George Nestor Karas

It is with deep love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived that we announce the passing of George Nestor Karas, who passed away peacefully in his sleep at home with his family and care team.

George is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Andrée Karas; his two daughters, Christina Wilkinson and Irene Karas Loeper; his grandson, Connor Wilkinson; his brother, Spiros Karas; his best friend, Dick Reiner; and his incredible home care aides Marilou, Edison, Elsa and others. His loved ones were the center of his world. A dedicated family man, George was a constant source of strength, wisdom, and unwavering love. He provided, protected, and supported his family with quiet grace, always putting those he loved first.

Born in Shanghai, China, and of Greek descent, George was the middle of five Karas brothers, Chris, Spiros, Dennis, and Alex. George immigrated to Canada in pursuit of education, attending the University of British Columbia, where he began building the life and legacy that would define him. He went on to become a respected and deeply admired math professor at Langara College, where his passion for teaching and his love of mathematics inspired generations of students. Even beyond retirement, George continued lecturing, finding true fulfillment in sharing knowledge and guiding others.

George found joy in life’s simple and meaningful pleasures. He loved reading, biking, swimming, travelling, listening to classical music, attending the arts, and taking walks to his favourite coffee shops, where he would enjoy the newspaper and the quiet rhythm of daily life. He was thoughtful, curious, and endlessly wise, so much so that in the eyes of his family, and as lovingly said by his late son-in-law, Kevin Wilkinson, “before there was Google, there was George.”

Above all, George will be remembered for his warmth, intelligence, bright smile, steady presence, and wit. He lived a life full of love, purpose, and dignity. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing he is reunited with the great Karas men, as well as the beloved Wilkinson and Loeper men who went before him. His beautiful grandson, Ryan Wilkinson, and his dear sons-in-law, Kevin Wilkinson and Markus Loeper, whom he loved, admired, and was so proud of.

George’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the lessons he shared, and the love he gave so freely. George was a generous supporter of many local charities, as well as a patron of the arts.

In honour of George, the family will gather in the garden of the home he loved and took such great pride in on his birthday for a private goodbye.

King George was the best Dad ever and a total legend. We love you forever, Pop. Thank you for all you did for our family "οικογένεια".