George Giersch was born on March 5, 1923 in Maldorf, Romania. It was April 8, 1952 he boarded the SS E/Canada ship in Liverpool and headed to Canada settling in Tomslake. George met his wife Elfrieda and they were married November 18, 1955. In 1956 they welcomed a son, George Jr. into the world and in 1961 they welcomed a daughter, Bonita (Bonnie).
George started his career with the department of highways in 1955 on a bridge crew, and later worked his way to equipment operator (grader operator) until his retirement at the age of 61. In addition to a full time job, George and family spent countless hours on the family farm – raising Hereford cattle, making hay in the summer and harvesting the crops in the fall. Even a heart attack didn’t stop him from doing the things he had been doing on his farm for so many years before.
But it wasn’t ALL work and no play. Many family road trips were taken in addition to many camping and fishing trips. It was after retirement George and Elfrieda were able to make regular trips to their favorite fishing destinations, Prince Rupert and Kitimat.
George lost Elfrieda in December, 1992 after her lengthy battle with A.L.S. He continued to keep himself busy with the daily farm duties, but managed to find time for coffee with friends and the locals of Tomslake at the Tomslake General Store, Cup full of Joy and Papa’s Pit Stop. If there was an auction nearby, there’s a good chance you saw him there socializing and bidding on small random items he really didn’t need.
It was the summer of 1998 George suffered a major stroke and after months of rehabilitation he returned home where he remained active in the operation of the farm, always there with much input and knowledge should an issue arises. He began floor curling and was quite good even with the physical impairments he had from the stroke.
Because of the care George eventually required, he became a resident of the Pouce Coupe Care home until his final move to the Rotary Manor in May 2008.
George was a social butterfly – he loved being around people and talking about anything and everything, from what was going on in the news to what was going on in your life. He loved to tease and ‘flirt’ with the girls (care aids, house keepers, nurses and home support and physiotherapy staff).
George passed away peacefully on Monday, July 4, 2011 in Dawson Creek at the age of 88 years.
George was predeceased by his loving wife of 37 years, Elfrieda in December 1992.
He is survived by his sister; Katrina Bolog of Kelowna, B.C, Son; George (Mavis) Giersch, Daughter; Bonnie (Roger) Anderson, Grandsons; Darren Giersch, Jeff Giersch, Andrew Anderson and Tim Anderson.
The family would like to thank the home support staff, the Physiotherapy staff at the Dawson Creek Hospital, the staff of the Pouce Coupe care and staff of Rotary Manor for the special care they gave him. We would also like to thank all those who came to visit George over the years. The visits were always greatly appreciated by him! Also, thank you to Reynar’s Funeral home for their respectful professionalism during this time.
The family is respecting George’s request that there be no funeral service.
For friends so wishing, expressions of sympathy may be made by way of donation to the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation.