George William Lenko

May 16, 1950- July 12, 2025

Over the course of your life, you really only meet a handful of truly memorable people. The sort of people whose memory always puts a smile on your face or reminds you of a favourite story that sticks with you after all these years. That was George Lenko, who passed away suddenly at home on July 12.

Born and raised in the Fraser Valley, George attended Agassiz Elementary and Secondary School, and while he grew up on the family farm, he knew early on that cattle and crops were not going to be his life. George left Agassiz to attend the University of British Columbia, and never looked back. His political science degree set the stage for a lifetime love of politics, and a career working for and with some of the most notable politicians of the day, including his mentor and favourite, Grace McCarthy.

As part of the provincial government communications team that staged and managed major events, George was part of Expo 86, the Coquihalla Highway, Alex Fraser Bridge, SkyTrain, lighting of the Lions Gate Bridge, Tumbler Ridge and the Northeast Coal Project, opening of the Vancouver Convention Centre, and two BC presentations to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

When his friends and colleagues in government communications started Pace Group Communications 35 years ago, George was part of the team from day one. His experience, attention to detail, and creativity were put to work on royal visits, the Olympic Games, marking the millennium with BC 2000, operating the Robson Square Ice Rink, staging the Vancouver Santa Claus Parade, and coordinating the international media centre for Molson Indy.

Over a lifetime of events big and small, there were very few celebrations, conferences, or openings that didn't rely on George's famous lists of VIPs, politicians, and community and business leaders. The real-time accuracy of his bespoke lists made George the most trusted resource when it came to the who's who of British Columbians.

Late in 2019, George suffered a serious stroke, and when the pandemic hit, he spent three years with his younger brother and sister-in-law, Tony and Lucy, and their family. In exchange for their care and concern in Aldergrove, George kept them updated on the latest CNN political headlines, whether they asked for them or not. Because when it came to George, you might be able to take the boy out of politics, but you'd never take the politics out of the boy.

in the spring of 2023, George returned to his apartment in East Vancouver to live independently, which included regular visits to Bosa Foods on Victoria Drive, and his passion for shopping locally in the neighbourhood he called home for nearly 40 years.

In addition to the many memorable moments he shared with friends and colleagues, George leaves behind Tony and Lucy, and niece and nephew Tara and Peter, and their families. In lieu of flowers, George's family suggests a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of British Columbia. The family is grateful to the support and assistance from Pace Group Communications especially after George’s stroke in 2019. George’s family appreciate the assistance they have received for helping them at this difficult time.

A celebration of George's life and character will be held at Trout Lake Community Centre 3360 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC on Thursday September 4th from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Please RSVP to [email protected] Messages and memories can be posted to the Glenhaven Memorial Chapel website.