George Lambrinos

GEORGE LAMBRINOS Passed away peacefully after many successful triumphs while battling a prolonged illness and rigorous treatment schedule on Sunday, July 19, 2009 at the Humber Memorial Hospital at the age of 82. His best friend, Uly "Crazy Legs" Curtis (Toronto Argos Grey Cup Winners '50, '52), provided unprecedented inspirational motivation during the treatment phases of his illness. Born in Endicott, New York, U.S.A., the second youngest of 7 children, he permanently relocated to Canada from Gary, Indiana, with family in tow, in 1961 becoming a Canadian citizen in 1967. He is survived by his two sons, Chris Lambrinos and Tim Lambrinos of Toronto, his daughter Alice Idemudia, her husband Jude Idemudia and granddaughter Charlotte Joan Bailey all residents of Newmarket, Ontario and survived by his ex-wife Sheila Thibaudeau Lambrinos of Markdale, Ontario. As a youngster in upstate New York, George "Greek" Lambrinos was often recognized as a star athlete. Awarded a full scholarship to Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania after scouts viewed a "miracle" shot in a championship high school basketball game, he delayed enrolling to college while serving in the allied occupational army in Japan in 1947. Honourably discharged, he came back and had a successful sports career at college (member of 2 undefeated football seasons) and graduated from Bloomsburg Teacher's College in 1953. He was inducted into Bloomsburg University's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993. He played Triple "A" professional baseball for among other teams, the New York Giants, in the mid 50's. Marrying in 1955 and finally moving to Canada in 1961, he continued his career occupation as an educator and teacher first at Lawrence Heights Junior High School and at C.B. Parsons Junior High School both in North York. He founded, ran and umpired the Rivalda Heights Baseball League for youths in Emery Village in North York. He served as daytime Gate Superintendent at the Eastern Street Car Entrance of the Canadian National Exhibition throughout many summer seasons. After retiring from teaching in 1987, he continued to be an active volunteer in the Canadian Mental Health Association and with the Retired Teachers' Association. As an enormous display of acclaim, his surname was noted for community activism when his ex-wife was recognized for her own civic achievements in a street naming ceremony in 2006 at North York's "Lambrinos Lane". He was present and participated at the sign unveiling. A life-long giver to his community, he was still recently active in volunteering to the Toronto Police Services 12 Division Community Liaison Committee in the community he's been proud to reside. He will be greatly missed by his entire family but most importantly, his love for his granddaughter, Charlotte, was indeed the motivating inspiration he drew himself to each and every day. A viewing will be held on Saturday July 25, 2009 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Ward Funeral Home at 2035 Weston Road in Weston, Ontario. A service will commence promptly at 2:30 p.m., in the Funeral Home's Chapel, followed by a reception next door at the Central United Church. His burial will be held for immediate family and close hometown friends at The Riverhurst Cemetery in Endicott, New York, U.S.A. on Monday, July 27th at 2:30 p.m. May the big man with big hands and an even bigger heart find eternal content in recognizing the joy he passed to everyone that he touched during his entire life. Please, rest in peace.