Our family is heartbroken to announce the passing of George David Olah July 28, 2022 after a lengthy illness. He was a loving husband to The Honourable Lydia M. Olah (née Barchynsky), father to Michael (Amanda Misener), Daria (Darryn Grant), grandfather to Myla (7) Emmett (6) and Elliot (18 months), uncle to nephews and nieces and a loyal friend to many. Will be missed by his in-law family, Oksana, Zenon, Ulana and their spouses and children.
George was born in Oakville, Ontario on January 7, 1940. He was predeceased by his Father and Mother (George and Mary) and his 2 sisters (Mary Abrams and Alice Tabone).
He attended grade school at St. Mary’s school in Oakville and high school in Toronto at St. Michael’s where he was inspired and loved the Canadian game of ice hockey. He played on the St Mike’s Junior “B” and Junior “A “ teams. His love of hockey continued at the University of Toronto where he played on the Varsity hockey teams prior to his graduation with a BA. After a stint at teaching, he attended Osgoode Hall Law school and was called to the Bar.
After brief sojourns as City Solicitor in North Bay, St. Catherines and Mississauga, he returned to the North Bay area to a private practice for over 40 years. In North Bay, for many years, he acted as a Deputy Judge of the Small Claims Court.
He loved North Bay, the privilege of representing hundreds of clients and enjoying the camaraderie of the local bar and judges and of many friends at fishing, hunting, playing hockey and golfing, activities easily available in the North Bay area. Most importantly for him, the City provided his family with facilities and friendships both in the summer and winter. He believed it to be the best city in which to raise his family.
In the most recent 20 years, he developed professional and personal friendships with many at the Barrie Courthouse where he intermittently acted as a Duty Counsel in the Provincial Criminal Court.
Visitation will be held at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie on Wednesday, August 3rd, 2022 at 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm with a Panachyda to occur from 7:00 - 7:30 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s church, 65 Amelia St., Barrie on Thursday August 4th, 2022 at 10:00 am. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Barrie Golf and Country Club from 12-5 pm. Burial service will occur at Mount Hope cemetery in Toronto at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in George's memory may be made to the St. Michael’s High school Foundation or to the Nipissing/ Parry Sound Children’s Aid Society and are greatly appreciated by the family. Online condolences and memories may be left at www.steckleygooderham.com