Obituary of George Emmett Jennings

JENNINGS " It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of George Emmett Jennings on December 19, 2007 at the Palliative Care Unit at Pasqua Hospital. George was born June 3rd, 1922 on the farm at Aquadell, Sk. He was the eldest of eight children of George and Esther Jennings. He attended Grafton School, leaving school in 1939 with his Grade 10. There was not much opportunity for education or work because of the depression so he took up what would become a great love, farming. The war came along and being the right age George joined the R.C.A.F. in 1942. He spent three years overseas moving to many places and was at Normandy during battle there. After that experience he always had a deep interest in aviation and later piloted his own plane. He returned to the farm in 1946 to begin a career in farming, which lasted almost 50 years, together with his brother Raymond. He married Joyce (Aikens) Houseman in 1970 and commuted from Central Butte to the farm for the next 20 years. George retired in 1990. During these years he took over as councilor after his Dad retired from council for the R. M. of Enfield and held the position for 10 years. George was on the Central Butte Union Hospital Board, a member of the Chaplin and later the Central Butte Lions Club for 44 years, and a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 38 years. He was a member of the Aviation Historical Society for 10 years and the Air Force Association. He loved his church and was involved until shortly before his death. He belonged to St. Marys Church in Central Butte and was on the Parish Council for many years. He was chairman of parish council at the time the new church was built. He was on the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council and the Moose Jaw Deanery. In 1980 he enrolled in the first Lay Ministry Formation Program and completed the program in 1983. He was involved in many ministries in the church. George played baseball with the Aquadell Flyers. He also enjoyed fishing, curling and hockey, which he refereed for years. Georges family was very important to him and took a strong interest in all his families activities and careers. He had a special bond with his grandchildren and nieces and nephews. George was an avid traveler and joined Catholic tours to Italy, the Holy Land, Greece, Egypt and Turkey which he did several times. He also traveled back to Normandy for several anniversary celebrations which were a highlight in his life, especially the 60th Anniversary in 2004 with his niece, Colleen. He and Joyce went on many bus tours, both in Canada and the United States, as well as overseas. In 2002 he and Joyce moved to Regina where they were very thankful to be when his health began to fail. They are currently members of Blessed Sacrament R. C. Church. George was predeceased by his mother, Esther in 1963; his father, George in 1965; his sister, Helen; his brothers-in-law, Al Andree, Bob Falloon, Bob Moore and Frank Rabusic; niece, Marjory Thompson (Falloon); nephews, George and Garnet Falloon. He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce; his stepsons, Lorne, Gord (Karen) Houseman; grandchildren, Joel, Josh, Jared, Leah and Eric Houseman; his sisters, Norma Rabusic, Muriel Moore, MaryAnn Andree, Florence (John) Hoffort; his brothers, Raymond (Clara) and Bill (Lucie) Jennings. The family would like to thank the staff at the Palliative Care Unit at the Pasqua Hospital for their excellent care, especially Louise, the Music Therapist. Prayers will be held on Friday, December 21, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in Blessed Sacrament R. C. Church, 2049 Scarth Street, Regina. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Josephs R. C. Church, 1064 " 3rd Avenue N.W., Moose Jaw with Rev. Emmett Morrissey presiding. Interment will be held in Rosedale Cemetery, Moose Jaw. Memorial donations may be made to Regina Palliative Care Inc., 4101 Dewdney Avenue, Regina S4T 1A5. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com