George Smellie
11/10/1929 - 03/18/2018
George Smellie
11/10/1929 - 03/18/2018
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
11/10/1929
DIED
03/18/2018
George Smellie Obituary
George was born to Jessie (nee Cummings) and George Smellie in Russell, Manitoba. He was married to Taisia (nee Znamenachek) in Flin Flon, Manitoba on August 25, 1953.
He had a successful career as a journalist that he started in Morden, Manitoba and continued in Neepawa, Saskatoon and Ottawa. He was a member of the National Press Gallery while working as a parliamentary correspondent in Ottawa.
In 1974 he joined the Canadian Pacific Railway as a public relations officer covering the geography from Thunder Bay to the west coast. During his stay with the CPR he became a respected authority on the transportation of grain in Canada.
He was a scout leader for each of his sons with the 37th Scout Troop in Saskatoon and the 117th in Ottawa.
The only time he was noted for raising his voice was when he was singing barbershop with choruses and quartets in Neepawa, Saskatoon, Ottawa and Winnipeg. He was a member of SPEBSQSA from 1960 to the end of his life and was a favoured MC for the Golden Chordsmen in Winnipeg.
George is survived by his wife Taisia and his sons Tom, Ian and Michael, his granddaughter Lindsey and his sister Patricia Partaker. He was predeceased by his parents and his two brothers, Robert and Logie, and his eldest son Sandy.
George is to be cremated in Ottawa and his remains will be interred in Winnipeg at a later date.
There will be no service in Ottawa, but the family will receive visitors at 27 Weaver Crescent, Kanata on Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada (http://alzheimer.ca/en/Home) or Sing Canada Harmony (http://singcanadaharmony.ca).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
11 Entries
March 31, 2018
Tom and Lindsey, My condolences to you on the loss of your dad and grandfather. He was a good man. The Macfarlane family
J. R.Digger MacDougall
March 26, 2018
I was saddened to learn of George's passing. George was a Harmony Fellow of the Barbershop Harmony Society and a supporter of the Sing Canada Harmony Scholarship Fund. We are proud of George's contributions to both. He will be missed and will be remembered. A donation has been made to SING CANADA HARMONY to honour George. May his soul be granted eternal rest.
Digger
J.R. Digger MacDougall
Founding Chair and CEO of Sing Canada Harmony
Doug Drew
March 24, 2018
Deepest sympathies from Capital City Chorus. Sorry could not make visitation as we were in Kemptville singing at funeral of another former member. I remember George well so include my personal condolences. Douglas Drew
Isabella Steffensen
March 24, 2018
I met George and Taisa when my mom Bianca was at Symphony Senior Living. All of my sympathy to the family.
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March 24, 2018
Sending you hugs and blessings as you and your family remember a loving husband, father, friend and mentor.
So sorry for your loss, Taisia.
Ingrid S (first alto)
Anne-Marie and Jacques Mongrain
March 24, 2018
Our deepest sympathy to the Smellie family.
Debbie & Bernie Leury
March 24, 2018
Dear Tom and family,
We were saddened to read about your father's death. We remember that he had a wonderful sense of humour, a warm personality and seemed to be a kind and generous man. Our deepest condolences to you all.
Paul and Suzanne Thurston
March 23, 2018
George was a rare combination of teacher, colleague and friend. The world of words will be poorer without him. Our sympathies to you and the family, Taisia.
March 23, 2018
Sorry for your loss, Taisia.
Kelly Lawson
Steve Morris
March 23, 2018
A wonderful gentleman with always a smile on his face and spreading good cheer.
Nancy Hayley
March 23, 2018
Thinking of you, Taisia. My deepest sympathy in your loss.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
580 EAGLESON RD, Kanata, ON K2M 1H4
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