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GEORGE THOMAS ROBERTSON
Born: May 11, 1927
Date of Passing: Jan 09, 2021
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGEORGE THOMAS ROBERTSON
May 11, 1927 - Jan 9, 2021
George was the loving husband of the late Vi Robertson, the amazing and proud father of daughters, Susan Robertson (Frank Bevilacqua) and Pamela Heintz (Bruce Heintz), and loving grandpa of Lauren and Thomas Bevilacqua. George was predeceased by his brother David Robertson and was also the uncle to several nieces and nephews across the country.
George (affectionately known as Pudger) was born in Winnipeg which he loyally called home for his entire life. He loved East St. Paul, where he and Vi built the family home 65 years ago along the Red River. George was able to live in the family home until he was recently hospitalized thanks to the strong love and support from Pam and Bruce, who lived very nearby. He always said that his "riparian lifestyle" suited him perfectly.
At a young age George enjoyed a successful professional hockey career, playing for the Montreal Canadiens among other teams before joining what would become Labatt's Brewery. He moved on to other successful roles but continued to remain connected to Labatt's via annual curling and golf tournaments. Whether he played in Montreal or New York, he often recalled fondly his time spent playing for the Sidney Millionaires in Cape Breton. While his professional hockey and business career afforded him opportunities to travel and live in various cities across North America, he never wanted to relocate permanently and remained a fiercely proud Manitoban.
George was recently informed by the Montreal Canadiens that, as a member of the family for the past seven decades, he was the most senior member. Geoff Molson wrote: "As a Memorial Cup hero in 1946, you certainly made your presence felt in Montreal when, in just your second game with the franchise, playing alongside Rocket Richard and Elmer Lach, you recorded your first goal as a Hab on opening night 1948 to 1949, three minutes into the game. It may have happened over 70 years ago, but it remains one of several memorable moments in Canadiens history…."
George befriended and helped many, truly from all walks of life, throughout his full life. A Mason, a Shriner, and musician, George spent many years volunteering, including for the Heart & Stroke Foundation. For friends, he would pick them up weekly and drive them around Winnipeg for various appointments and errands.
An avid outdoorsman, George could not wait for every fall to roll around so that he could spend time at the Plumas Hunting Lodge he and seven close friends built in Southwestern Manitoba. Bird hunting was a passion and many a good time were had with close friends from across Canada, and locally, who each year assembled in Plumas for opening day. The lodge will continue through his good buddy Doug Price who checked in frequently with a special sweet treat and took on many appointment shuttles to support George over the past several years.
A raconteur par excellence, George endlessly entertained family and friends with stories from his life's journey. Regrettably, George recently suffered a mild stroke for which he was hospitalized, and contracted COVID-19. We are so fortunate to have had him play an important part in our lives for so many years and he will be missed by many, especially his family.
Should anyone wish to make a donation in memory of George, you may choose to do so to his favourite charities the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada or Ducks Unlimited Canada.
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Simple Cremation & Life Celebrations
204-421-5501 - EthicalDeathCare.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 16, 2021
Condolences & Memories (16 entries)
So sorry to hear about George's passing. My family grew up hearing stories from my dad- Don "Red" Mcrae - of the mighty 1946 Winnipeg Monarchs & their huge win in game 7 @ Maple Leaf Gardens. He told us about all the wonderful, colorful, Canadian gentlemen that were on that team including George & how he scored the winning goal that night in game 7. My dad told me how wonderful a teammate he was on the Monarchs & also on the Sydney Millionaires where they played together. Rest in peace George. "the way the game was played" - Posted by: Brian McRae (son of george's monarch & millionaire teammate don red mcrae) on: May 28, 2022
My love and interest in hockey and sports in general began with George's 1946 Winnipeg Monarch's team capturing the Memorial Cup in a 7 game series with Toronto St Mikes with all games played in Toronto. This was before TV and junior hockey was the dominant winter spectator sport. George scored two goals in the 7th game and went on to have a fine pro career. I was fascinated by the excitement and pride this series provided for Winnipeg. I had the pleasure of meeting George on several occasions in the late 50s through a mutual friend (Frank Armstrong). George did not disappoint as he had the energy and vibe that I imagined as a fan of that great Monarch team. It is evident that George had a wonderful life and has a beautiful family. My condolences and respects to George's family and friends. - Posted by: John Rendall (admiring fan) on: Jan 23, 2021
I never met any of you, but just so you know,your dad was my Godfather. I always enjoyed talking to him when i was a kid on the phone when he called dad to yak! He always called me Martin Karton and ! I have nothing but great memories of that! Same when he came by to visit..always treated me great! Sad to hear he is gone! - Posted by: Martin Rockey (Friend) on: Jan 21, 2021
