It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, George Albert Truhn, who passed away in Mackenzie Place in Grande Prairie on January 15, 2026, at the age of 89 years.

Dad was born in the Swan River Unorganized Territory, MB, on May 6, 1936, to Albert and Mabel Truhn. He was the eldest of three children, with two sisters, Lila and Leona. He learned how to ranch, to work hard, and to respect the land and the animals that lived on it.

After graduation, Dad moved to Winnipeg to attend Teacher’s College and met his future wife, Marlene Hunt. They married on July 5, 1958, and quickly produced three children: Ken, Eric and Shannon. One of the many defining times in Dad’s life was when he and Mom took a four-year teaching contract in Northern Quebec, on the shore of Ungava Bay, in the Inuit settlements of George River and then Fort Chimo. They often spoke of their adventures up north with three young children and the lovely surprise of a fourth. Once that contract was over, Dad accepted a teaching position in Grande Prairie, and so we moved here in 1968.

Dad touched many lives during his years of teaching in Grande Prairie, first at Montrose Elementary and then at Parkside, where he ended his career as principal. During this time, he also farmed, often harvesting late in the night and then going to school the next morning. He often reminisced that the only time he finished the harvest before school started in September was the year he retired.

Dad was a farmer to his core. He loved the land and caring for the animals he raised. Over the years he looked after cattle, horses, and pigs, and brought home chicks that were hatched at school. He nurtured a large garden and built a greenhouse where he grew an incredible amount of cucumbers and tomatoes. When Mom and Dad moved into Grande Prairie, one of the first things he did at their new home was make a garden plot and build a greenhouse. He was truly a man of the land.

Dad also enjoyed golf in his retirement and never tired of his lifelong love of bridge and crib, both of which he continued to play until recently. As much as he enjoyed playing a bit, he was also a believer in hard work and doing the job as well as you were able. He took pride in everything he did and was a truly honest man. His handshake was his contract.

Dad was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Mabel Truhn, his sister, Lila Black, and his beloved wife, Marlene. He will be greatly mourned by his children, Ken Truhn (Penny), Eric Truhn (Brenda), Shannon Peterson (Ken), and Kathryn; his grandchildren, Ian, Lisa, Dalen, Kolby, Kaitlyn and Dani; eleven great-grandchildren; and his sister, Leona Bilodeau.

Our family would like to thank the staff at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital, the staff at Mackenzie Place, and the Palliative Care Team for the amazing care you gave our father. When we could no longer care for Dad, you all stepped in and made a tough time easier with your professionalism and compassion.

There will be a celebration of Dad’s life at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society if so desired (alzheimer.ca/en).

“I believe that by my toil I am giving more to the world than I am taking from it… I believe when a man grows old and sums up his days, he should be able to stand tall and feel pride in the life he’s lived.” - from the Farmer’s Creed (Frank Mann)

Now that you’re reunited, safe travels, Mom and Dad. We love you and miss you.