George Phillip Dorish
April 10th, 2022
It is with profound sadness that our family announces the peaceful passing of George Phillip Dorish, at the age of 72 on Sunday the 10th of April, 2022 at Grace Hospice in the William Booth Care Home.
George grew up in Rural Saskatchewan in and around the town of Goodeve. He was predeceased by his father Steve in 1970 and his mother Eleanor in 2020. George leaves behind to mourn his death, his wife of 52 years Elaine, Son Rob (Rhonda) and Daughter Kim. Also left behind are his grandchildren Mathew, Samantha (Brandon) Breanne and Jake, all of Regina, SK. He is also survived by his Brother Danny (Irene) of Toronto and his sister Joyce (John) of Calgary along with many friends Dad had made over the years.
George was born on June 5th, 1949 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. At an early age, George and his family lived on a farm north of Goodeve, Saskatchewan. He helped out on the farm on a daily basis, learned how to hunt, pick stones and even make moonshine! Eventually, the family moved to a house in Goodeve where his dad took over the day to day operations of the Shell Bulk Station.
George met Elaine Kozey from Hubbard in the late 60‘s who eventually became his wife. Early in their relationship, they decided to move to Regina. Plans made, Elaine moved first and George finished his schooling and then moved to Regina to be with Elaine. For approximately 2 years they lived in Regina, having a son born in this time (Rob). When George’s father passed away, George, Elaine and Rob moved back to Goodeve so that he could take over running the Shell bulk station. During this time, another addition to the family (Kim) was born in Melville.
Eventually, Shell closed the station so George and family moved back to Regina. George’s lifelong passion was cars, vehicles. He would spend hours upon hours fixing and learning himself the mechanics of a vehicle. There were times in Goodeve that he had up to 12 vehicles in their yard that were for sale.
Starting their life in Regina, a second time, George got a job at CN Rail. Not being a job about vehicles, he then moved on to work at The Texaco bulk station on Winnipeg Street. Texaco shut down on Winnipeg Street after a few years so his next job was a salesman at Auto Electric Service on Broad Street. From there he received a job offer from BF Goodrich selling tires, all along having some type of vehicle or vehicles for sale at home.
After working for someone, he decided to take his passion and make a business out of it. In 1983 he started his own trial business at a dealership with him sharing expenses and sharing the yard to sell his own vehicles on Broad Street at Cottonwood Auto Sales. Approximately 3 years later George with support of his wife Elaine purchased a piece of property on Winnipeg Street and built their own building and business there. Ideal Auto Sales Ltd was formed and became a very successful used Auto Dealership for over 30 years. As time progressed he decided to sell the location and was fortunate enough to take another building and shop on trade. So the idea of retiring really wasn’t an idea as he then worked up until 2016 still buying, fixing and selling vehicles from this new location.
George did slow down a bit and had a new passion. They had purchased a cabin on Pasqua Lake so he made many commutes there and back. One commute was not so good as he was on a motorcycle and hit a deer and ended up in the hospital for 8 months. But George kept going and little by little he got better and continued down the path of vehicles.
In August 2016 he had a stroke while showing a client a vehicle so he was taken to the General Hospital for tests and for observation. From 2016 to April 10th, 2022 he was in and out of the hospital dealing with strokes, seizures and also Dementia. Finally on February 7th, 2022 yet another trip to the hospital with what we thought was another stroke but instead we found out that he had 3 rapidly spreading types of cancer. Because of this, he was admitted to Grace Hospice at the William Booth Special Care Home. George was able to fight this disease, diseases, for 30 days. Finally, after all his fight, the fight was over. He succumbed to his cancer and passed away peacefully at 10:25 a.m. on April 10th, 2022.
As George and Elaine's son, I need to thank my Mom for the countless hours you spent putting Dad first, never ever worrying about yourself, always having that passion that’s inside you Mom to help. You shine Mom.
Upon my Dad’s wishes, no funeral will take place. We will have a small family gathering as Dad will be cremated. I want to thank all the family and friends that have provided support to us all through these tough times. In addition, I want to thank Dr. Baumann for his compassionate care and the comfort he provided to our family, Cliff Geiger the Chaplin at Grace Hospice was always there if we needed him or if Dad wanted to talk. Cliff was definitely a blessing. Finally, I want to thank all the nurses and the ward workers at Grace Hospice. Our family has many thanks for the great care you provided my Dad and Mom’s Husband. As well, the family would like to thank Kevin Almassy at Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services for his care in handling the funeral arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saskatchewan Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.
We love you Dad. We will always miss you.
