Elmer Murphy George
November 2, 1933- September 16, 2020
As published in the September 28, 2020 World-Spectator
Elmer (Mike) George was born November 2, 1933, the fifth child of Alexander and Clara (nee Alexson) George. Elmer George was a member of the Ochapowace Nation and was the great, great grandson of Chief Kakisiwew (Loud Voice), signatory to Treaty Four.
Elmer attended the Round Lake Residential School from 1940 to 1949, where he learned the rudiments of farming and looking after livestock. He also enjoyed team sports at school and was the pitcher of the Round Lake Braves baseball team. He played on the hockey team as well.
In his earlier years he worked for the Trans Canada Pipeline and the CPR but eventually returned home to farm and raise cattle on Ochapowace. He also worked as a cowboy at the Ochapowace Community Pasture. Elmer loved horses and loved to ride. Elmer was proficient as a carpenter. He drove school bus for a number of years. Later, despite failing vision Elmer also taught the Cree language to young children at Kakisiwew School.
Elmer married Edith Redwood in 1952. Their children are Irene, Richard, Melodie, Jenifer, Karen and Michael. Following his divorce Elmer married Sylvia Langan of Kamsack and they adopted a son named Shane.
Following his second divorce Elmer married May Desjarlais (Pratt). Elmer loved music and square dancing and he and May travelled to dances far and wide. Regardless of weather conditions they travelled to Thunder Bay, Saskatoon and many northern communities to square dance. Elmer enjoyed playing horseshoes and won several tournaments. Elmer truly loved music and played guitar and harmonica. He loved to sing and listen to music as well.
On December 12, 2018 due to failing health Elmer moved into the Broadview Centennial Lodge where he remained up until his passing on the early morning of September 16, 2020. Elmer appreciated the care he received at the lodge where he particularly enjoyed the meals and the many kindnesses of staff. On most days following lunch he would choose to be in his own room where staff would put on a favorite CD of country and western or dance music for him to enjoy.
Elmer was predeceased by his parents Alex and Clara George, his brothers: Ernest, Ronald, William and sister Selina Hoggarth, his children: Richard, Karen, and Shane and great granddaughter Kasia.
Elmer is survived by his children: Irene (Andrew) Whitebear of Maskwacis, AB, Melodie George of Edson AB, Jenifer George of Vancouver and Michael (Lana) George of Fort Qu’Appelle, SK., Vaughn George of Moose Jaw and Donavon Delorme of Saskatoon. Also Elmer’s brother Andrew (Lynn) George of Moosomin, SK.
He is survived by his grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude for the loving care provided to Elmer at the Broadview Centennial Lodge.
Funeral Service was held at the Chief Denton George Memorial Multiplex, Ochapowace Nation on Saturday September 19, 2020 at 11 am. Interment followed at the Ochapowace Cemetery after which a luncheon was held. Pall bearers were Rich George, Herb George, Christopher George, Scott Halverson, Mikey George and Vaughn George. Elmer’s niece Lois Matthews delivered the eulogy.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Connelly Funeral Home, Ft. Qu’Appelle, SK.
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