1946 – 2022
It is with great sadness and much love we announce the passing of an amazing man, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. George passed away on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at HSC after a short battle with cancer with his wife and daughter at his side.
George will be lovingly remembered by Coleen, his wife of 54 years; daughter Lonni, Doug, Tyson, Tessa and Tanna, all of Winnipeg; son Jason, Pam and Gabrielle of Edmonton, AB. George is also survived by his sisters Linda Harder and Betty Bays. George will be remembered by many for his sense of humour and his love for family and friends.
George was born in Winnipeg to Albert and Dorothy Todd, attending school in Gladstone and Neepawa. After high school George joined the bank, a dedicated career that spanned 50 years, taking him to many places. He loved working for CIBC, but it was always because of the people, the staff and customers. Many became very good friends and over the years he enjoyed meeting up for coffee, brunch or dinner to reminisce.
George was a diverse and interesting man. He loved fishing, reading, British comedies and Irish music. He played classical violin beautifully. It was also important to him to always have shiny shoes. He made his own wine, only red. And he thoroughly enjoyed his 4-legged friends, Buffi and Tori, who passed before him.
George was a jack of all trades – there wasn’t anything that he couldn’t fix, even coaching Jason over the phone in Edmonton on installing an electrical plug. When working on a project with his son in law, Doug, he would remind him they weren’t building a piano, advice shared with many over the years. George would often help his mother in law out by doing little jobs for her. She would tell him, “George you are as handy as a pocket on a shirt!” And that he was!
George’s greatest joy was his family. He loved them unconditionally. He was so proud of Lonni and Jason and was always interested in what they were doing, working on – everything about their lives. And they in turn, were very grateful he was their dad.
He absolutely adored his grandchildren. They brought him such joy – he loved them so much. He felt so fortunate that he was able to spend so much time with them over the years, from school concerts, soccer games and grads, he was there. He was very proud of each of them and could quickly share a treasured story – they supplied him with the best memories.
George was a good friend, very funny and, if you were his friend, he considered you family. He often said we may not have a lot, but we were rich with friends. Special thank you to dear friends Connie Knight, Len & Heather McKenzie, Ron & Lorraine Surcon for your love and friendship always, but especially during this hard time. When you think of George, celebrate the good memories, the laughs – he treasured you all.
George leaves a huge hole in my life. Side by side we were inseparable for 54 years. Together we shared many wonderful times, sprinkled with some challenges. George always knew how to make me laugh and we laughed a lot. He was always the voice of reason, facing every challenge in a matter of fact, that’s life attitude. When he accidentally lost his eye and the Dr. told him they couldn’t save it he immediately replied, “well aren’t I lucky I have another one!” That was his attitude with everything – “don’t look backwards, we’ve already been there.”
George and I started enjoying lake life first with our trailer then purchasing our cottage in Winnipeg Beach. We had so much fun there, especially when the grandchildren would visit. We made many dear friends. George would often begin by saying, “hi, my name is George and all us Georges are curious” – and from there he’d start asking questions. Before long he’d be sharing a coffee or a beer, friends for life. We also enjoyed the “jammers” playing our favourite tunes every Wednesday. It was wonderful we were able to take in one more jam session in July thanks to Robert, Jacqueline and Mae. It really was a great life, but after 25 years we decided it was time to sell. We did decide, however, that since we felt Winnipeg Beach was our second home, that is where our final resting place will be.
The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to Dr. Bras and staff of GH6 at HSC, also Mary, Kristi, Dr. Paul, Dr. Bashir, Dr. Kristjanson in Cancer Care and Dr. C. Wach, our family doctor, for their care and compassion to George and us.
Cremation has taken place and in keeping with George’s wishes there will be no funeral. For those who wish to honour his memory, please consider donating to a charity of your choice.
I know if George could, he would thank all of his family and friends for their friendship, their love and all the wonderful memories.
Now, Come the Revolution ….!
22 thoughts on “George Frederick Todd”
Coleen and family, I am so sorry for your loss. George was a great man who could always make you laugh. Whether it was his musical tie, a corny joke, a story of a project he was working on or his “words of wisdom” he would always brighten up your day. George will be greatly missed by many and I will truly miss his company and quick wit I always looked forward to every October at the annual dinner get together. Rest in peace George.
George I will always remember the good times at CIBC. You always made me smile and laugh. I know you will be missed. Colleen I am so sorry for your loss
So sorry for your loss
Sending love and hugs your way
Friend and co worker
Diane Knight
Colleen and family-our deepest condolences on George’s passing. I always looked forward to meeting you guys at the Bandstand at Wpg Beach. Thanks for all the good memories George. May time and love allow the recollection of good, sweet memories to ease the pain of loss.
A sense of humor like non other.. George was never stuck for an answer or remark !
Deepest Sympathy to Coleen and family on the passing of George. He sure was a happy go lucky person. He never let anything get him down. He always had a joke for you. He will definately be missed by his banking family.
John and Judy Smitiuch
Coleen and family sorry to hear of George’s passing. Working with him in a few different branches was always fun . Take care
Our very deepest sympathy to you Colleen and your family. George was a great guy and loved seeing him and you from time to time after our banking lives in Gimli and KP♥️
Coleen, Lonnie & Family, Jason7Family. What a sad day when we picked up the paper this morning.
we enjoyed our friend ship over the years. George a kind and loving man with a great sense of humor.
