In loving memory of George Heinrich, who passed away unexpectedly with his family by his side in Port Charlotte, Florida.
George was born in Germany on September 13, 1932, spending 8 years in Augsburg, then later living in Ortlfingen.
George attended 3 years in an apprenticeship program in Germany as an industrial mechanic, graduating in 1949. He then immigrated to Canada in 1951 where he began working his first winter in Canada at a bush camp in Perrault Falls for Mando Pulp and Paper. Later he began working in Red Lake, Ontario as a repair mechanic also learning carpentry skills at Campbell Red Lake Mines where he worked for several years.
In 1958 he began working in Dryden where he worked various construction jobs for Great Lakes Steel. It was during that time that he met and married the love of his life, Sharon Taylor, in Dryden in 1959. They moved to Port Arthur shortly after their marriage and began their family while he worked as an iron worker/welder for Great Lakes Steel, which required him to work out of town. In 1971, he changed his career so he could be in town to be closer with his family.
George started working for Confederation College as an instructor, teaching welding and blue print reading, later becoming a program supervisor until the time of his retirement in 1992. George was also very athletic, playing competitive soccer in his earlier years.
George and Sharon spent many winters prior to and after his retirement in Port Charlotte, Florida. They developed many friendships in their condo community as well as on the golf course.
He was known there as “the handyman”, assisting many of the residents and the maintenance crew around the complex.
George always needed to be busy and to have a purpose. In Thunder Bay, he spent a good part of his days at Twin City Refreshments contributing in many ways as he truly was a jack of all trades.
George loved having his workshop there to go to everyday. When he wasn’t helping out someone, somewhere, he was either spending time in his garden which was another passion of his or he was a golfing at the Thunder Bay Country Club where he was a member for over 30 years, again making many friends there also.
George worked hard throughout his life to provide for his family building new homes which they all lived in and later assisting all of his children using his skills to build and renovate their homes. His goal was to always help them out in life which he did very well.
George is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sharon Heinrich, daughter Diane (Doug Hammond) of Dryden, sons David (Dana), Rodney (Lisa), and daughter Kristine (Fernando Jose). Grandchildren: Karly and Alissa Hammond, Kale and Brennen Heinrich, Courtney and Jacqueline Heinrich, Cassidy and Jared Jose along with extended family members Alex, Jordan, Josh, Taylor and Lily. Great grandchild: Mia Gomez. Siblings in Germany: Erik, Arthur and Karla.
George is predeceased by his parents, two brothers and one sister also of Germany. Along with his daughter Heidi, who passed away shortly after her birth.
A Sharing of Memories will be held on Saturday, December 5th, 2015 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street, in the Reception Hall, lower level.
Cremation has taken place with a private interment to be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of George may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.
