It is with heavy hearts and much sadness that we tell you of the sudden passing of George Dennis Rohatynsky.

George, a long time resident of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away at home on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at the age of 78 years.

George was born on April 20, 1943, on a farm outside of Rhein, SK, to Dan and Mable Rohatynsky. He was the oldest child and grew up with 2 younger siblings, David and Valerie.

He joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1960, and served for three years on the recommissioned frigate, the HMCS Beacon Hill. It was here that he began his Stationary Engineering career. It was also while he was in the Navy that he met the love of his life, Karen (Jo) Hansen. They met at a party and crazy as it seems, she didn't like him. Undeterred, he manage to win her over and they were married in November of 1963, right after he got out of the Navy.

He worked his way up to his 1st Class Steam Ticket and continued to learn and grow his abilities so that in 1980 he was offered a job that moved his family to Grande Prairie to start work at Proctor and Gamble. He was with P&G for many years and then stayed on when it was bought by Weyerhauser. He wore many hats while working there and liked the job as well as the people. When he retired from Weyerhauser, he decided he wanted to try something different so he started Roho Services, a company that did planning and scheduling shutdowns and turnarounds for the pulp and paper industry as well as the oilfield. Although the pace was hectic, he really enjoyed himself because every day and every location was different.

George lead a very colorful and diverse life, for he was a man with many interests and talents. He was a scout when he was a kid and earned his Queen Scout Certificate. He was a musician for most of his life and could play almost anything you put in front of him. He and Karen formed a band named the Cen-tels and they were busy most weekends playing all over the lower mainland. They were invited to play on TV for the Variety Club Telethon, and his father Dan phoned and told them that if the Cen-Tels would play another song that he would make a sizeable contribution. Unfortunately, time constraints didn't allow it. George also liked to write songs, usually, they were written for the special people in his life that were celebrating memorable milestones. Whether it was heartfelt or funny you always felt special if George wrote you a song.

He loved flying and was thrilled to get his pilot's license. He bought a little Cessna and would fly anywhere and everywhere. George and Karen enjoyed many getaways together over the years and when she didn't want to or couldn't go, he would take Jackie to Edmonton for lunch and a little shopping at the Kingsway Garden Mall.

He also loved the Lord and was an active member at the Believer's Full Gospel Assembly for many years. He will be sadly missed by his child bride of just about 58 years Karen (Jo) Rohatynsky (nee Hansen); daughter Jacqueline “Jackie” Burbank, (nee Rohatynsky) and son in-law Blaine Burbank; son in-law Joe Charbonneau; brother David Rohatynsky (Yvonne); sister Valerie Rathgeber (nee Rohatynsky); grandchildren: Lincoln Rohatynsky, Taylor Burbank, and Devon Burbank; along with his great-grandchildren: Jaxon, Jaydyn, Aubrey, and Sawyer, will also miss the fun times and quality time spent with their Papa “Pops”. George also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends in both Canada and Denmark.

He was predeceased by his father Daniel Rohatynsky; mother Mable Rohatynsky (nee Kolebaba); daughter Micheline Rohatynsky; mother in-law Mary Hansen (nee Clausen); father in-law Ludvig (Louis) N. Hansen; brothers in-law: Clarence (Clancy) Rathgeber, Phillip Breck, and Ray Cunningham, Frank Grace, and Hans (Hanney) Hansen; as well as sisters in-law: Edith, Elsie Cunningham (nee Hansen), and Irma Grace (nee Hansen).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 16, 2021at 11:00am, at Believer's Full Gospel Assembly (10711 - 100 Street). Interment to follow at the Grande Prairie Cemetery (84th Avenue & 112th Street). A luncheon to follow at the church.

Memorial Donations may be made to Rising Above (11007 106 St., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 2Z3), or to a charity of one's choice.