George may be gone, but we will always cherish the memories that we had of him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Take care and love to you all.
Gerrie & Henry Dzwonek.
Our deepest condolence to Coleen and family. George was a good former neighbor and friend and we will miss him very much. George was a very stoic person and never let life get him down; he lived a positive life philosophy. He had a terrific memory and his sense of humor, and friendliness made him an interesting individual and an instant friend to those he met. Rest in peace, George. Keith and Joan Kristofferson
So sorry to hear of Georges passing. I have known George for many years and he could always bring a smile to my face .
HE WILL BE MISSED
June and Larry Leveque
I am so sorry to read that George passed away. I knew George for many years working with him at CIBC.. I always enjoyed his sense of humour and will remember him fondly. I am so sorry for you loss.
Nancy James
Dear Coleen and family,
My heart goes out to you as you remember and celebrate the life of a very special man. I knew George and worked with him at CIBC for many years and think of his dedication, sense of humour and appreciation for all that he had in life. He was indeed Coleen’s rock and life partner.
Prayers are with you Coleen as you continue to go forward and may you always feel God’s love and mercy to support you..
Love,
Darlene Clark
A teacher, a coach, a mentor, a coworker @ CIBC with a sympathetic ear when needed, and a great laugh! these are the memories that I have of George. My condolences to the family.
hi from me to George’s family, Helma at Winnipeg Beach, we were neighbours for many years, but only figured that some years back. it was a delight to see George and Colleen at our Celtic Music Sessions on the Bandstand at WPG Beach Wednesday nights. that was before Covid. Just a couple of weeks ago, after covid , George and Colleen visited to hear our smaller music session hosted by friend Mae.
George, we were one of a kind, I liked you very much. you were gentle, friendly and appreciated the music, the dancers, yes the woman, me, dancing her heart out, to jigs and polkas, although, moi, me didn’t have a clue only that I needed to move.
Rest In Peace George, forever.
My sincere condolences to Colleen and your children and extended family.
Helma
Deepest Sympathy to Coleen and family on the passing of George. George was a happy go lucky person. In all the years I knew him in his banking career I never saw him unhappy. He will definately be missed by his family and his banking family. There sure will be many great memories of him.
John and Judy Smitiuch
Coleen , this is your dear friends Ron and Lorraine , sorry for your great loss . George was a great and wonderful guy . We are going to miss him a hole bunch . We are really going to miss our great New Years gatherings and the sleepovers with the next days brunch . The little trips to Halfmoon for clips and a dog .. I guess I could just go on and on about all the good times we had . George made the gathering so enjoyable it was impossible not the have a good time . Coleen , stay strong as you move forward in life , we all will remember George for the great guy he was . Coleen you have a great family and many great friends that will be there for you and your family ..As the days may get a little long and dark , all you need to do is pick up the phone and I am sure we all will be there to help you in your time of need .
Love Ron and Lorraine Surcon……
Coleen, we were so sad to hear of George’s passing. Although I never worked directly with George, I always heard comments from other coworkers as to how he always brought joy to the workplace.
We have many fond memories of our time we spent together at the Idylewheel Park near Gimlii when we both had our trailors there. We had many laughs and good times. One fond memory is the time George showed up to Happy Hour with a little plastic red gasoline jug! He said it was easier to bring rather than a regular pitcher! Only George would think that far outside the box!! 🙂
His favorite piece of advise has remained with us for years and we have passed it on to whomever is working on a project….”relax, you are not building a piano”.
George will be missed by all, but the memories he left with us will remain forever.
Lorna and Brian Hughson
Sorry to hear of the passing of George I had the privilege of working with him and his father together in the early sixties
Now that was a hand full What one couldn’t think of the other could. Work was hard on the end of a shovel but there was
always time for a good laugh and a joke pulled on me lots of times
He had a 1949 chev coupe that need a transmission but money was tight so when he got to the auto wreckers we actually
wound up mixing cement for the day and got it in exchange for the work
A few years later he joined the bank
We bumped into each other from time to time and always talked and laughed about the old days and the laughs we had
Our sincerest condolences are extended to Coleen and family. Your written tribute to George describes him perfectly. George was an important influence with me (Al) during my early days at CIBC. He was a great teacher and friend. Although our paths have not crossed frequently over the last many years, anytime that we did meet up it was just like we saw each other yesterday. We will miss those times and friendship.
Allan & Jan French
Dear Colleen. I am so sorry to hear of George’s passing. Though I did not know George personally, I do know Colleen and my heart goes out to you and yours’. We were neighbors at one time on Rothesay and reconnected as customer/bank manager at CIBC on Henderson Hwy. Hope to see you sometime.
Dear Coleen,
I was so sorry to hear that George had passed away. He was one of my first team at CIBC as District Manager for North Winnipeg and he was always up for trying something new or taking the half full glass approach to anything he encountered. He made me feel welcome and supported from the start -he managed to use that sense of humor to great advantage and it is no surprise that he was so well liked by so many. I am very fortunate to have worked with both of you. Together you created a smile that was three times the size of one and the dedication both of you had to the region was exemplary.
Please know that caring thoughts are with you and your wonderful family, Coleen.
Doneta