George and Vi and their beautiful daughters Susan and Pam were a huge part of my family in East St Paul. I used to babysit the girls when I was a teenager. George was my dads best friend and he loved him dearly. They spent many a Sunday afternoon talking of hockey and family and the likes. He was always comical, kind and intuitive. He was a great man, Rest In Peace kind sir.... - Posted by: Arlene May (Family friend) on: Jan 20, 2021
Susan and Pam, I feel so bad for your loss. No one loves you as deeply as your parents. I have a fond memory of your dad playing the banjo for us in your basement. He was so talented, entertaining and interesting. Whoever wrote his obituary did an amazing job describing him and his many attributes. When my family and I moved from the States to Canada, your dad was quick to include my dad in one of the pheasant hunting trips. It was probably to the Plumas hunting lodge. I remember my dad saying that he had a great time. Your father left an awesome mark on this world especially through his beautiful daughters. We are so blessed to have had such loving parents. - Posted by: Lisa Milam Ober (Friend of Susan and Frank) on: Jan 19, 2021
Pam, Bruce, Susan, Franco and Family I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. He was an amazing man and along with your Mom raised two amazing girls. I too have very fond memories of hours spent in the most amazing basement any kid could imagine. It was the coolest entertainment centre imaginable, before the word entertainment centre was even invented. Your Dad and Mom were always so welcoming. Thinking of you all. - Posted by: Carla Bailey (nee Johnson) (Friend) on: Jan 18, 2021
Some of the very best and memorable times of my life were in the company of 'Pudger' Sincere condolences, from the "Rook" Ed Yuzak - Posted by: Edward Yuzak (Friend) on: Jan 18, 2021
I was very saddened to hear of George's passing. I always remember Uncle George and my Auntie Vi with the greatest affection. It is always hard losing a parent, but, always remember the good and precious times you had together. - Posted by: Don Hermiston (nephew) on: Jan 18, 2021
Susan, Pam and family, we are sad to hear that you have lost your wonderful dad. So many memories we have of our families together! Your dad had this way of speaking to us as little girls and adults as if we were the only person in the room. I hope those memories bring you some comfort. Sandra - Posted by: sandra Johnson Franz (Family friend) on: Jan 18, 2021
We send our love and condolences to you all. Your Dad was truly one of a kind - always welcoming us into your home with an entertaining story. His ability to tolerate countless hours of our ear-splitting chatter was unparalleled. When he drove us from the sticks of East St. Paul to the big smoke of East Kildonan (or to the other side of the world - downtown), his words of paternal advice as we left the car were always sage and to the point. He was so good to us. Both he and your beautiful Mom will always hold a special place in our hearts. - Posted by: Lisa (and Trevor) Hughes (Friend) on: Jan 18, 2021
Susan and Pam, my condolences with your Dad's passing. I have fond memories of your Mom and Dad. I will forever remmeber them driving us kids out to West Hawk Lake where we had the use of a cottage. George would forever organize sporting games for us kids. He was a great uncle; God bless him! Darryl Hermiston Halifax, Nova Scotia - Posted by: Darryl Hermiston (Nephew) on: Jan 17, 2021
Pam, Bruce, Susan, Frank and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. A special memory of Uncle George is when, in his 80's, he travelled to Toronto to join in a birthday celebration for his brother David, who was very thrilled. It made the night! George was clearly a special brother. We are sad to lose our uncle. We are thinking of you all. - Posted by: Joanna Robertson (Niece) on: Jan 17, 2021
Sorry to hear about George’s passing. George was one of my dad (Eph Miller’s) good friends and partners in the Plumas lodge. After my dads passing George and I would keep in touch. My brother sister and I always referred to him as uncle George as our families spent time together when we were young. What a great guy always had great stories. He will be missed. - Posted by: John Miller (Longtime friend) on: Jan 16, 2021
Our condolences to George's family and friends on his passing. "Pudge" has been a true friend to our family, from his days working with Dave as Labatt's sales reps and well beyond. In recent years, "coffee with George" was Dave's favourite outing. Oh, the stories of the old days those two shared! Our children too have fond remembrances of George's good natured kindness shown to our family over the years We have lost a gentleman, and a true character! - Posted by: Dave and Dorothy Jowett and family (Old dear friends ) on: Jan 16, 2021
Pam & Bruce , Susan, Franco & Family so sorry for your loss. Always loved family get together with George. He always had good stories to tell and always made us laugh & was always happy to see you. We will miss him dearly . Sending our love to you all. - Posted by: Sandy & Jim Antosko (Family ) on: Jan 16, 2021
Pam, Bruce, Susan, Franco and family. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. He was quite the guy!! I have many fond memories of both he and your mom, treating our little troupe of giggling girls like we were little princesses!! Always there to bring us cool drinks on a hot summer day in the pool, or snacks as we had our sleepovers in the recroom, to providing rides to a party, or up to the bus stop, at whim. An amazing man, and truly a life well lived. Hugs to all...... - Posted by: Dale (Friend ) on: Jan 16, 2021
