George Henry Harris was born on June 3, 1934 in Yorkton. He was the son of Fred and Katie (nee Anstey). George came from a large and loving family of brothers and sisters: Ronald, Keith, Ruth, Lucille, and Stewart. George attended Pebble Lake School until Grade 8 and then went to High School in Yorkton at YCI (Yorkton Collegiate Institute). He obtained his Plumbing and Gas Certification from Moose Jaw, and apprenticed with Hancock Plumbing in Yorkton. After that he worked for a short time in Calgary, AB. and Ponteix, Sk. before moving to Esterhazy and opening his own business, Harris Plumbing and Heating which he operated right until the last days of his life. He was a successful entrepreneur; besides the plumbing business, he farmed land, and was a landlord to many loyal tenants who resided in his trailer court and duplexes. George grew up on the family farm outside of Yorkton. As a young boy, George was extremely active and was constantly "on the go" - whether it was driving horses or being outdoors with his brothers and sisters, playing shinny or playing pranks. He helped on the farm by milking the dairy cattle, and he was a member of the dairy and swine club with 4-H. As a teenager and young adult he enjoyed water-skiing, travelling to places near and far, adventure, and good times with friends and family. He also had a love for jive dancing and was successful at it - winning several dance competitions. It was not out of the ordinary to see George flipping his partners on the dance floor, particularly when his favourite song, "Rock Around the Clock" was playing. George's true passion was curling. Anyone who knew George knew his love for the game. George was a successful and accomplished competitive curler, winning many, many trophies in bonspiels and competitions throughout the province and into the U.S.A. He was an amazing strategist on the ice and this helped him to win many games over the toughest of opponents. He enjoyed anything related to curling going to bonspiels, coaching curling, watching it on tv., attending and watching the Scotties and the Brier live, and offering his thoughts to anyone who curled about the shot they made, or the shot they missed. George curled with many friends over the years, and they became part of George's curling family and legacy. He truly treasured his time curling and was fortunate enough to be able to curl until just before Christmas. George married the love of his life "Tweety" Marlene (nee Binns) on February 24, 1967 beginning a journey together that spanned four decades and blessed them with two children: Greg and Tamela, and five grandchildren: Jesse, Shaelyn, Kamen, Kyra and Jayden. George and Tweety lived in Esterhazy for the early part of their married life before building their home just north of town in 1978. George and Tweety's door was always open to family and friends for visiting and a beverage of choice. They were famous for putting on skits at celebrations and for hosting many lawn dart tournaments. They loved to socialize and spent weekends visiting and playing cards until the wee hours of the morning. This continued as their children grew up and brought friends home, and eventually their grandchildren brought friends to the house. Everyone was welcomed with open arms, as if you were a part of the family. George was one of a kind. He had a strong spirit, a big heart, a sharp wit and memory, and loved life. He had a wonderful sense of humour and enjoyed life to the fullest. George was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and loved nothing more than to attend their figure skating, curling, hockey, ball, dance, singing and school activities. He was the best father and grandfather that anyone could have asked for. His witty comments, the stories shared, and the pride he took in everything he did will live on forever. The good times at the Harris home, and the final family vacation on the Caribbean Cruise last December will always be remembered. George is predeceased by his wife, Tweety, his father Fred, mother Katie, brother Ronnie, and sister-in-law Connie, his sister Ruth, and brother-in-law Dick Partridge, brother-in-law Stan Wood, brother-in-law, Mike Salahub, as well as mother-in-law and father-in-law Rosie and George Binns. He will be sadly missed and leaves to pass on his values to his son, Greg and his wife Karey of Regina, and their children Kyra and Jayden, his daughter Tamela and her husband Kurt of Moosomin, and their children Jesse, Shaelynn, and Kamen. George also leaves to mourn his brothers Keith (Jean) of Kindersley, Sk., Stewart (Joan) of Regina, Sk., and sister Lucille Kotzer of Yorkton, and sister-in-law Mary Salahub of Canmore, Alta., as well as numerous other relatives, friends, and neighbours. Funeral services were held on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at St. Andrew's United Church, Esterhazy, SK. Officiant: Rev. Heather Rogers. Organist: Peggy Pederson. Pallbearers were Bud Romanchook, Donnie Lingelbach, Ken Johnson, Dave Esslinger, Kevin Orosz, Iver Temsland. Honorary Pallbearers being Garnet Moore, Allan Toth, Don Lawrence and all those in attendance. Donations to St. Andrew's United Church, Esterhazy, SK. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Peter Carscadden Funeral Services, Esterhazy, SK.
