Obituary of George David Laberge

Mr. George David Laberge 1921 - 2017 George David Laberge was born on April 20, 1921 in Debden, and passed away peacefully in the Parkland Integrated Health Centre on December 20, 2017. In these 96 years and 8 months, George lived a full life. The start of George’s life was unfortunate as his mother Helen died giving birth to George. The LePage family of Debden offered to look after the newborn baby until George was old enough to return to his father. The LePage family raised George along with their own children until the age of 8, when he was old enough to go live with his father in Holbein. George attended school in Holbein till grade 7. Later on, he joined the Air Force during WWII. It was there that he learned about radar communication. During the war he was stationed in Egypt and had an opportunity to see the pyramids and experience local culture. After the war, George sold insurance in Ontario for a time. He then returned home to Saskatchewan and eventually started his own radio repair and T.V. shop in Debden, and in 1952 after being convinced that Shellbrook could use a man of his skills George moved his shop to Shellbrook. In 1956 George rented a room from Dot and Cliff Holmes, and set up his business in a small space in the Massey Ferguson building owned by Mr. Chambers. As George’s business kept growing, he needed more space, having to rent the back of Johnny Hollowell’s Hardware store at the end of main street and then renting one half of Terry Jones’s building where he lived downstairs. George eventually purchased his own building, the old pool hall, and turned it into his radio/TV shop where he also lived upstairs till he was almost 90 years old. Everyone will remember the wonderful Christmas music that would stream out of the speakers George installed on top of his building. George’s business served not only the town of Shellbrook, but also many surrounding communities, which kept him very busy, but he always took time to stop and visit with his customers. As time passed, George was approached by Radio Shack and he added that franchise to his current business. In his younger years one of his jobs was to stand watch at the Holbein fire tower. George was a member of the Shellbrook Legion for 34 years. He served the Town of Shellbrook in many different capacities, such as joining the Shellbrook Kinsmen, and later became an honorary K40 member. George also joined other worthwhile committees and organizations which brought business and tourism to Shellbrook. George served as town councillor from 1970 to 1977. In 1978, he was elected Mayor of Shellbrook, and continued his term for 10 years until 1988. He was involved with planning Shellbrook’s 80th Anniversary as well as many other events. George had hobbies such as travelling, photography, reading, and his favorite would have been golfing. The Holmes and Atkinson family called George “Uncle”, and became like family over the years. Their families have fond memories of George coming out to the farm for homecooked meals, playing games or helping drive the grain truck, and George had even been known to pick up a guitar and join in a family jam session now and again. George was very health conscious, and educated himself about healthy food choices. One of his favorite hobbies was to pick chokecherries and make them into wine, which may be one of the reasons for his longevity. Eventually when George sold his building, he moved to Homestead Place where he resided for 3 years until he moved to the Shellbrook Nursing Home. George was a gentleman with a quiet and calm demeanour. He overcame all obstacles in his life and became a successful businessman, a wonderful friend, a community leader, and a great Uncle. George was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Helen (nee: de la Durante) Laberge. A Memorial Service for George will be held on Friday, January 5, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. from the Shellbrook Seniors Hall with Helen Dagenais and the Legion members officiating. He will be laid to rest at a later date in the Veterans section of the Shellbrook Cemetery. In lieu of tributes, memorial donations may be made in memory of George to the Shellbrook & Districts Health Services Foundation. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Tammy Smart – Director (Shellbrook 306-747-2828).