George Michael Grbich

George was born on June 22, 1939, in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. He is predeceased by his parents, Milica and Michael Grbich and his two older brothers Paul and Dan. George leaves behind his wife of a million years, Marilyn, his sons Grant (Kerry), Dean, Mark (Rosanne), his grandchildren Robert, Sasha (Mitchell), Nadia (Josh) and Devon, his great grandchild Lilah, his sister-in-law Sheila Dolmage, as well as his nephews David, Michael and Paul Grbich.

George moved to Sault Ste. Marie in 1961 to pursue his career as an educator with the ADSB. He loved the opportunity to teach and share with thousands of students in Sault Ste. Marie. He led a very active lifestyle playing hockey, football & baseball in his youth and then tennis, squash, softball, pickleball and his favourite sport hockey right into his mid 70’s.

The family would like to recognize the exceptional care and treatment provided by Dr. Danny Hill of the SAH cancer clinic over the years. Further, we wish to thank the many PSW’s and nurses from CBI who cared for George at home. Finally, we wish to recognize and thank the staff (George called them his angels) of Extendicare Maple View – McCarrel Lake for their care and compassion in his final months.

As per George’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal service. A private family gathering will take place to celebrate his life.

George’s Story:

George was born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario in the summer of 1939. As new immigrants to Canada, his parents named him in honour of the British king. They came for a better life and we are all grateful for that decision. His older brothers, Paul and Dan, were well on their way out of their childhoods as he was entering his own. He often spoke of his mother’s excellent cooking and baking and the love he felt for his father, a gentle and quiet man.

George began school at age six in grade one, not speaking a word of English. He was kept back a year which was devastating at the time, but had a profoundly positive impact on his later life. He met his childhood best friend, Rick in that class and they remained friends for life, playing hockey together growing up and going to Japan for a two week hockey tournament after retirement. His childhood years were marked by several friendships at school and in sports.

George’s high school years were interesting because of the different activities that he enjoyed and considered pursuing. He won the Quonta acting award for his role in Les Mis and seriously considered pursuing an acting career. He was also interested in being a professional hockey player, an OPP officer and a teacher. Ultimately, he chose the teaching profession. He was glad that he did and so were we! He was offered teaching positions all over Ontario, but chose to follow his brothers to “The Soo”.

Teaching was an honour to George. He cared deeply for the children he taught and got to know many of them personally.

We continue to meet his students 60 years later who loved having him as a teacher and he remembered them all. Beyond his daytime job teaching and being a principal, he also moonlighted, teaching English as a second language through the school board and inmates through the local correctional facility. He loved helping “new Canadians” and what he referred to as his “captive audience”.

George was a natural leader and chose to become a principal in the second half of his career. He achieved his post graduate degrees while working and raising his family. Marilyn assisted George with research and report writing on two Master’s degrees and then later, George encouraged Marilyn in her pursuit of a degree and her own Master’s degree in clinical psychology.

Family was truly the most important thing in George’s life! He adored his wife and three children and they adored him right back. Everything he did was for the wellbeing of his family. After raising and supporting their boys through university and beyond, it was time for George and Marilyn to pursue their own adventures.

Travel and the retirement years were a great final chapter. They started travelling south for winters, Hawaii in November on a few occasions, and one winter hiking all over New Zealand. They loved travel adventures and instilled that love in their family. George took joy in hearing about each of his children’s and grandchildren’s travels. In retirement, George and Marilyn doubled their efforts to be healthy, focusing on nutrition, fitness, mobility and mental well-being. They ate well, took long walks every day, and George enjoyed going to GoodLife.

The gym may have been more about the socializing. He loved the staff and friends he made while playing squash and tennis and doing his ‘routine'. As the last few years became challenging for his health, he tried desperately to hang on for his granddaughter’s wedding (accomplished) and the arrival of his first great grandchild (accomplished). In spite of worsening dementia in the last several months, he continued knowing his family and cherished the daily visits. He became even more expressive of his love and affection, possibly sensing the end was nearing. We miss him already, but are also at peace with his release from his earthly body.

Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East 705-759-2522). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Grbich family.