GEORGE JOHN GARNER

George John Garner, 87, of Fifth St. E., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away suddenly on Friday, May 22, 2009 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances.
He was born Feb. 25, 1922 in Stratford, Ont. to the late Bert and Adeline Garner.
Growing up in Eastern Ontario, George was well-known as a fabulous athlete in many sports, including his years at university where he also received the Viscount Bennett Scholarship for Academic Excellance.
During WWII, George enlisted with the armed forces and served on the North Atlantic as an RCN Lieutenant until his discharge from the services at the end of the war.
After his discharge from the navy, he attended the University of New Brunswick, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in forestry in 1949.
Following university, George was united in marriage to the former Jean Alison MacLeod on May 18, 1949 (they had just celebrated their 60th anniversary).
Following their marriage, they moved to northern Quebec, where George began his career in forestry. They later moved to Atikokan, Ont. to work and begin raising their family.
George was a legend in the bush in Northwestern Ontario, as anyone who ever saw him make an 18-foot canvas canoe “dance” will attest. From Atikokan, the family moved to Fort Frances, and then to Kenora, Ont., before returning to Fort Frances, where George continued his career that pioneered sustainable forestry as chief forester for The Company until his retirement in 1987.
George was a member of Knox United Church and the senior choir for many years. He also was a past member of the Kiwanis.
George was very well-known and respected by his colleagues, and was very active nationally with the Canadian Institute of Forestry, which he eventually led as president.
He loved sailing and golf, but was very best known by all for his passion in growing the most beautiful flowers and garden.
George will be dearly missed by his family and friends alike.
He was predeceased by one brother, Leslie Garner (Pilot Officer RCAF); and two sisters, Jean Dunsmore and Winnifred Burton.
George is survived by his wife, Jean Garner, of Fort Frances, Ont.; two sons, John Garner and wife, Elaine, of Blairmore, Alta., and Brian M. Garner of Thunder Bay, Ont.; and two grandchildren, Sean and Trevor Garner.
He also is survived by one sister, Edith and husband, Bill Aylesworth, of Madoc, Ont.; two sisters-in-law, Bernice Fall and Winnifred Ashley; five nieces, Lynn Dunsmore, and Diane and Lori Ashley, Jennifer Godwin, and Alyson Intson; and three nephews, Leslie and Don Burton, and Rande Ashley; and brother-in-law, Art Dunsmore.
Cremation will take place at Rainy River Cremation Services in International Falls, Mn.
A memorial service to celebrate George’s life will be held Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 1 p.m. at Knox United Church in Fort Frances, with Rev. Barbara Miller officiating.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to Knox United Church, 340 Church St., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 1E1 or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at ww.mem.com