GEORGE DRIEDGER

1924 - 2012

George Driedger, beloved husband of Helen Driedger, passed away in Taber on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at the age of 87 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber, on Thursday, April 26, 2012 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Evangelical Mennonite Church, 5001 - 64 Avenue, Taber on Friday, April 27, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Dave Wiebe officiating. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden.
Besides his loving wife of sixty five years, Helen, he is survived by his children Bev Baroldi of Taber and her son Galen; Larry (Valerie) Driedger of Red Deer and their children Dion and Shana; Gloria (Les) Schuett of Brooks and their sons Ryan (Milan) Schuett, Ramey (Stacey) Schuett and Riley (Megan) Schuett; seven great grandchildren Kodi, Kyler, Kasin, Haven, Hadley, Aspen and Bryer.
He was predeceased by his great granddaughter Tatum Schuett.
George was born in Haag, Saskatchewan on December 11, 1924 to George and Agatha Driedger. When he was eleven he along with his mother and siblings were placed in the TB sanitorium in Prince Albert where his mother passed away. After that his life became very hard, his father couldn’t look after all of his children so they were all fostered out with anyone who could take them as it was depressions times and everyone was so poor. Many times he was moved from family to family and had to work very hard just for something to eat. George talked of how hard life was during that period, from living in dirt shacks to jumping boxcars to find work.
When he was older he had an opportunity to take a trip to Swift Current to see his relatives and while there he met the love of his life Helena Olfert. A short time later they married and moved to Abbotsford, British Columbia as they heard there was work in the orchards. George worked at the lumber yard while Helena picked fruit, but they were homesick for Saskatchewan and eventually moved back. George’s dream of owning his own farm never panned out and they eventually moved to Taber where work was plentiful. He worked for the Collett farm where they lived for quite a few years. Beverley, Larry and Gloria were all born thru these years in Taber. George was offered a job at Chevron Standard, which he took, but he was transferred to Brooks so they moved once again. He worked for Chevron for fourteen years and at middle age he took a big step to start his own oilfield company, George’s Hot Shot. This was where he was happiest because he loved driving with a passion. George wore out his tapes of religious music, Ferlin Husky and Jimmy Reeves, while driving many miles across Alberta and Saskatchewan at all hours of the day or night. He was very successful at his business as he was so honest and reliable, everyone knew if they hired him the job would be completed and on time.
He sold his business after eight years and started at the County of Newell doing yard care, where he grew award winning roses and had wonderful flower beds. George loved his job there too, for him it was such a pleasure. His most often used saying was “It’s my pleasure” throughout his life, never complaining of helping others.
After some health scares, George and Helena decided to move to Chinook Village in Medicine Hat to start retirement, where they lived for fifteen years. While there he became well renowned for his flowers beds and as Fire Chief he got to know all the tennants. He became the go to guy for anyone that needed anything, as well he wrote poems for any occasions there and was invited to read them at social gatherings. But then he contracted West Nile virus, which became his downfall. George no longer could do what he wanted, and his children decided it was time for them to come back to Taber where they had a daughter living. He often spoke of coming full circle back to where they started. They purchased a condo and his health began deteriorating. In September of last year they moved into Lindenview, where they have resided until his passing. Although he lost a lot of his spirit when he could no longer drive, he still had his passion for people and animals and had a great sense of humour throughout. Most of all he was a man of great faith, his bible was very worn and ear-tagged. He was a humble man and his hard childhood never left him. He will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in George’s memory may be made directly to the Mennonite Central Committee Suite 210, 2946 - 32 Street NE, Calgary, Alberta T1Y 6J7.