On November 7, 2015, George Sawatzky of Sardis, age 88, passed away into the presence of his Lord, at Cascade Hospice. George was born on February 16, 1927 in Southampton, England. He was the 4th child of George and Katharina (Fast) Sawatzky, brother to Jacob, Katherine, Peter, Bernie and Alma. He was born during his family’s immigration journey from Russia to Canada via Riga, Latvia. After a brief stay in Olds, Alberta, the Sawatzky family settled in Greendale. George attended Chilliwack High School, graduating in 1947. In 1949, George married Martha Reimer; they were married almost 65 years. George worked in the hop yards, on construction, was a logger, and finally, a raspberry farmer. George & Martha farmed on Higginson Rd (now Stevenson), employing many fruit pickers for over 41 years. George served on the board of the East Chilliwack Co.op, was an active member of the Heart Support club, and was a faithful member of the Eden Mennonite Church, serving in many different capacities over the years. His trip to Alaska with Mennonite Disaster Service was most memorable. George was an avid outdoorsman, hunter and fisherman. He loved the birds, animals, and waterways of the Fraser Valley, and spent many days enjoying them. In his retirement years, George frequented garage sales, always happy to get a good bargain. George had unique hobbies; he enjoyed taxidermy, made canes, and had a very creative flair for making rustic art. He and Martha had a wonderful life in Sardis, treasuring their many connections in the community. George is survived by 4 daughters and their families; Arlene and Jose Nieva & their children Mario (Kathleen Ross), Melanie (Jamie Carter), and Daniel (Ayako); Barb and Dale Paterson & their children Jennifer (Dean Fowler), Heather (Jason Lessard), and Cole; Norma and John Wilson & their children Trevor, Carter and Celina; and Kelly and Arnie Fast & their children Dustin, and Marlee (husband Ashley Riskin). His 5 great- randchildren are Chanel, Kieffer and Quinn Fowler, and Judah & Leau Lessard. He was predeceased by his wife, Martha, in August 2014. He is survived by 1 brother, Bernie (Esther), 1 sister, Alma, sister-in-law, Eula Sawatzky, and brother-in-law, John Reimer. He had many special nieces and nephews who greatly appreciated his sense of humour and adventure. George lived a long and full life, was well-loved and will be missed terribly. His family will be forever grateful to Dr. Bull, the staff, and volunteers of the Cascade Hospice who provided comforting care in the last days. In addition, our dad would not have been able to continue living independently without the assistance provided by the ARH Cardiac & Kidney teams and NP Alison Chesters. In lieu of flowers, donations to MCC or the Hancock Wildlife Foundation would be greatly appreciated. Viewing will be held on Thursday, November 12th, 2015 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at Henderson’s Funeral Home (45901 Victoria Ave). Memorial service will be held on Friday, November 13th, 2015 at 1:30 pm at the Eden Mennonite Church (46551 Chilliwack Central Rd). Condolences can be left at www.hendersonsfunerals.com.