George Leonard Tomlinson

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of George Leonard Tomlinson. George passed peacefully at home on July 2, 2023 with his family by his side.

George will be deeply and forever missed by his loving wife of 54 years, Barbara; daughter Karen (Tom), son Paul (Christine); and his 4 beautiful grandchildren, Matthew, Miranda, Daniel, and Olivia. He was very proud of his family and loved us all very much. George will also be remembered by his brother Dennis, sister Doris, and their families.

Born on July 1st, George grew up in St Boniface with his father George, mother Marie, brother Dennis, and sister Doris. He would tell stories of his parents bringing him to Canada Day fireworks and kidding him that they were in his honor.

After high school at Nelson McIntyre Collegiate, George took on a few different roles trying to discover what he wanted to do. He really enjoyed meeting with people, found that sales came easy to him, and went on to thrive in the transportation industry for most of his career.

George met the love of his life Barbara on a blind date. They immediately clicked, were engaged after 6 months, then married on May 3rd, 1969. In 1971, they bought a new home and soon after welcomed their children Karen and Paul. Working different shifts, so someone would always be home with the kids, George would get Karen and Paul to and from their evening activities, ready for bed, and all tucked in for the night.

In addition to work and family, George also enjoyed his monthly Transportation Sales Nights with his colleagues, and volunteered with friends on the Santa Clause Committee. The group prepared gifts for and brought Santa and his elves to children in the hospital. The week concluded with the Santa Clause Parade. Karen and Paul thoroughly loved getting to invite their friends to dress up like clowns and walk alongside their Mom and Dad waving to all the people watching onsite and on TV.

A few of George’s childhood friends remained lifelong friends. He introduced Barbara to Doran and Roberta; Arch and Deb: and together with their kids, they dubbed themselves the "Magnificent 6+". The group spent countless Christmases, birthdays, and anniversaries together. Halloween parties, curling bonspiels, camping trips, and an incident with a tipped over canoe will always be fondly remembered.

On weekends, George and Barbara packed up their trailer and hauled it, the kids, and the dog to many different campgrounds across the province. They discovered Spruce Sands while visiting friends and that afternoon changed the course of their lives. They purchased a trailer in the park and happily spent weekends and holidays there for the next 40 years. They met people in the community that would turn into some of their closest friends to this day. Saturdays would find George and his crew getting up while it was still dark outside to go golfing. The projects were endless, and George was always in there helping a friend build a deck or stack their firewood. In the evenings he was the first to light the fire, gather with friends and family to enjoy a rum and coke and evening of storytelling and laughter.

In the winter, George was an avid mall walker, and loved to curl. But we do think the best part of the game for him was the comradery with fellow curlers upstairs after the game.

George was Heidi’s favorite son-in-law and they spent a lot of time together. He cared for her as if she was his own mother. He loved his son-in-law Tom and daughter-in-law Christine as if they were his own. He adored, loved, and was extremely proud of his grandchildren Matthew, Miranda, Daniel, and Olivia. He was truly in his glory spending time with them. His grand-puppies too!

A lesson we can all take from George, is that there is nothing more important in life than "friends and family". Hold on to and appreciate the people in your life as he did. He treasured his friendships and would be moved to tears when describing how much he loved his kids, grandkids, and especially Barbara. George loved Barbara more than anything in this world, and cherished the life they built together. 54 years ago, they said "I do", and at their last big celebration, there were 12 family members gathered around the dinner table.

George leaves an amazing legacy of love behind. We will forever and deeply miss you!

Dad, you would always "rather be at the lake" - now you can go anytime!

George’s Celebration of Life will begin with prayers at 9:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Blessed Sacrament Parish, 710 Roanoke Street. Burial to follow at Green Acres Cemetery, Hwy. #1 East at Navin Rd.