Tribute

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George Sherbinin, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was born on June 5, 1932 in Crescent Valley, BC and passed away on March 17, 2012, at the age of 79.

He will be dearly missed by his wife of 51 years, Maxine; and his children: Carrie (Dale Mader), Alan (Linda), Jill (Craig Harsany) and David (Melanie); and he is lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Brooklyn, Lisa (Steve), Keri (Darren), Nicholas, Craig, Jordyn, Claye, Reese, Libby, Emmett and great grandson, James. Harley (the cat) will also miss him.

George is fondly remembered by Jim & Phyllis Olsen (brother-in-law & sister-in-law), Daphne Sherbinin (sister-in-law), his nephew Guy Owens, and numerous nieces and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents John and Helen Sherbinin, his sister Tania (Don Owens), his brother Johnny, and his brother Gus. George was also a treasured friend to many. He contributed greatly to the community of Midway, BC where he resided almost his entire life.

George was involved in the lumber industry, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. As a young man, he took over the operations of Boundary Sawmills as vice president, and then later as president (in 1966). After selling the mill to Pope & Talbot in 1969, he stayed on as president for five additional years. He created George Sherbinin Lumber Ltd., a successful wholesale lumber company, and later purchased a small mill operation in Westbridge, BC with Jim Olsen that they named S & O Sawmill.

George spent many years volunteering for clubs and associations including the Kettle River Lions Club; president of the Midway Curling Club; director of the Kettle Valley Golf Club; school board member for School District #13; director for Interior Lumber Manufacturer’s Association; director for Interior Labour Relations; director for Silver Lake Forestry Education Center; and director for Pacific Enercon.

George and Maxine enjoyed travelling – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico was always a favourite destination. Summers spent at the cabin on Osoyoos Lake were especially cherished. George loved fishing on the Kettle River, curling, hunting and golfing with family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of George’s life that will be held at Boundary Central Secondary School in Midway, BC at 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 7, 2012. There will be a tea at the Midway Community Hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that contributions be made to the Kettle Valley Bursary & Scholarship Society (KVBSS) in George’s memory. Contributions, payable to K.V.B.S.S., can be sent to Leslie Walker, Box 362, Midway, BC V0H 1M0.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting: www.nunes-pottinger.com. Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver and Osoyoos.