George Edward Emsland
June 1942 - June 2022
George Edward Emsland, 80, of Leduc, Alberta, passed away peacefully in his sleep, Sunday, June 19, 2022, Father’s Day. After a short battle with cancer, George found comfort at the home of his beloved daughter Laurel, son-in-law John and grandchildren Hannah and Davis. His final days were made enjoyable by listening to sports, classic country and his favourite childhood story, The Call of the Wild.
He is survived by his daughter Laurel (John), his grandchildren Hannah and Davis, his partner Michaelina Hrycun, his brother Ralph (Linda), and his nephews, Brett (Charlene), Blake, Brad (Malonie) and Jeff.
Although born in Edmonton, George grew up in Lloydminster (AB) where he made lifelong friends through participation in baseball, hockey and music. George set up and ran a successful record department for Fisher's Store in Lloyd during his high school years, bringing in the latest music he heard on California radio stations late at night. He loved sports and participated in minor hockey and baseball right up to Senior mens where he pitched for the Lloyd Meridians. He also did a weekly high school sports report every Saturday on CKSA radio Lloydmister during high school years. After graduation George began his full time career at the Bank of Nova Scotia in Lloyd transferring later to Kelowna before returning to Edmonton. After a short stint in Commercial Real Estate, and opening a coin op car wash, he began his career with the Government of Alberta, Public Trustee where he remained until retirement. George spent most of his spare time at the race track, following his love for Harness racing. He owned numerous Standardbreds over the years together with his Dad and later his brother Ralph, some of which had considerable success. George had many golf buddies who will surely miss him on Men's day. George and Michaelina enjoyed spending time in Palm Springs for a number of years after retirement, in retreat from the Edmonton winters. He found tremendous joy following his grandkids academic and sports successes, with Davis's baseball, and more recently golf, plus Hannah's Collegiate Volleyball. George was also a huge hockey fan, cheering on his Oiler's from the day they first came to Edmonton. He followed Edmonton hockey from the early days of the Flyers and Oil Kings, through to the Detroit Red Wings, where the Edmonton products went, and finally the Oilers.
As per George’s request, cremation has taken place and the family will honour his memory with a private celebration at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the charity of your choosing.
George’s sense of humour, wit and love for family, sports, and music will forever be remembered by all who knew and loved him.