derek (Flora) Horvath, Lindsay (Jodie) Horvath, Tracey (Tyler Steel); Jason (Felice) Horvath, Trent (Elizabeth) Horvath, Julie Horvath; Barby (Hans Peterson), Becky (Dwayne Morrissette), Curtis (Jacinda) Horvath; Christy Yasinowski, Stacey Yasinowski, Jordan Horvath. Also 20 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and his many other relatives and friends. Service Information Saturday, December 14th, 2013 2:00pm, Leross Community Hall Interment Details Kelliher Memorial Gardens