George Melvin Severin

Melvin George Severin

George Severin passed away peacefully on November 8, 2019 at the age of 86. He leaves behind four children, Cathi Cameron (Laird) Don Severin (Tammy) Chris Severin (Marilyn) and Dean Severin (Kellie); seven grandchildren, Ryan, Justin, Kyle, Devon, Cori, Matthew and Blair; and four great-grandchildren,  Morgan, Grayson, Lili and Grayson.

George was born in Cranbrook BC June 21, 1933 to Frank and Hazel Severin and had one brother Nino. George grew up in Kimberly later moving to Trail as a young man where he met and married Beverly Rogers in July of 1954. Very shortly thereafter they moved to Calgary and never left. Bev passed away in 2000 from cancer. Most of George's career was in the oil patch first with Husky, then B/A which later became Gulf. Raising a large family sometimes required a second job to make ends meet. Later in life he became partners with son, Don in a Maaco Body Shop in the N.E. which they operated for over 30 years. Most would think working and raising four kids would be enough but Bev and George also helped raise over forty foster babies. One of George's tasks was to comfort the babies with colic, they would lay on his chest on the floor until they could fall asleep. George usually did too! Feeding and changing diapers was also expected. He also volunteered in the community, flooding the neighborhood rink, coaching hockey and even chaperoning at teen dances where the music was so loud he put toilet paper in his ears. Much to daughter Cathi's embarrassment! 

As kids grew and funds loosened up George took up trap shooting, he was a member at Lyalta and the Calgary Gun Club in De Winton. He wasn't into bragging but he was really, really good. Numerous trophy’s and medals attested to that. Gulf even featured him in a nice article on his hobby and accomplishments in the company newsletter. Another thing he was kind of famous for along with Bev was Santa and Mrs. Claus at Christmas time. They were perfect in their bright red suits and bags of toys. They were picture perfect and it took the oldest grandchildren quite awhile to realize who they really were, but they kept it to themselves, just in case. 

George was selfless. His big want was a garage, just about the time he had the money for it a wedding would happen and he would pay for it. Save again, whoops, another wedding. Four times it happened. Around 10 years of additional plugging in, window scraping and warming the car up. Poor guy! Eventually he did get that garage, happy days. 

George spent the last 15 years at Prince of Peace Village and for a number of those years after a stroke was not able to drive. The family would like to thank those neighbors and old friends that took time to visit and take him out for lunches, dinners and just because. We know he really appreciated the thoughtfulness as did his family. He will be very much missed by all.