George Louis Thorpe
(November 20, 1922 – August 31, 2011)

The family of George Thorpe is saddened to announce his passing on August 31, 2011 in the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, SK. George was a loving husband, and a caring father, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle and friend.

Born in North Battleford, SK on November 20, 1922, George moved from the homestead in Brada with his family to Prince Albert, SK in 1933. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force where he served in WWII as a wireless air gunner and he achieved the rank of Flight Lieutenant. After the war, along with his father, Fred and brothers Walter, Les and Jim and his sister Betty, they co-founded Thorpe Brothers Ltd. in Prince Albert in 1946. He was proud to be able to employ many people for most of their working careers. George believed in fairness and was a tireless worker. He officially retired in the mid-80’s, but continued regular visits to the shop.

In 1953, he married his lifelong partner, Alice and together they raised their family in Prince Albert. Together they enjoyed golf, gardening, travel, Minto and Raider hockey, as well as spending time at Waskesiu and Emma Lake. George treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren. Their visits were always a source of joy and watching their pursuits kept him young.

George was an active member of the community – serving in the Kinsmen Club of Prince Albert, and K-40. He achieved a Lifetime Membership in the Chamber of Commerce, the Prince Albert Construction Association, and the Saskatchewan Construction Association. George also has a scholarship established in his honour with the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission. Together with his brothers, they were awarded the Samuel McLeod Legacy Award. He was involved in the East Hill Community Club, St. David’s Anglican Church, and was one of the founding members of the Buckland Fire Department. Golf was George’s passion and “Pipeline” was a long time member of the Cooke Municipal Golf Club.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Alice Thorpe; son Bill (Julie) Thorpe, along with grandchildren John (Carolene) Thorpe, Leah Thorpe and Colin Thorpe; son Don (Margie) Thorpe; daughter Betty Thorpe; sisters-in-law Phyllis Thorpe, Helen Thorpe, and Lois Hotzak; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and some wonderful friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Daisy Thorpe, two infant sisters Daisy and Nancy, siblings Laura (Ed) Jackson, Betty (Art) Pike, Walter Thorpe, Leslie (Lillian) Thorpe, Jim Thorpe, and Dora (Des) Powell.

Funeral Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at St. Alban’s Cathedral, 1410 Bishop McLean Crescent, Prince Albert, SK with the Reverend Norbert Haukenfrers officiating. In lieu of other tributes, memorial donations may be made to the Victoria Hospital Foundation or St. David’s Anglican Church.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, Drew Gray, Funeral Director.

• Date : 2011-08-31 06:00:00
• Location : Saskatoon, SK