PENTELESCU
George William

1939 - 2020

It is with great sadness, George William Pentelescu passed away peacefully on November 17, 2020 at 81 years of age.
George will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Laureen Georgia Pentelescu (James R. Symonds); brother, Nick (Nicholas); sisters: Susan, Margaret and Doris as well as nieces & nephews. George has developed many close friendships over the years, old and new who will deeply miss him. He will also deeply be missed by his new extended family at Citadel Care Centre in St. Albert, Alberta.
George was born in Wayne, Alberta growing up on the family farm where he lived his younger years, then moved to Rosedale (Star Mine) where he settled down his roots with Irene Julia, nee: Sirko and daughter. In George’s earlier years, he was an avid hunter and trapper. George worked on many different jobs throughout his life. He worked in Drumheller area Coal Mines, on a Bridge Crew, Conmac Paving, Driver & Hauler for an Oil Company and a Tree Planter. In the early 90’s he bought property in Taylor Siding where he created a homestead planting an abundance of evergreen trees and working the land on the Rosebud River. After his land was established, he sold & purchased a rustic cabin property in Beaverdell, B.C. to live closer to his daughter. As George needed closer resources, he decided to sell and move to Westbank, B.C. where he enjoyed his new property; planting garden vegetables, flowers and picking raspberries. He was always helpful to his neighbors and enjoyed traditional cooking, sitting in the sun, making walking sticks and going for walks. When George had a stroke in his later years, he moved to Mountain View Care Home in Kelowna for a short time and then decided to move back to Alberta to be closer to his family and friends.
You will remember George as a great character and friend; for his high energy personality, which was infectious, his story telling with such vibrance & vigour, his giving heart, and always wearing his cowboy hat.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made in George’s name for flowers & vegetables to be planted in his memory at Citadel Care Centre, St. Albert in the courtyard for residents and staff to enjoy. Phone (780) 458-3044.
Thank you so graciously to the staff & friends at Citadel for caring for Papa George. The care was exceptional & beyond.

Dad,
May you Rest in Perfect Peace Surrounded
in a Forest of Evergreen Trees whilst the
Bright Sun Shines Upon You.

To send condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com.

Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home
St. Albert Chapel
(780) 458-2222

KOHUT
John Harry

August 27, 1939 - November 15, 2020

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Brother- in- law and Friend.
Departed this world on November 15, 2020 at the age of 81 years old. John was predeceased by his wife Irene, his son John Jr., his parents and 3 brothers.
John will be missed by so many. He loved being involved in the Rotary Club and the many initiatives they have undertaken over the 45 years he was a member. He was very involved in helping get the waterslide added to our pool. In fact, there were buttons calling it “Kohut’s Slide.”
John and Irene started Hi-way 9 Express in 1969. John was extremely proud of the company and his family. He was thrilled every time he saw one of the trucks and trailers even up to his final days. His heart and soul were in the company. He touched and influenced many lives while providing opportunities for those around him to have successful lives of their own.
John was known as the “Bear” for many reasons. He was a large man in stature, with a big giving heart to match. His strong vocal chords always let you know when he was around, and whispering was not in his vocabulary.
The Bear was a bigger than life Drumheller character whose story of success was epitomized by humble beginnings and a lot of hard work. His unwavering and selfless support to the community will be sorely missed.
John had 4 children, 12 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren.
John and Irene were married for 60 years until Irene’s passing last year.
John leaves to mourn his daughter Heather (Kelly) Colberg, son Darrell (Kathy), son Dean (Katherine).
His grandchildren Trent, Taylor & Madison Colberg, Christopher Kohut, Karly Bensmiller, Kyle Kohut, Scott Kohut, Kristine Gillion, Jeffrey, Tyler & Mackenzie Kohut, Paige Roberge, and his 8 beautiful great grandchildren. He is going to be missed so much!
John was like an ever-ready battery. With too many health issues to count; we always thought he should become a medical project because he would beat one health issue, only to have to deal with another. John’s famous words were, “If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.”
John spent many hours on his Goldwing Trike this past summer; it was his pride and joy. People would say, “Wow 81 years old and still riding”.
John finally lost his battle with heart and lung disease on November 15. He now rests in peace and is once again reunited with his wife Irene and son John Jr.
A celebration of life will take place at a future date.
Donations can be made to: Heart to Heart Society, Box 162, Drumheller, Alberta T0J 0Y0
Courtney-Winters Funeral Home in care of arrangements.