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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
CURLISS, George O, Dr - After a decade long battle with cancer, George passed away at RUH, his family at his side. Left to cherish memories are his loving wife of 53 years Helen, his children and their partners: Douglas (Karen Janke) of Saskatoon SK, Dean (Debbie Reynolds) of Redondo Beach CA, Alison Horpinuk (Duane) of Calgary AB, Brian (Gill) of Vancouver BC, Neil (Miranda) of Salem OR, Karen (David Spriggs) of Brisbane AUS, his beloved grandchildren Andrea, Kereth and Fiona, and a large extended family. George was born and raised in Assiniboia SK. He joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1943 and served aboard the HMCS RESTIGOUCHE. At war's end, he spent two years recovering from tuberculosis in Fort San SK where he met his future wife Helen Baxter. Graduating from the University of Toronto in Optometry, he completed post graduate work at USC and opened an optometric practice in Wynyard SK in 1954. George lived in Wynyard for the next thirty years, where he worked hard to serve his family, his profession and the community. In 1984 he moved to Saskatoon, where he continued to practice optometry until 1996. In his retirement, George liked to travel, exploring North America and the world. George had a tireless, selfless, and restless soul. He was always searching for an outlet for his physical, mental, and emotional energy. In both Wynyard and Saskatoon, he was active in numerous community service organizations: Lions Club, Royal Canadian Legion, United Church of Canada, Masonic Lodge, Shrine Club. He had a special dedication to the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, serving #568 Squadron for over two decades. In his personal life, he was always looking to learn and try new things. He started flying in his forties, tried skiing in his fifties, and went go-kart racing in his sixties and seventies. He also found time for ham radios (VE5DL), motor homes, and cars both old and fast. George had a deep love for those around him, which he expressed in a quiet gentle way. His life, his love, and his soul will be missed. A Memorial service will be held at 2:00pm Wednesday November 12 at Knox United Church 838 Spadina Crescent E. Donations in lieu of flowers to Hope Cancer Centre #300-506 25th Street E Saskatoon S7K 4A7 or Shrine Patient Travel Fund. Arrangements entrusted to Mourning Glory Funeral Services, 978-5200 (The Star Phoenix 12 Nov 2003)
Ships served in:
Undated course photo from the collection of PO Thomas Arthur Hope
The names on the back of the photo list G.O. Curliss, but it is not known where he is in the photo
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