Messages:
Elaine and Rob, please accept our sincere condolences of George's passing. Over the years we bought a few cars and trucks from George and they were always no problem vehicles. George always took care of us and I had lots of great conversations with him. George was a great man. Take care Bob,Tracy and Tricia Wingert.
So sorry to learn about George's passing. Many hours spent at Ideal Auto Sales! Hugs to your family.
Well. What can a person say? Life is a true gift. And grandpa knew that seemingly better than anyone. He chose the path of his passion and that's something not many people are able to say. He made one heck of a living doing what he was passionate about. And was always proud of the cars that were in the lot. I remember going to visit grandpa while nanny went out later in his life. We would talk about many things. Cars being the main talking point. Even in his last month's he could teach a class about cars and how they work. He explained things with ease. Whenever I had a question he would do his best to explain. I remember talking about how things were when he grew up. How him and his friends could get away with anything their heart desired. Man the 60's and 70's were a different time. Grandpa really enjoyed going out to the lake on Saturdays after the Regina auto auction. For his whole life he was a very old time soul. Watching VHS tapes long after dvd was mainstreamof course he wouldn't spend the money on a nicer tv for the lake because that's not something that brought him joy. But he would spend money on the two things he loved most in life. Cars and nanny (Elaine Dorish) their numerous trips to Mexico, Hawaii. Nanny's beautiful rings. And from what I understand if nanny was happy. Grandpa was also happy. Nowadays you really don't find that anymore. With all that being said. I will forever cherish and remember all the great advice grandpa gave me. He was a wonderful teacher when you had a question about an automobile. As that was pretty much what he did for 50 years of his life. Maybe even longer. Without a doubt a trait I got from him is my liking of ford trucks (they never seemed to grow on dad lol) and anybody that knows grandpa knows wherever grandpa is he's looking for gm short boxes. Or beautiful ford shortboxes. I thank you grandpa for everything you have taught me in my life. And I will always love you forever. I miss you.
George and Elaine have been our neighbour's for many years. My condolences to family and friends. Amazing people, always friendly and willing to talk. George is now cruising thru all the car lots looking for the next barn find...we miss you already.
My dear cousin how I wish we could have spent time with you and your dear family at this time of such loss. our family is small. If Marilyn and I can help in any way please tell us we will be there. Our deepest love to all
Elaine and family. We are so sorry to hear of George’s passing. I have so many wonderful memories of growing up across the field from George. Walking back and forth many times a day sometimes to play. As we grew up and moved away, did not see each other but always kept up with him and his family news. My prayers are with all of you and keep him in your heart always. You have an angel In heaven. Cousin Annabelle
Sad to hear of George's passing and that these past years were hard on him and his family. I've been in the car business for over thirty years, and I can say that Gearge was one of the kindest and honest people I ever had the pleasure of dealing with. My condolences go out to his family and close friends.
GEORGE MY BROTHER FATE TOOK YOU TOO SOON FROM ME, BUT WHEN OUR TIME IS UP WE HAVE TO GO. WISH YOU DIDNT HAVE TO SUFFER SO MUCH MY HE A RT BREAKS. REMEMBERING MEMORIES OF US HUNTING AND HAVING FUN WILL BE REMEMBERED. OUR TRIP TO MEXICO, WE SPENT TIME HAVING FUN AND VISITING TO REGINA AND YOUR COTTAGE AND LOOKING AT CARS YOUR PASSION. OUR WEEKLY PHONE CALLS TALKING FOR HOURS, WE GOOFED OFFAND TOLD EACH OTHER OUR FEELINGS AND WHAT WENT ON. ALL THAT IS LEFT NOW IS MY MEMORIES OF YOU AND OUR TIMES TOGETHER. I THOUGHT WED SEE EACH OTHER THIS SUMMER BUT YOU COULDNT WAIT. ALSO REMEMBER IRENE AND YOU IN HOTTUB AT 40 BELOW YELLING GET USA DRI K. TEARS FROM IRENE AND BOYD ALSO. ILL MISS YOU AND LUV YOU BRO FOREVER. FARWELL LUV YOU YOUR BROTHER DANNY ANDFAMILY REST IN PEACE
Our deepest sympathy to all of you during this time of great loss and sorrow. Our heartfelt prayers are with you. Cousin Cindy and husband Sandy
Dear Elaine & Family. I also worked with George at AES. I always remember the fun and one liners when George would come to see me in Purchasing. He always had a smile and chuckle about something or someone. He will be missed by all who new and cared for him. Take care and know you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sorry for your loss. It's tough to say goodbye but know he isn't suffering anymore. May he rest in peace as well as peace and love to all of his family.
