George Horner
We will all miss George (Oko), his curiousity, and his gentleness. Please share your stories and photos below, or email [email protected]
We lost our Oko on the evening of April 29, at the tender age of 76, after a brave battle with leukemia. We are happy that you are here to enjoy a few memories of our gentle Oko, who we already miss so much. Leaving his native Slovakia in 1968 and forging a new life in Toronto as an engineer, George was a man of many interests. His early interest in mechanics led to a successful career as an electrical engineer and college professor, not to mention many happy times as a fixer of just about anything.
Many happy memories were forged in the outdoors. George was always mapping the next hike or charting the next waypoint. Camping, canoeing, skiing, traveling – through it all, always a sense of wonder and adventure and the confidence that with a compass, binoculars and an out of date map, we could do anything. George taught many of us early on that the best things in life are free, and lived a life that allowed him and his family and friends to enjoy them. Many of us have happy memories of Oko leading us on a walk, that turns into a hike, that turns into a shortcut, that turns into more of an adventure than we thought we wanted. Whether hiking on his crutches or biking on his Peugeot, life’s challenges would not keep Oko indoors.
George was nostalgic about the life he had left behind in Slovakia and yet embraced the opportunities ahead. He was curious, kind and patient. Never one to let an abandoned treasure go to waste, he delighted in disassembling and repairing old toys and appliances (with a particular expertise in 1970s televisions found by the side of the road) and returning them to functional use. These traits made him into a great teacher, a nurturing father, a doting grandfather . . . and at times an infuriating husband!
Through it all, Fedora and George were a devoted team, traveling through life’s joys and hardships together. Loving and supporting one another, they treasured the many moments together with their children, grandchildren and dear friends. From mushroom picking in Judy forest, to sailing in Sardinia, to hiking in Whistler and Palm Desert and picking blackberries in Seattle, George and Fedora knew how lucky they were to have so many wonderful years to share with one another and with their families.
Oko spent his final weeks with Fedora, Daniel and Neil and Audrey, Leah, Beatrice, Emmanuelle and Simon - disassembling a toy excavator, programming a 3-D printer and finding peace. Tenderly cared for at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and supported by many friends.
Our Oko is dearly loved, and we are touched by his kindness, generosity and sense of wonder. We look forward to the day when we can safely gather together to honor his memory in person.
With love,
Fedora, Daniel, Neil and family