George Garfield RATHWELL

George Garfield Rathwell - passed away on Friday, May 28th at the Pasqua Hospital at the age of 78 years. He is survived by his loving wife of fifty years Patricia and his children George Jr. (Shammi), Stuart (Dana), Carole Hutchinson (David) and Leatha Bird (Garvin). George was very proud of his nine grandchildren: Nikita and Mika, Stephanie and Carly, Ayden, Tomson and Matricia, Gabrielle and Celeste. George is also survived by his sister Ruth Phillips, brother John Wesley Rathwell (Diana) and his brothers-in-law: Lorne Mellan, Ron Brooks (Delores) and Bud Brooks (Irene), as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents John Garfield and Isabelle (nee Getty) Rathwell, as well as, sisters: Jean Hart (Harold), Grace Ridley (Glen), and Edith Mellan. George was also predeceased by his brothers-in-law: Ed Phillips and Stan Finch, as well as, his sister-in-law, Evelyn Finch. George was born April 2, 1926 on the family farm near Moose Jaw. His early life on the farm led to a lifelong love of the land and agriculture. He was very proud of his heritage and our province. George would combine this background and these interests into a lifetime of work for the betterment of people’s lives in Saskatchewan. With the exception of his military training during World War II and a year of studies in Manitoba, George lived his entire life in Saskatchewan. He was a proud graduate of the College of Agriculture, University of Saskatchewan in 1953. He married Patricia Brooks that summer and together they began a rich family life of over fifty years. George also began his lifework of employment with the Government of Saskatchewan that year. He began his civil service career as a Social Worker and then a Lands Branch man, but it was in 1962 that George began the job that would become his passion- the Director of Regional Parks. For more than twenty years, George traveled the province tirelessly working with communities to build their parks. The beautiful Regional Park system of over one hundred parks in our province is his professional legacy. He also managed to find time in this hectic schedule to continue farming and later managing the family farms with his brother Wes. George was able to balance this busy professional life with his family life in Regina. He spent countless hours watching his children’s school programs, sporting events and music concerts. His love of sports (the Roughriders and hockey) and music (jazz) were passed on to his children and now to his active grandchildren. His love of recreation was demonstrated through the construction of the family cottage at Diefenbaker Lake- a place he loved. George also believed in building community within Regina. His community service included the following: Past Master of the King Hiram Masonic Lodge, Elder and A.O.T.S. member at Lakeview United Church, Regina Boy’s Hockey League Board Member and member of the Gyro Club. In his retirement, George remained active through part time work with CESO and continued his volunteer community work until his health no longer allowed him to do so. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held at the Regina Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 2 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in George’s name to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 4420 Albert Street, Regina S4S 6B4. Arrangements are entrusted to Regina Funeral Home (306) 789-8850