George was an inspiration in my life. My sincere condolences. ❤️
There are no words that can say how great of a man George was. I always enjoyed going over to see George, Elaine and Rob at the shop. Always had smiles on their faces and the best people to have a relationship with. George will be missed by everyone who knew him. Rest in peace George. God bless Elaine, Rob, Kim and all of the grandchildren.
Rob/Elaine, I'm so sorry for your loss. I often referred to George as the most "honest" car guy I knew as he was just overflowing with integrity. I'm happy I was given the honour of knowing and working with such a great man.
Dear Elaine and family, We were very sorry to hear about George’s passing. His accomplished knowledge of mechanics was passed down to Rob who will carry on his legacy. Rob you will never forget what he has taught you every time you will pick up a screwdriver or wrench. George was a very thoughtful, personable and considerate person with the most beautiful smile. He will be missed and always remembered. Joyce and Patrick Konkin, Nanaimo BC
Rest in peace Uncle Geo. I remember your good humour, your laughter, and always being up for a little mischief! Aunt Elaine, Rob and Kim, I am so sorry for your loss.
Beautiful and Touching Post Rob. RIP Uncle George. May Your Memory and Kidness Live Forever.
What a beautiful tribute. Sending deepest condolences to you Elaine and your family. RIP cousin George
Where does a son even begin? There's so much I could say. So many memories. Some good, some bad. Nonetheless, my Dad is gone. I spent a lot of my life with my dad. Working, Hunting, Building and even arguing. I'm lost. Honestly. Watching Dad suffer for so many years, remembering his first stroke I would say some 30 years ago, his terrible motorcycle accident on the highway when he got the better of the deer he hit and yet spent 8 months in the hospital and Wascana Rehab, to the terrible suffering he had on and off since 2016. It was hard to watch, to be a part of. To feel his suffering, to see it and know there was nothing I could do. It broke my heart. I was always able to help my Dad. No matter what it was, I was there doing what I could to do our best together to accomplish anything that needed to be done. He asked me to help him, many times over the last 6 years. When in the hospital he asked me to take him home, help me walk he says, asking why he can't go home. He was a smart man. A tough man and he was hard on me. Not all the time but I put up with it the best I could, and he put up with me and that's what life was all about. My Dad and me. It's going to be hard to go on without him. So many memories. As soon as I put a wrench or screwdriver in my hand, my thoughts will be about my Dad. He was there when I needed, a quick call to explain a situation on a vehicle and even in the last 6 years or so during his suffering, Dad was as smart as a whip when it came to vehicles and gave the guidance I needed. This is something I won't have anymore and that I find hard to accept. Cancer took Dad from us. Something that I never even thought could happen with his Strokes, his Dementia and he even had a seizure or two. We thought Dad was gone after his last seizure but Dad was a fighter, and he fought hard this last month in Grace Hospice right till the bitter end. I could go on, but ultimately, as my son tells me, it is what it is and we can't change anything. We have to be strong and carry on, help my Mom and my Sister when we have to. Stay together and stay strong. Like Dad would have wanted. I love you Dad. With all my heart. Not a day will go by that I won't need you, I just know you did the best you could always, and that's what's most important. Stay strong Dad driving those short box trucks wherever you are now. All my love, your son. XOXO
Elaine and family we are sending lots of love ❤️ from the 2 of us and Phillip's Mom Hattie. Sounds like George had a great life. Our deepest condolences
Elaine and family we were sorry to hear about George's passing he is in a better place with no more pain. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love you Your Aunties Linda Simmons and Darlene Baran
Rest In Peace George. I had a lot of fun with George when we worked at AES. Also the trips we made were great and George always was quick with one liners. One I remember, he was going to fix the brakes on a DC 8, while we were in Hawaii. Can’t be much to this he said. It only needs a half mile to get in the air and it doesn’t need to stop up there. Elaine, he is in a good place. God Bless.
Sorry for your Loss, Elaine and family. We will always know George as a great guy and very good friend. His practical help when we were next door neighbors and afterwards was always greatly appreciated.Elaine, when you are ready, I would like to have coffee with you. Take care!
Elaine and family, Sue and I are so very sorry to hear of George's passing. I'll always remember visiting him at the dealership and having good chats.. Take Care, Ron and Suzanne Pankiw
How do you say goodbye dad...thank you for being my father in law. You and mom have always been so wonderful to me and I cherish you both more than you know. I will miss coming into the house and seeing you sitting in your chair...good morning dad❤️. May you rest in peace dad and as Kim says the angels have taken you home❤️
I am so sorry to hear of George’s passing, please except my apology for not knowing. George was a good person & my friend. I did a lot of business with George over the years & alway’s enjoyed his company just a good person. Sorry for all of you having to lose such a great person. Hope to hear from you all,Elaine Ron& and all of the family. Richard.