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George OSTRY Obituary
January 2, 1924 - August 31, 2013
George Percy Ostry was born in Wadena, Saskatchewan. Schooled in Winnipeg as a child, George earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from McGill University before settling in Flin Flon, Manitoba with his wife Anne. They had three children, Avi, Mark, and David, before moving to Vancouver in 1962. Vancouver marked the beginning of George's career as a leader in the nutrition and health food industry. His company, Nu-Life Nutrition, pioneered the modern vitamin and food supplement business. George was an exemplary entrepreneur - honest, hard working, and principled. Retirement marked only a change of focus for George. Degrees and studies in gemology, Russian, and biochemistry took up his attention, illustrating the determined and singular approach to learning and mastery that characterized George's life from a young age. His family and friends will remember him strongly as generous and caring - to his aging parents, friends and relatives - but, most importantly, to his wife, Anne. His commitment to and love for Anne have shaped the family. George, one of two brothers, each of whom had only sons, leaves behind five granddaughters - Leah, Nikki, Neve, Julia, and Sarah - and one great-granddaughter - Rebecca. This new generation of young women was very special to George. He took delight in their accomplishments and visits, responding willingly to constant calls for his special "Papa George's" macaroni. George was predeceased by his wife, Anne Ostry, and his brother, Bernard Ostry. His was a dignified and honourable life, rich in friends and family and exemplary in the degree of conscious kindness George brought to all his relationships. George's family and friends will miss him deeply. Funeral services to be held 11am, Wednesday September 4, 2013 at Beth Israel Cemetery Chapel 1721 Willingdon Ave., Burnaby. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Louis Brier Foundation or a charity of your choice.
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9 Entries
Morris Cohen
October 18, 2013
To Avi Mark & David, Just a short note to try to express my deep condolences on the passing of your father, George.
George and your mother Anne meant a great deal to me and over the years and were my ideals as a loving couple and parents. I will never forget.
Morris Cohen
Beth & Lindsay Novokshonoff
September 12, 2013
My sister and I were very sad to hear of Mr. George Ostry's passing. He was such a lovely man – a true gentleman. We first met George and Anne (who was a stunning woman!) – at Granville Island, perhaps a decade ago. They shimmered with such kindness, love and grace that we simply had to approach them and make their acquaintance! That led to a Saturday-morning friendship that spanned several years. No visit to the market was complete without touching base with George and Anne. We shared vegetarian recipes, mandarin oranges at during the holiday season, Doukhobor borscht, memories of Russian singing in Saskatchewan and the sheer contentment of a Saturday morning well spent in the company of friends. My sister and I still have the travel diaries we received from George and Anne to record our trip to South Africa. Anne so wanted to go there; she accompanied us in those diaries. Our hearts broke when Anne passed away and ached for George and his loss. We've missed George's gentle presence at the market during the past couple of years. Saturday mornings are dimmer with his passing. Our thoughts are with your family.
September 4, 2013
My parents - Ross and Olive Johnson - adored George (and Anne), and it was easy to see why. Condolences to the family.
Hugs,
Erica
Joel Bakan
September 4, 2013
My condolences to George's family on this sad day. I remember George for his kindness, humour, and constant curiosity and desire to engage on any issue.
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Michael Bakan
September 4, 2013
I was saddened to learn of George's passing. I remember when you guys used to come over to our house, or us to yours, it was always such a fun time, and George was always such a delightful and kind man, especially to the kids. My heartfelt condolences to you on your loss.
Tim Hayward
September 3, 2013
It was sad though not surprising to hear that George's indomitable spirit embarked on a new adventure. He always did have trouble sitting still for long. Strength of great will and power of determination serve not to hold back the sands of time, but rather, to join them in a life well lived.
There are too few people who meet each new encounter with warm embrace, and as if to make up for this deficit in the rest of us, are unyielding in their own enduring grace.
Though it be years under distant stars or moments lost in memory separating one encounter and the next, George was ever welcoming.
He went as he came, surrounded by the priceless power of love given and received.
September 3, 2013
Avi,Mark,David and families,
Your father was wonderful,brilliant,and most important,a most loving and giving man. This is reflected in all of you. Both your parents were wonderful to me over the years and I remebmer them fondly.I hope the wonderful memories each of you hold will help you in this sad time. Thinking of you. Laura Bakan
Donna Becker
September 3, 2013
We will miss him at the Peretz seders and banquets!
elaine nixon
September 3, 2013
how sad it is to hear of George's passing. He was a lovely man, immensely kind and caring, and a loyal friend to my father Sidney Smordin. I do not know his family, but they indeed were lucky to have such a special father and grandfather.
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