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GEORGE POWELL
Born: Aug 18, 1945
Date of Passing: Mar 24, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGEORGE POWELL
Dad was born and raised in Fort Garry in Winnipeg. He grew up an only child, influenced by the two strong women in his life - his mom and his Granny. Dad did his RCMP training in Ottawa in 1966 and was among the last troops who completed horse training as part of the program. He and Mum met when he was 17 and he celebrated the day they met annually for the rest of his life. They married in 1968 after Dad completed RCMP training and his first posting to Cabri, Saskatchewan. Together they started married life in Saskatchewan, first Maple Creek where Kim was born in 1970 then on to Gravelbourg where Margo was born in 1972. They were also posted to Melfort and Yorkton, where they kept building to and adding lifelong friendships.
An imposing RCMP officer at 6'4", he was a gentle giant. But his real superpower was people and relationships. He could greet someone at the mall and then turn to who he was with and disclose that he went to kindergarten with that person. When we were kids we often dreaded having to run errands with him - that surely meant it would take twice as long because Dad knew someone everywhere we went!
Dad could hold a conversation with anyone and be guaranteed to garner at least one chuckle. What do you call a hen looking at a bowl of lettuce? Chicken sees a salad! Dad always had a wise crack or joke at the ready. He absolutely loved the groans and eye rolls. He was the one everyone took their best joke to so he could tell you if it was good or not. In addition to being funny, Dad was also a BSing practical jokester. If you experienced either of these, you know what we mean and that he liked you a lot.
We moved to Winnipeg in 1982. Dad went from shift work patrolling communities to a Monday to Friday "corporate" job at RCMP D Division headquarters. No more cruiser parked out front of the house and uniform for him. He worked in Security Systems, responsible for everything from consulting on federal building security to coordinating VIP visits. It was this role that he found himself shaking hands with Queen Elizabeth, Pope John Paul, Prince Charles, Iceland's president, Jimmy Carter, plus all prime ministers from 1982 to 2000. Dad was on Ben Mulroney's security detail at the Calgary Olympics and was called in to join the team protecting Elijah Harper as he stood against The Meech Lake Accord.
Dad retired just after being heavily involved in the 1999 Pan Am Games security. Then he landed his favourite job of all time: Poppa. He had a new little buddy, and then another, to teach life lessons to - like how to negotiate for two candies at the bank and the importance of a properly set up punch line.
Dad is survived by daughters, Margo and Kim, son-in-law Ted, grandchildren, Mackenzie and Jackson. After Margo's 1989 exchange to Finland, Dad gained a third daughter when Mira (Jani and son Axel) joined our family. In addition, Dad is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Judy Tozeland, niece Tami (Tom) and their children, Kieran, Ben and Lily and niece Sage (Theo). There are dozens of friends, colleagues and healthcare professionals who will remember him as quick to smile and his desire to make them feel at ease.
Dad, we smile thinking of you being reunited with Mum and catching up with friends. All of us will forever hear a bad, err, Dad joke, and rate it based on if it would be worth telling you. Your soft heart and large presence will be missed. We love you so much.
For those who choose, donations can be made to Southeast Whiteshell Fire Department.
