Longtime Standardbred industry participant George Bertrand Sears passed away on Sunday (March 20) in Oilfields Hospital, Black Diamond Alberta at the age of 82.
Born in Rouleau, Saskatchewan, George excelled at sports and thrived on business challenges. Growing up during the great depression and World War II seemed to imprint him and others with a determination and will that guaranteed personal success.
As for hockey, George was invited to try out for the Chicago Blackhawks farm team. He stopped a few pucks, but lost more than a few teeth. So much for the big league, George settled for refereeing hockey and coaching baseball.
George volunteered as a curling instructor for the Southern Alberta Curling Association and curled with the Petroleum Curling League up until the age of 80. He was a member of the Earl Grey Golf Club and also enjoyed many, (too many) rounds of golf with good friends at the Willow Park Golf Club.
In the 1980's, Bev, his wife and best friend, introduced him to Standardbred racing. He was an owner and served on the board of directors for the Alberta Standardbred Horse Association as well as Horse Racing Alberta. Good times and good friends made the work worthwhile.
A joint statement from the Alberta Standardbred Horse Association, Horse Racing Alberta, and their members reads: "George was an avid horsemen in Alberta for many years, not only as an owner, but also served on the board of the Alberta Standardbred Horse Association, as well as the Alberta Racing Commission (now Horse Racing Alberta). George has been involved in many different aspects of the industry and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him."
George played hard, but always worked harder. As a young man starting in the oil and gas industry, he travelled with Bev and his young family throughout Saskatchewan before partnering with Doug Kingsford to start Petro Equipment Sales Ltd. in Calgary in 1961. The business expanded into manufacturing in the Calgary and Edmonton offices, the new division was called Peco Filters. George was an excellent salesman and continued to spend much of his time on the road building the business.
With now four strong (bossy) women in his life, George always promoted gender equality in business and the workplace. Many young people from past and present years continue to come forward to say thank you for George’s mentoring. George sold his business in the late 90’s to retire to what he lovingly called “the work camp,” a 40-acre horse farm just outside Calgary.
To keep the stories going, George leaves many memories to his wife of 60 years, Beverley, their three daughters and supportive son in laws, Laurie (Jim Leask), Cathy (Fraser Smith) and Kerry (Martyn Yarwood), six devoted grandchildren who were always off with Grandpa to A&W, Noel (Nicole) Morris, Avalon Morris, Grady Leask, Parker, Liam and Natalie Smith and to many nieces and nephews who continue to call and visit. From the original Sears family of 11, George enjoyed staying in touch with his remaining sisters, Myrna Hodgkins and Bonnie Rodgers, and brothers, Max Sears and Greg Sears. George had deep respect for his family, friends, and neighbours; he never criticized, but more frequently offered good advice often washed down with a cold beer.
There will be no funeral services. The family has donated to those associations and clubs that were important in George’s life. Condolences may be forwarded to the family at www.mcinnisandholloway.com.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of George Sears.