Georgie Clarice Balneaves

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Les, to who she was devotedly married for almost 61 years (after “going steady” for 4 years). She leaves behind her son Scott, his wife Alice, and her two grandsons Brian (Tess) and Kevin. Also bereft at her passing is her daughter Lynda (Oliver). She is remembered fondly by numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends across North America.

Georgie was born on October 21, 1934 in the small farming town of Preeceville, SK. She and her mom relocated to Winnipeg in the late 1940's, where she shortly afterwards met her everlasting love, Les, to whom she married just days after her 18th birthday.

Georgie was a hard worker who willingly shared a cheery smile and laugh with everyone she met, first at a local credit union and then at Motor Coach Industries. After the arrival of Scott and Lynda, Georgie devoted herself to creating a supportive home for her family in River Heights. She spent many hours volunteering at her children's schools and loudly cheering them on, be at a science fair or a track and field meet. When not volunteering, Georgie and Les would pack up the family, including their beloved Norwegian Elkhounds, Smokey and Silver, into their camper van and travel across North America.

Never one to be idle, Georgie was heavily involved in the Scottish community in Winnipeg, including the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, the Manitoba Highland Dancers' Association, and working alongside Les at the souvenir booth, the Mug Pub Pavilion during Folklorama. They were both passionate about sharing their love for genealogy and Scottish culture and were often found at local shopping malls and community festivals manning the “Tartan Display” and helping others find their British roots. This love took Georgie and Les overseas numerous times to research the Balneaves and Leigh family trees.

In her later years, Georgie struggled with dementia. While it stole her memories, it did not diminish her smile, sense of humour or mischievousness.

The Balneaves family would like to thank the staff at Riverview Health Centre and Fred Douglas Heritage House for their kind and compassionate care of Georgie. A special thank you to her caregivers Alex and Christian for their friendship and devotion over the past year.

A Celebration of Georgie's life will take place on Monday, January 6, 2019 at 10:00 am at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard, Winnipeg, followed by reception. Interment will be at Brookside Cemetery, 3001 Notre Dame Avenue, following the reception.

Flowers are gratefully declined; instead, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba or Riverview Health Centre.

"You make me happy when skies are grey..."