Join us to celebrate his life on April 14 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 29, 2025
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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Very sorry to hear of George's passing. I always enjoyed working with George and his partner on many VIP visits. George was a true class act and I always appreciated his advice, suggestions and wisdom... along with his always present, and always dry, humor. My sincere condolences. He will be missed !! - Posted by: Dwight MacAulay (Friend) on: Apr 10, 2025
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Memories flooded back when I saw the obituary for George. I am quite certain this was a chum of mine from the Boy Scout Troup at Rosedale United Church. Although not positive, I think the Powell family may have lived in the Lord Roberts area, and moved to Fort Garry in the housing complex just south of McGillivray. To raise money for the Troop, we would sell donuts and his Dad helped out by driving us around to the different areas carrying the donuts in his car. Sometime later in life, I heard that he had joined the Mounties. By the insightful writing of his obituary, I am sorry we lost touch. In my youth, at at the same age as George, I was a great RCMP fan, and considered joining the Force. I am also a great fan of looking at the lighter side of life, and sharing it with others. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Douglas W King (Boyhood Chum) on: Apr 06, 2025
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I met George soon after he was posted to Melfort, Saskatchewan by the RCMP. My wife and I were attending a social evening when she recognized Heather as a neighbour at Falcon Lake. George's great sense of humour has been mentioned by many. He was a very caring person, an excellent parent and a friend. Sincere condolences. Alden Robertson - Posted by: Al Robertson (Friend) on: Apr 03, 2025
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Absolutely loved working with big George on many, many VIP visits. Great sense of humour and easy going personality. My condolences to all his friends and family members. Rick Edwards - Posted by: Rick Edwards (Co-worker) on: Apr 02, 2025
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Saddened by hearing one of the world’s souls whom brought laughter and cheer into everyone’s lives taken from us. We know Heather is sorting him out again. We always referred to George as “Bull” from Nightcourt… he looked and acted the part which to this day our son “Chad” only knew him as!! Memories will always keep him close. - Posted by: Stu and Loraine Stuart (RCMP Friends) on: Mar 31, 2025
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Very sorry to hear of George’s passing. We worked together for many years. I enjoyed our time together. - Posted by: Douglas Monteith (Fellow mountie) on: Mar 31, 2025
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My sincere condolences to Family, Friends and Colleagues. A big man with a big heart. Rest In Peace George. - Posted by: Nuno Camara (Acquaintance) on: Mar 30, 2025
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I am deeply sorry for your loss. George was such a special person to all of us at Oakview Place, and his passing has left a void in our hearts. He had a way of brightening even the hardest days with his dad jokes and infectious smiles. No matter how busy or stressful our shifts were, he always found a way to lift our spirits, reminding us of the simple joy in laughter. It’s hard to imagine walking into his room without hearing one of his jokes or seeing that twinkle in his eye as he delivered another punchline. Beyond his humor, he was kind, warm, and full of life. He cared about those around him, and we all felt lucky to know him. His presence made our nursing home feel like a home, and we will cherish the memories we shared with him forever. Please know that you are in our thoughts during this difficult time. May the love and joy he shared with all of us bring you comfort, and may his laughter echo in your hearts always. With deepest sympathy, John and Oakview Place 3rd floor staff. - Posted by: John (One of his nurses at Oakview Place Personal Care Home) on: Mar 29, 2025
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Such a beautiful eulogy to honour your Dad! I was a nursing student with your Mom, and then years later, my husband Neil and I became friends with your Mom and Dad. They were both such fun to be with, and made us a fabulous meal every time we would come in to Winnipeg from BC. We would spend the whole evening laughing at your Dad's jokes and enjoying their company. We have many happy memories of our friendship and are so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Carolyn McLean (Tobin) (Friend, nursing classmate of Heather's) on: Mar 29, 2025
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I was deeply saddened by George's passing. It was a privilege to work with him on royal visits, and I will always cherish those memories. George was a true gentleman, always kind, and his sense of humor was unmatched. Even during the most stressful situations, he could lighten the mood with a joke. My heartfelt condolences to his family – I share your grief, and my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. - Posted by: Suzanne Nolette (Royal Visit Colleague) on: Mar 29, 2025
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Sending my condolences - My parents were Great friends with your mom and Dad, and will be in our memories - Posted by: Jodi Bell (Friend) on: Mar 29, 2025
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Kim, Margo & Family: We are so sorry for your loss. Our sincerest condolences. George & Noelle Richardson - Posted by: George & Noelle Richardson (Friend) on: Mar 29, 2025
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I was a family friend, by virtue of my friendship with Kim & Margo, in my teenage days. I spent many hours at the Powell’s home and cottage. At times, they felt like an extension of my own. I always felt welcomed and enjoyed many sippy-sippeies, homemade popcorn with slurpees (the girls loved slurpees so much that Mr. Powell investigated if it was more effective to have a slurpee machine in their house) and maybe a glass or two of Mr. Powell’s homemade wine with them. You intimidated more than one of Kim & Margo’s males friends, I’m sure, but you were always Mr. P to me and treated me with kindness. I’m grateful to have known you and will miss you. Jodie Kehl (Richardson) ♥️ - Posted by: Jodie Kehl (Friends with Kim & Margo) on: Mar 29, 2025
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My condolences to the family. We worked together on some Government of Canada and Detachment construction/renovation projects. - Posted by: Michael Danielson (Co-worker on federal projects) on: Mar 29, 2025