CELS
George J.
1938 - 2021
George passed away at home in Drumheller on 1 November at the age of 82. He will be missed by his many friends and family, especially his beloved soulmate, partner, and wife of 45 great years, Aline. Born near Kamsack, Saskatchewan and raised in Regina, he remained close to his surviving siblings, Joe, Phil, and Cathy (Basarsky). He will be mourned by his loving stepchildren: Chris Augey (Kathy), Kim Augey (Linda), Michelle Mayotte (Stew), Marc Cels (Indre Cuplinskas), and their families, including eight grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.
His faith in God and the love of Aline empowered George to make many new starts: in Colorado, Red Deer, Kelowna, Calgary, Winnipeg, Thompson, and finally Drumheller. Wherever life took George, he loved having fun and working with people: his siblings and cousins on the Barton farm, fellow students, teammates and golf partners, colleagues at the Catholic Archdiocese of Regina, staff of his restaurant and of Princess Auto, parishioners, and neighbours. George set his hands to many DIY projects and crafts, from welding and masonry to painting and carving. George always made music: in churches and community choirs and at family singalongs, even on his deathbed. Above all, George was a big soul, willing to share a good laugh or a tear.
The family is grateful for the care George received from the staff at the Sunshine Lodge, his physicians, and palliative care nurses. Please remember George and his family in your prayers. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Sunshine Lodge activities fund with the Drumheller and District Seniors’ Foundation: 696 - 6 Ave E, Drumheller, AB, T0J 0Y5. A prayer vigil will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Drumheller on Friday, 12 November at 7:00 PM: due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendees must be masked and will be
limited to 50. The in-person funeral mass on Saturday 13 November at 11:00 AM will be by invitation only. The family hopes to live-stream the ceremonies: email cels.funeral@gmail.com for the link. George’s final resting place will be the cemetery at Forget, SK.
Courtney-Winters Funeral Home in care of arrangements. 403-823-2666
