George Kurchak

KURCHAK, George ~ It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of George Kurchak, in his 81st year, on Tuesday, January 7, 2014. Beloved husband of the late Ethel Kurchak ((2010). Loving and proud father of Dan (Jane) of Welland, Ontario; Nancy (Ford) of Thessalon, Ontario; and Scott (Jana) of Buffalo, New York. Special grandfather of Sarah (Aaron) of Toronto, Ontario; and dear step grandfather of Stephanie (Elias) of Mississauga, Ontario; Kelly and Kyle of Toronto, Ontario; and Ryan (Alicia) of Fort McMurray, Alberta. Step great grandfather of Berlin, Brandon, and Brianna. Cherished brother of Gene (Daphne) of Los Angeles, California; and Bill of Vancouver. Predeceased by his father William, mother Pauline, mother in law Sadie, father in law Erland Furry; and brother Bob. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Always an Entrepreneur, George began his road to success with Westinghouse where he was a Senior Draftsman. He then decided that he preferred the challenge of sales and chose to become an Insurance Broker and then branched out into Real Estate and Development. While serving as Alderman of Thorold, George was instrumental in the design, approval and ground breaking of the new arena. His dream of capturing the tourism market of the Niagara Region had George working with the original building designers of the Niagara On The Lake old town theme to introduce a plan to revitalize Thorold's downtown core. His love of hockey saw his involvement in the Niagara Falls Flyers, and the Niagara Falls Canucks. He was part owner and President of the Jr. B Niagara Falls Canucks and helped guide them to the District Championships in 1975, 1976 and 1977. Moving to Toronto in the late 1970's, George became a Business Consultant for the Federal Business Development Bank of Canada, where he mentored young entrepreneurs and struggling business owners, creating successful companies, some of which are still operating to this very day. The family would like to send out a very special thank you to all of the loving and caring staff at Algoma Manor, for their gentle and compassionate care given to George over the passed 4 1/2 years.