George Turek

George J. Turek passed away peacefully at his home on Monday May 13th, 2019 in his 100th year surrounded by friends and his favourite caregiver Kim. Predeceased by his loving wife of 60 years Miluska Turek. George will be fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews in Prague and Vienna, treasured by Carmen Farnocchi, and greatly missed by Josef, Martina, Maria, Josef Jr., Chantal and Ava Pacak, as well as Vadim, Marketa, David and Adam Fridman. He will be sadly missed by his neighbourly friends of 60 years, Patricia and George Balles as well as George Lambrakos and their families.
Born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, George studied engineering at The Czech Technical University. He married the love of his life Miluska in 1942. Six weeks later he was arrested by Gestapo and sent to a labour camp in Germany until the end of the war. In 1948 George used the Olympics in London to escape the communist regime in Czechoslovakia. He was a captain of the Czech canoeing team that won five gold medals and a silver one. Miluska followed him shortly after. Arriving to Canada in 1951, George worked as a manufacturing engineer for the Toronto operation of Bellows Corporation.
George devoted many years to Freemasonry. He has been initiated in 1957 at Long Branch Lodge #632. He became a member of The Scottish Rite in 1996 and joined Shriners in 1999. In 1996 George was named The Grand representative of The Czech Republic to Canada.
George kept his interest in boating as a training officer and instructor for the Canadian Power Squadron.
George’s ashes will be returned to Prague alongside his wife’s for interment in the family tomb.