George Colgan, 96, of Mine Centre, died peacefully at LaVerendrye General Hospital on September 13, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
George was born in Jefferson City, Pennsylvania, to George and Ethel (nee Peiffer) Colgan on February 9, 1928. He enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve in 1945, and was sent to Guam. After the war, he returned home and began working in the coal mines with his dad. He re-enlisted during the Korean War and was honourably discharged in 1952 at the rank of Seaman 1st Class.
He moved to Chicago, where he met his wife Ida (nee Broeffle) and they were married in 1956. He attended DeVry Technical Institute, and he earned an Associate’s Degree in Applied Electronics. For a time, they lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he worked on the Thor Missile Project. He worked as a television repair technician when they returned to Illinois. They had two children, Ava and Ivan, and relocated to Mine Centre in 1971. After working as a tourist guide for a brief time, he went to work for MTO, where he eventually became the Patrol Supervisor. He also worked for himself as an electrician for many years, continuing that for some time even after he retired.
George enjoyed fishing and hunting, and was an avid coin collector. He had many friends who also joined him for his outdoor adventures. He and Ida also liked to travel around the US and Canada in their camper trailer after they retired, spending many winters down south in Texas and California. He attended Mine Centre Mennonite Church for a number of years, and made many firm friendships. Some of these friends became like family, and he was “Grandpa George” to most of the children in the church. He and Ida became especially close to the Gingrich family, and Les, Sherry and their children have become part of the family.
George is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ida; daughter Ava (Joe) Valdez of Dixon, Illinois; as well as grandchildren Chase Colgan, Davin Colgan of Bemidji, Minnesota, Sydney (Daniel) Cook of Steinbach, Manitoba, Nathan (Sabrina) Valdez of Dixon, Illinois, Tyler Valdez of Dixon, Illinois; and one great-grandson Greyson Valdez. He also has many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother Charles Colgan; his sister Sara (Edgar) Lydia; and his son Ivan Colgan.
Services were held at Northridge Funeral home in Emo, Ontario, with visitation at 12:00 p.m. and funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Gary Martin officiated. Pallbearers were Les Gingrich, Greg Gingrich, Willis Brubacher, David Plett, Joe Valdez and Chase Colgan. Luncheon followed the service at the funeral home provided by the food committee of the Mine Centre Mennonite Church. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Riverside Foundation for Healthcare.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
