WM "George" Bakewell

George, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Lumsden, Saskatchewan on July 12, 1929. He passed away peacefully on June 19, 2021 in Ponoka at the age of 91years.

George met his wife Hazel (Knuff) while taking Psychiatric Nurse training at the Weyburn Mental Hospital in Saskatchewan, 1950. They married and moved to Ponoka where they both worked at the Alberta Hospital. George was employed at the hospital for over 37 years. Hazel predeceased George in January, 2019 after 67 years of marriage. George and Hazel raised their six children in Ponoka: Jerry, Kathy, Bobbi, Rick, Loretta “Ski”, and Daryl. Sadly Jerry predeceased his parents in 1969.

George was “Grandpa” to 12 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. 

He is survived by two younger sisters and was predeceased by four sisters and one brother.  

George was an active member of the Ponoka community, involved in volunteer activities that developed into many close friendships, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand. In 1984 he was awarded the “Alberta Achievement Award” by Canadian Mental Health Association for the volunteer work done in developing and maintaining the Glen Eden campsite for residents of Alberta Hospital Ponoka.

Although busy with family and work, George found time to curl and golf. After retirement he spent many winters in Arizona, making new friends along the way and working on his golf game.

He will be greatly missed by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

No Funeral Service will be held. 
A private Celebration of Life will be held by family at a later date.

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