Two men looked out from the prison bars: one saw the mud, the other saw the stars.
That was how George viewed life, always with wit and a sense of humour.
George Olgar Brusven, 93, of Rainycrest Long Term Care, 550 Osborne St., Fort Frances, Ont., passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances.
He was born Dec. 25, 1915 in Bergland, Ont. to the late Nicholas and Hilda Brusven.
During WWII, George was stationed in Jamaica with the Military Police until his discharge from the services. Following the war, he moved to Regina, Sask., where he met and fell in love with Hazel Cathcart.
Soon after, they were united in marriage on Aug. 12, 1945.
From Saskatchewan, they returned to Morson, Ont. and began raising their family. In Morson, George and his brother, Edward, owned and operated Grassy Narrows Camp, serving tourists for many years.
They sold the camp in 1968 but George remained on for 10 more years to help the McDougles operate it.
George never retired. He had a saying, “Busy people are happy people,” and his life reflected that. In his later days, he continued to oversee the maintenance of cabins on the lake.
His creative imagination was expressed through the wood he brought to life through his wood carvings. He loved nature, socializing with his beloved wife, Hazel, and friends, and tending to his vegetable garden.
George was gentle, loving, and caring to all he encountered, from his dog “Boots” to a stray cat that found him one day out on the back porch.
In 1997, George and Hazel moved to Fort Frances, and later resided at Rainycrest. He made many friends with residents, staff, and visitors. George’s love of life kept him active at Rainycrest—from yoga to dinner and dancing—up until his very last days.
George will be missed dearly and remembered fondly by his family, and the many friends he made over the years.
He was predeceased by his wife, Hazel Brusven, in 2005; and one brother, Edward Brusven.
George is survived by his children, Joan and husband, Gerry Hanson, of Crozier, Ont., Bob Brusven and wife, Sherry, of Nelson, B.C., and Gail and husband, Pio Parisi, of North Vancouver, B.C.; grandchildren, Sue Hanson, Tracey Newhouse, Mike (Susie) Hanson, Chad (Trisha) Hanson, Lars and Torin Brusven, and Jen and Nicole Parisi; and great-grandchildren, Emilee and Nicolas Newhouse, and Andrew, Landen, and Layton Hanson.
Also surviving his one brother, Clifford Brusven and wife, Nora, of Washington.
Cremation took place at Rainy River Cremation Services in International Falls, Mn.
A memorial service to celebrate George’s life will be held Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 10 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, with Willie Longenecker officiating.
Inurnment will take place at the Lady Francis Columbarium at Fort Frances Cemetery.
The honourary pallbearers will be all of George’s family.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to Rainycrest Long Term Care, 550 Osborne St., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3T2 or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be made offered at www.mem.com
The tide recedes
but leaves behind
bright seashells on the sand
The sun goes down
but gentle warmth
still lingers on the land
For every joy
that passes
something beautiful remains.
