Obituary of George James Kemp

KEMP - George James Kemp, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many passed away peacefully on January 14, 2016 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. George was born in Mitchell, Ontario, on December 14, 1933, the eigth child to Clifford and Leone (nee Sidwell). His parents raised a family of five boys and five girls on the family farm near Mitchell. George received his elementary education at the rural Munroe school. At the age of 25, George moved west to Dundurn, Saskatchewan, where he began working as a helping hand on a farm. It was at South Allan where he met the love of his life, Martha Anne Olson. After courting for three years, they wed in 1961. In 1964, George and Anne welcomed their first child, Arvid. In 1965, the family moved to Bradwell and welcomed their second child, Kim. In 1975, the family relocated to Yorkton shortly after their third child, Darcy was born. Throughout this time, George held many different occupations, including mining and real-estate, but his true passion was farming. George was an outdoor person who loved hunting and fishing. Other hobbies included curling, woodworking, and fixing anything that needed repair. George was the happiest in his garage, and spent many hours a day entertaining friends and family who were passing by. George's pride and joy were always his grandchildren, as he was always interested in the activities they were involved in. George's personality ensured that all around him would be smiling or laughing through teasing and jokes. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Anne of 54 years, their son Arvid (Graziella) of Edmonton, AB; their children Kennedie and Antonino; daughter Kim (Doug) Rodgerson of Yorkton; their children Ashley, Amy (Lance), and Brandyn; son Darcy (Shawna) Kemp of Yorkton; their children Shayna, Brett, and Brittney; and great- grandchildren Kolby and Kenzie; sisters Evelyn Pridham, Betty Cowell, Shirley (Laverne) Zimmer; brothers Earl (Vera) Kemp, Harold (Marg) Kemp; sister-in-laws Phyllis Kemp, Cecilia (David) Larson; brother-in laws Bill Cornish, Arthur Olson. Also left to mourn are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The funeral service was held on Tuesday, January 19th 2016 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Rev. Deborah Smith of Westview United Church officiating. The pianist was grandson, Brandyn Rodgerson, who led the congregation in the singing of the hymns 'Amazing Grace', 'Rock of Ages' and 'The Old Rugged Cross'. The processional hymn was 'Precious Lord, Take My Hand', the recessional hymn was 'Softly and Tenderly, Jesus is Calling'. Granddaughter Ashley Haas gave the eulogy. The interment took place in the Garden of St. Matthew with David Arneson, Lance Turek, Michael Larson, Jesse Hort, Lance Henderson and Brett Kemp serving as the casketbearers. Memorials were to the Alzheimers Society. Service Information Tuesday, January 19th, 2016 1:00pm, Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens