Rev. George Herbert McPeek peacefully went home to be with his Lord and Saviour on May 18, 2019, at the age of 77 years.

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Left to cherish his memory: his wife of 54 years, Bessie McPeek (nee Garrett); son, Kenton (Marianne) McPeek; son, Jordan (Patricia) McPeek; son, Dana (Roberta) McPeek; grandchildren: Keely, Garrett, Ian, Ariel, Sean and Mason. George also leaves his surviving siblings: Irene, Hazel, Shirley, Earl, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. George was pre-deceased by his parents James and Dora McPeek, and siblings: Evelyn, Ruth, Bud, and Linda.

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George was born May 19, 1941 near Coronach, Saskatchewan on the family farm. He left the farm after graduating high school at the top of his class of six. With an eye on entering the ministry, he went to Canadian Bible College in Regina, followed by language school in Meadow Lake where he became fluent in Cree. A few years later, switching from full time to lay ministry, he obtained a teaching certificate from Lakehead Teachers College and a teaching degree from University of Manitoba. After several years teaching, he entered the world of Christian publications. This led to obtaining a master’s degree in journalism from Wheaton College, near Chicago. Among his notable accomplishments are his involvement with Indian Life, at one time the largest circulation Indigenous-focused magazine in North America, and co-authoring with an Ojibwe elder The Grieving Indian, a book about healing and recovery from trauma that sold over 100,000 copies when 5,000 was considered a bestseller.

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Throughout his career as pastor, missionary, teacher, author, and editor, George followed his passion for music. Self-taught as a child to fill a need for a church pianist, he often returned to that role throughout his life. He also loved to sing, often playing and singing solos at church. A high point for him was forming a southern gospel trio, which performed in and around Pennsylvania.

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Upon retiring in 2004, George and Bessie returned to Winnipeg to be close to their sons and their families. As his health slowly declined, his care needs rose, a challenge lovingly accepted by Bessie. Home care and day programs also helped George stay at home for many years beyond what would’ve been otherwise possible. For the last year of his life, he was well cared for at Misericordia Health Centre and Calvary Place Personal Care Home. A heartfelt thank you to the many workers that cared for George.

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George was a gentle soul with a ready smile, dedicated to serving others, following Christ, and loving his family. Through his work, he touched the lives of countless people across the U.S. and Canada. He will be missed.

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A celebration of George’s life will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, June 14, 2019 at the Buntain Chapel of Calvary Temple, 400 Hargrave Street, Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Indian Life Ministries or First Nations Community Church of Winnipeg.

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