Mr. George Edward Sawkins

Born on March 27, 1922 in The Pas, Manitoba; George passed away peacefully on January 28th, 2015 at the age of 92 years. George is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Mary (Daley), and a large extended family.

George grew up in Sinclair Mills, BC, before joining the RCAF at age 19. He served in Britain, Holland and Germany with Air Squadron 666 during WWII. George and Mary were married in Magnetawan, Ontario in June, 1946 and moved back to BC to start their family. He dedicated many hours to building the family home on Price Street where they raised their four children. George's working years were spent in the lumber industry, first working for BCFP, then going back to school to become a lumber grader and worked for the PLIB for the remainder of his career. His love of lumber, trees, gardening and the great outdoors was passed down to his children. George was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #48 for 60 years.

George was predeceased by brothers Les and William (Bill); sisters Ruth (Warren) and Eileen (Maruk); 3 granddaughters, Michelle, Lisa and Linda; son-in-law Dennis Mason. George is survived by his loving wife Mary; daughters Rosemary Mason, Marilyn Chepil, sons Doug (Laurie) Sawkins, Dave (Karen) Sawkins: 11 grandchildren: Cathy (Kent), Lori (Shawn), Debbie (Chad), Sandra (Frank), Kristian (Joy), Jessica (Chris), Derek (Kellie), Liz, Danielle, Brent and Tara; 11 great-grandchildren: Brooklyn, Michael, Nathaniel, Justin, Jacob, Breenie, Noah, Gemma, Mae, Aubrey, Gianluigi; his brother Edwin (Ted) Sawkins of Calgary, and lifelong friend Sigmund Maier of Saskatoon, Sask.

Family was everything to George, and many years were spent camping as a family and travelling to visit relatives out of town. He lovingly taught first his children, then grand-children and even the greatgrands to play crib, and enjoyed the thousands of games played. George loved to fish and spent many hours sitting peacefully in his little red boat; fortunately Mary didn't mind cleaning the catch! George had a remarkable memory and entertained all generations with stories of growing up with black bears and big moose, catching boatloads of fish, life during the depression, his wartime crossing of the Atlantic, and serving in Europe with the RCAF. George loved music and enjoyed square dancing and bowling. He cheered for the Canucks and the BC Lions, and loved to find a great bargain! After retiring, he and Mary moved to Abbotsford, where they had a lively social life with siblings and in-laws. They travelled through the US & Canada on many bus trips and played many cribbage games.

During the last two years of his life, George lived with Mary at George Derby Centre in Burnaby. The family wishes to thank the staff of Lower North and Special Care East for the care he received. Also, we thank Algene, for his loving supportive companionship during his final year. We cannot thank you enough for all you have done.

A private family service was held at Ocean View Cemetery. We invite family, relatives and friends to rejoice in the memories of dad's life at a Celebration of Life, to be held on Friday, March 27th, 2015 at 1:00pm at the Cloverdale Legion, 17567 - 57 Avenue, in Surrey, BC.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association.