George ROMANCIA

ROMANCIA _On December 29, 2003, with family members at his side, George exchanged his earthly life for Eternal Life. George was born on May 18, 1932. A homestead farm, northwest of Blaine Lake, SK was his first home. He began his schooling in a rural school, later moving to Blaine Lake where he continued his elementary and High School education. He chose teaching as a career, completing his B. Ed and B.A. at the U of S, Saskatoon campus. The 35 years of teaching allowed him to live in various communities; Blaine Lake, Melfort, Bounty, Elbow. The last 28 years of teaching were in Saskatoon with the Saskatoon Public School Board. In 1955 he married Muriel Thiessen. Three sons were born to them, a still-born son (lovingly known as 'David'), Vaughn and Grant. His retirement in 1988 opened the door for him to pursue many of his hobbies. He was known for his garden and loved to share the produce with friends and neighbors. His love of music extended beyond listening, to assembling several dulcimers, enjoying his violin, harmonica, Q chord and guitar. His paintings, using various media, expressed his artistic and creative talents. George had a strong interest, and desire, to see Bibles placed in Russia, particularly through the work of General Borisov of Russia who has the freedom to place Bibles into the hands of the Military. A highlight for George was to meet General Borisov and to escort him to meetings in Saskatoon and the surrounding communities. He had an open invitation to spend time with the General in Russia, personally delivering Bibles. George and Muriel loved to travel, making numerous trips to Branson, Missouri, years before that area became a popular tourist attraction. The opportunity for them to serve as tour hosts, to plan and direct their own tours, added more miles of travel for their enjoyment. George enjoyed sharing his knowledge of History, Geography and information in general, with the passengers. His personal library of some 1000 titles came about as a result of his insatiable passion for learning. Once he read something, he remembered the details; some referred to him as a walking encyclopedia. His 'most watched' T.V. channel was the History Channel. Life took on new meaning when the grandchildren, Taylor Rae and Mitchell David became part of his life. To him they were everything love, joy, laughter and hope. George is survived by his wife, Muriel; son, Grant (Kelly) and their children, Taylor Rae and Mitchell David, all of Saskatoon; his two brothers, John of Saskatoon, Mike of South Africa; three sisters, Mae (Larry) Larson, Helen, both of Vancouver; Rosel of Hawaii; nieces and nephews in Canada and U.S. He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Molly; and his sister, Anne Smith. Our lonely days will be filled with many happy memories. We rejoice in knowing that the days of earthly separation are filled with the anticipation of our reunion when we also begin Eternal Life. Please join us for a time of Reflection, as we celebrate George's life, and rejoice, together, in his release from pain and suffering. A service will be held on Friday, January 2, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. from Circle Drive Alliance Church, 3035 Preston Ave., Saskatoon, SK with Pastor Arni Schmeichel officiating. Special thanks to Dr. Chong Wong, who served in a capacity of love and caring that reached far beyond the boundaries of duty. Thank you to the Drs. and Nursing Staff of the Palliative Care Unit at St. Paul's Hospital who cared for him for five weeks; and, to the staff at Sunnyside Nursing Home where he spent a brief time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gideons and designated for their Bible distribution work in Russia. The Gideons, P.O. Box 3619 Stn Main, Guelph, ON, N1H 9Z9; (a Gideon representative will be at the service) or St. Paul's Hospital Palliative Care Unit, 1702 20th St. W., Saskatoon, SK, S7M 0Z9. Arrangements are in care of DALMENY FUNERAL HOME, 254-2022. Interment at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.