George Olgar Brusven, age 93

Two men looked out from the prison bars, one saw the mud, the other saw
the stars. That was how George viewed life, always with wit and a sense of
humour.
George Olgar Brusven, age 93, Rainycrest Long Term Care, 550 Osborne, Fort Frances, Ontario passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at LaVerendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ontario.
He was born December 25, 1915 in Bergland, Ontario to the late Nicholas
and Hilda Brusven. During WWII, George was stationed in Jamaica with
the Military Police until his discharge from the services. Following the war he moved to Regina, Saskatchewan where he met and fell in love with Hazel
Cathcart. Soon after they were united in marriage on August 12, 1945.
From Saskatchewan they returned to Morson, Ontario and began raising their family. In Morson, George and his brother Edward owned and operated Grassy Narrows Camp serving tourists for many years. In 1968 they sold the camp, but George remained on for ten more years to help the
McDougles operate the camp.
George never retired. He had a saying, “busy people are happy people,” and his life reflected that. In his later days he continued to oversee the maintenance of cabins on the lake. His creative imagination was expressed through the wood he brought to life through his wood carvings. He loved nature, socializing with his beloved wife Hazel and friends and tending to his vegetable garden. George was gentle, loving and caring to all he encountered, from his dog “Boots” to a stray cat that found him one day out
on the back porch.
In 1997, George and Hazel moved to Fort Frances, and later resided at Rainycrest. He made many friends with residents, staff and visitors. George’s love of life kept him active at Rainycrest, from Yoga to dinner and dancing up until his very last days. George will be missed dearly and remembered fondly by his family, and many friends he made over the years. He was predeceased by his wife Hazel Brusven in 2005, and one brother Edward Brusven.
George is survived by his children, Joan and husband Gerry Hanson of Crozier, ON., Bob Brusven and wife Sherry of Nelson, B.C., and Gail and husband Pio Parisi of North Vancouver, B.C.; grandchildren, Sue Hanson, Tracey Newhouse, Mike (Susie) Hanson, Chad (Trisha) Hanson, Lars and Torin Brusven, Jen and Nicole Parisi; great grandchildren, Emilee and Nicolas Newhouse, Andrew, Landen and Layton Hanson; and one brother, Clifford Brusven and wife Nora of Washington.
Cremation took place at Rainy River Cremation Services in International Falls, MN.
A memorial service to celebrate George’s life was held on Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 10 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, Ontario with Willie Longenecker officiating. Inurnment took place at Lady Francis Columbarium at Fort Frances Cemetery.
Honouary pallbearers were all of George’s family.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to Rainycrest Long Term Care, 550 Osborne, Fort Frances, ON., P9A 3T2, or in care of Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, ON., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be made in care of www.mem.com.