George Bruchet passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at the Chinook Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving family. George was born 100 years ago in Cranbrook BC on June 16, 1913. He was the fifth of 12 children born to George and Edna Bruchet. Lethbridge was George’s home since 1919. George played hockey in his youth and worked for most of his life as a painter. When war was declared in 1939, George was soon to enlist. It was around this time that he met his one and only, Helene Yackulic and after a brief courtship they were married on February 23, 1941. They gave birth to their first child Carole in 1944. Sadly, she passed away at just two weeks of age. George was posted overseas to France, Belgium and Holland in 1944 and discharged from service in December,1945. George and Helene welcomed their second child, Denise in 1949. In addition to painting, George and Helene loved business and were proprietors of the Club Cigar Store, Brulene Paint and Bonnydale Grocery over the years.
George retired in 1988 at the age of 75. He and Helene spent their next 20 years, loving their grandchildren, criss-crossing the United States and Canada in their motor home and entertaining friends and family at home. George was known for having a great memory up until to his final days.
George lost Helene in 2007. This was a great loss for George as they had been together for 66 years and were a team like no other. He filled the void, by serving as the family patriarch and bringing cheer to all who crossed his path. George was present for the weddings of his two grandchildren in 2008 and was overjoyed with the birth of his great grandson, Cruise, in 2013.
George celebrated his 100th birthday this past June. He received the congratulations from dignitaries and his many friends and family. He was also recognized as one of the original parishioners of St. Patrick’s Church at its centennial celebrations this past August. George was blessed with great health and enjoyed a long and active life, living in his own home until his passing. He would like you to know of the love and care provided to him by his family and especially by his grandson, Ryan. He relished his visits with his many friends including his physicians, Dr. Julian Raphael and Dr. Bill Shields, who went the extra mile to ensure he received the best of care. George will be greatly missed by his brother, Dennis of Vancouver and Clara of Lethbridge; his daughter Denise (Grant) Alger, grandchildren, Ryan (Kristin) Alger, and Lani (Mitch) Carpenter; great grandson, Cruise, and numerous nieces and nephews, especially Pat (Karen) Smith and family, Rita Schlief, Carol (John) Savery and Darrel Yackulic. A Prayer Service for George will take place at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME - 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta. on Friday, January 24th, 2014 at 7:00 P.M. with Francis and Cybele Noronha officiating.
A Divine Liturgy will be held at Ss. PETER AND PAUL’S UKRANIAN GREEK-CATHOLIC CHURCH, 639, 12th B Street North, Lethbridge on Saturday, January 25th at 10:30 A.M. presided by Fr. Gary Sedgwick.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in George’s name to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind or PBS in Spokane.