High, George Wilfred

George Wilfred High was born June 13, 1920 in Coronation to Norman and Mary High (nee Andrews). He went home to be with Jesus December 10, 2011.  He grew up on the family farm east of Coronation. Upon completing his schooling in Coronation he attended Normal School at the U of A, teaching briefly after that.  He then worked in Edmonton at Maple Leaf Packers until being needed in the WWII effort at the Vancouver Shipyards, constructing battle ships. 
At war’s end George returned to operate the family farm until 1960 when he was hired as the Agricultural Fieldman for the County of Paintearth.   He and his wife Kay (nee Reagan) moved with their three children to Castor where George became a Boy Scout leader.  After being widowed, George fell in love with Rose Hein (also widowed) and they joined forces in marriage in 1967, their ‘Centennial Project.’   Rose’s five children were thus added to George’s three and then along came Mary, number 9 – a real-life ‘Yours, Mine & Ours.’

Over the next few years they foster-parented two more boys.  George graciously adjusted from being raised as an only child, to fathering the busiest household in the County.  George and Rose enjoyed volunteering together in the Gideon Ministry for over 40 years.   His greatest pleasure was handing out Grade 5 New Testaments.  After “retiring” in 1990, his capable hands were kept busy with electrical, plumbing, carpentry and general maintenance.
George’s faith in Christ deepened over his life and his devotion to Rose and their family was absolute.  George is survived by his loyal partner Rose and all of his children: Ted High, Christine (Lennard) McFarland, Norman High, Vern (Peggy) Hein, Sam Kobley, Cindy (Ancil) Humphrey, Rick (Kathy) Couture, Dan (Patricia) Hein, Barb (Gary) Milner, Victoria (Wes) Goudy, and Mary (Perry) Holden.  He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
George was predeceased by his mother, his father, his first wife, and one grandson Matthew.
Funeral services were held at the Evangelical Missionary Church on December 16, 2011 at 1 p.m. with George’s sons Dan and Vern officiating and giving the tribute.  Pastor Grant Sikstrom and his wife Debbie sang “Where the Roses Never Fade.”    DVD presentation was made by Mary Holden.  Congregational hymns were “In the Garden” and “How Great Thou Art.”  Interment was held at Castor Municipal Cemetery with Clint McFarland, Zachary Holden, Carlin Goudy, Jeremy Frentz, Lennard McFarland, Ancil Humprey, Gary Milner and Perry Holden serving as pallbearers.  Family and friends gathered in the upper hall for a time of fellowship and a luncheon by the Women’s Ministries.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.parkviewfuneralchapel.com.  Parkview Funeral Chapels and Crematorium entrusted with the care and arrangements.  403-882-3141

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