George Plews, beloved husband of Dolena of Yorkton, formerly of Selkirk, MB, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2017 at Yorkton. He was seventy-eight years of age. George was born in Wilkie, SK. After finishing high school, George moved to Yellowknife, NWT to work with NWT Power as a lineman before taking a position with Pacific Western Airlines as an agent. It was here that he met his wife, Dolena. He often told the story that he saw Dolena exit a plane and said, "I am going to marry that girl". Three months later in January, 1961, George and Dolena exchanged wedding vows in the First Baptist Church, Yorkton. In June 1961, when Pacific Western Airlines became Transair, George and Dolena moved to Flin Flon, MB where George took the position of station agent. Shortly after the birth of their first son, George, in 1963, the family transferred to Winnipeg, MB where their second son, John, was born in 1965. After John's birth, the family settled in Selkirk, MB and in 1966 a third son, Trevor, was born. The family was complete when their daughter, Tracy, was born in 1970. George worked for Transair for 20 years before becoming a public servant at Canada Employment and Immigration, where he worked until his retirement. During his time in Selkirk, George was very involved with his community. He was elected as a school board trustee, a member of the Selkirk Foundation, the Centennial Committee, the Selkirk Steel Kings, the Selkirk Curling Club, World Junior Hockey Championship, Manitoba Senior Games, founder of the Selkirk Square Dance Club and a variety of minor sports that his children were involved in. For the many volunteer activities he participated in he received several awards. Upon retirement, George established "Dolena's Pictures", a custom picture framing business, which was often sought out by various local artists. In 2000, George sold the framing business which created time to help establish the Selkirk Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. In 2006 George and Dolena moved to Yorkton to be closer to family. It wasn't long before George saw a need for Habitat for Humanity and co-founded the Yorkton organization which has now built six homes and a seventh to be completed in 2018. George's enthusiasm was contagious. Being community minded George also served the Yorkton community in various ways. He was a member of the Society for the Involvement of Good Neighbours (SIGN) board, the Lions Club, Yorkton Senior Games, Parkland Square and Round Dance Club and on the committee for the Canadian Square and Round Dance convention - the first time being held in Saskatchewan. He was instrumental in establishing "Know Your Number" - a free blood testing clinic so men could know their PSA number in hopes of early prostate cancer detection. He was ecstatic over the success of this program with the intent for it to become an annual event. He became involved in his son's fencing business to help fill in any spare time. He enjoyed the new challenge and the number of people he met. George's heart was always big for many. He was instrumental in helping those in need. He worked tirelessly with the church and with those wanting to locate to Canada from Vietnam. One family in particular referred to George as their "benefactor" and every Christmas presented him with a variety of products from their home country as a way of thanking him for his help and hospitality. George's generosity and sensitive heart was evident with all those he met. Most important in George's life was his family. George was happiest when he was surrounded by his family - whether at home, out camping, attending reunions or sporting events. Family was his life. As grandchildren came along he tried to attend as many of their activities as possible watching school concerts, hockey, basketball, slow pitch, soccer, swimming, piano recitals, officiating soccer games, choir performances, voice competitions, rock band performances, pony rides, welding competitions, flying remote control airplanes and attending graduations. He was so proud of all their talents and accomplishments! Dancing was a huge part of George's life. Those feet were often moving to the song on the radio or the song he hummed throughout the house. Any chance he had, George would be pulling Dolena or one of the granddaughters to swing around the kitchen or living room. George's love of dance led to many square dancing jamborees travelling all over Canada and the United States to dance. While living in Manitoba, George was a loyal Winnipeg Jets fan. When the club was sold, he supported the Manitoba Moose. In 2011 when the Jets returned to Winnipeg, George threatened to return as well! However, family trumped everything and he watched the Jets from a distance to be where he was the happiest - near family. George was very proud of his children and grandchildren and all that they have become. His wife Dolena was his "everything" - the love of his life. George loved life, his family and people - he will be truly missed. George is survived by his wife of 56 years Dolena; son George (Becky), Brendan and Aidan; son John (May), Alexander, Dina and Elya; son Trevor (Tammy), Emily and Mason; daughter Tracy Wills, Tamara and Tyla; brother-in-law Bruce Burrow (Ardelia) and brother-in-law Stan Burrow (Gail) as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and many close friends. Predeceased by his parents George and Helen (Miskell) Plews; parents-in-law George and Dolly (McKay) Burrow; step-mother Alice Plews nee Wilson; brother Eric Plews and brother-in-law Bobby Burrow. Cremation has taken place. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 pm on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at First Baptist Church in Yorkton. A Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 pm from First Baptist Church in Yorkton with Pastor Steve Rosluk officiating. Interment will follow at a later date in the Yorkton City Cemetery. Donations may be made in George's memory to the Yorkton Chapter of Habitat for Humanity or the Yorkton First Baptist Church as gifts of remembrance. Thank you to all for your condolences, prayers and kinds words. Arrangement are entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home.Â
