Obituary of George Gorlick

A memorial folder from the funeral service may be printed under the "Memories" tab, then choose "Memorial Program". GORLICK - After a brave and lengthy battle with cancer, George passed away on November 13, 2007 at the age of 78 years. George was born April 26, 1929 in Lennard, Manitoba. He grew up and worked on the family farm until the late 40's when he took winter jobs in Armstrong, Ontario. There he worked in a bush camp gaining experience and eventually driving a lumber hauling truck. He started his 9 year mining career in 1953 in the Yukon, Alaska, Elliot Lake and finally at the potash mine in Esterhazy. George married his sweetheart, Alice in 1957 and in 1962 the family of four moved to Yorkton where George soon joined the Monarch Life Insurance Company. He was well respected in the insurance and financial industry for the next 45 years, a person who always looked out for his client's best interests. He saw Monarch Life merge with North American Life and finally Manulife. Among the awards and recognition he received were the National Quality Award for 27 consecutive years and he became a member of the Million Dollar Round Table. In addition to his regular work, George also took over the family farm from 1975 to 1986. George became a member of the Yorkton Jaycees and was active when the group won Canada's Outstanding Unit award several times as well as the World's Outstanding Unit award. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded Senatorship status. George was actively involved in sports. He participated as a minor hockey and baseball coach. He was an avid golfer and became an executive member of the Deer Park Golf Course and in 1989, he received a lifetime membership of which he was very proud. As a young man, he played baseball and you could always count on him cheering for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Montreal Expos and the Toronto Blue Jays. Years later, when the 4 children were old enough, the family took up skiing; something George did every year until the age of 75. In the winter, he also loved to curl. He organized the volunteer drivers for many world class curlers who competed in the bonspiels held in Yorkton. He was proud of the friendships he made with the likes of the Ferby team, the Howard team and many others. George enjoyed his family and friends and always had a joke to tell. He loved country music and during family gatherings, he could be found dancing around the house with Alice or belting out a tune. Dad, you are now an angel - we'll "Put Your Little Shoes Away". He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anybody. And he would do it without complaint, just because it had to be done. George believed in the philosophy - work first, play later and instilled that belief in his children and grandchildren whom he loved with all his heart. He was genuinely interested in their lives and he cherished their accomplishments with great pride. His generosity was endless - he and Alice were often found at one of the kid's houses, either painting, planting or cutting grass, pitching bales and much, much more. Though his last months were extremely difficult, George treasured his friendships and appreciated the cards, gifts and visits. He was predeceased by his father Jack, his mother Victoria (Paulenko), his brothers Ellery and John. He leaves to mourn, his loving wife of 50 years, Alice; his children, Kimberley (Landry) Merkosky and their children, Amanda and Amy from Saskatoon; Rock (Deborah) and their children, Cameron and Carmen from Saskatoon; Sheldon (Dawn Schultz) and their daughter, Jordan from South Bay, Ontario; Jacqueline (Robert) Thorogood and their children, Mitch and Brody from Naniamo, BC; his sisters Edith (Robert) Rowell from Spartanburg, South Carolina and Sylvia (David) Friesen from Winnipeg, Manitoba; and his sister-in-law Helen Gorlick from Winnipeg, Manitoba. The family wishes to thank friends and relatives for the prayers and support received during George's illness and the health caregivers who looked after dad in hospital and at home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Memorial Fund of Westview United Church or a charity of your choice. Service Information Saturday, November 17th, 2007 1:00pm, Westview United Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens