George David Pries died Mar. 15, 2010. He was born June 20, 1908 in Pretoria, Orenburg, Russia to David and Anna Pries. In 1926 he immigrated to Canada, arriving in Winnipeg. Having experienced the civil unrest in Russia, he searched for a secure and meaningful life in his adopted country. Committed to pursuing an education, even during the Great Depression, he received a BA from Tabor College, a BEd from the University of Manitoba, and an MA from Wichita State University. George and Lena Kroeker were married in their home church in Winkler on April 15, 1934. George served as a Bible school teacher in Coaldale, Alta., and Winkler, Man., where he taught for more than 25 years, and Tabor College. He was ordained as a minister in the MB Church in Winkler in 1941. In addition to his pastoral duties, he helped plan and oversee the building of a new church in 1947. He also served on MB conference committees. In 1975, he wrote A Place Called Peniel, a history of Winkler Bible Institute. Following his retirement from religious work, George taught for 12 years in public schools of Manitoba. George was a devoted, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be remembered for his optimism and encouragement. Predeceased by Lena, daughter Violet; George is mourned by children Madeline (Peter) Pauls, Olive (Antony) Wiebe, Weldon (Rebecca), Rendall (Susan); 1 son-in-law; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; several in-laws.
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