GEORGE STEVEN DEMBROSKI

On February 26, 2024, George Steven Dembroski (89) died peacefully, surrounded by his wife and children at Toronto's St. Michael's Hospital.

He was predeceased by his parents, George and Anne Dembroski of Hamilton; and his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Anne and John Marling. He is survived by his loving, devoted wife, Kathy (Hawken); daughter, Suzanne Dembroski Despins; and sons, Stephen (Andrew Taylor) and David (Jody Scotchmer). George was adored by his grandchildren, Madeleine Despins (Nicky Berger), Isabelle Despins (Dan Copeland), Sophie Despins, Olivia Dembroski and Ryan Dembroski, all of whom were told to call him by his Hungarian grandfather's name. As young children, they could never figure out why everyone else had a grandfather and they had a "George."

George was blessed to have a wonderful, extended family that included his in-laws, Barbara and John Johnson, and Margaret and Bill Hawken. Uncle George relished all the Stony Lake cottage get-togethers, Buffalo Bills football games and tailgate parties, and Christmas Secret Santa gatherings with his many nieces and nephews.

Growing up, George worked part-time as a gardener and caddy at Hamilton's Chedoke Golf Club which began his lifelong obsession with the sport. Having eight golf club memberships over his near 90 years (in addition to his other clubs), it is rumoured that George was also the Canadian record holder for most number of putters owned.

"George and Kathy" both attended Westdale High School in Hamilton. Post-university, they began dating in Toronto, married in 1960, and were inseparable for 64 wonderful years. She was drawn to the twinkle in his eye and smarts, and he to her boundless energy and gregariousness. Perhaps the most social of couples, whether in Toronto, on Stony Lake, or at the St. Andrews Club or Country Club of Florida, they rarely missed an occasion to host good friends. While Kathy's lemon dessert squares are legendary, there was always an endless supply of baked goods dropped off by the local ladies for George, who had a famous sweet tooth.

George always had to keep up with Kathy's next move, especially when it came to real estate. At one point of transition, he gained the name "The Condo King" for owning four condos at once. The two were fortunate to travel the world, cycling and exploring many countries. Only China posed an issue for George, a serious and passionate foodie, when the dim sum lazy susan wouldn't spin in his direction and the pickings were slim…

After he graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1956 with an Honours in Business Administration, George gained his Chartered Accountancy and began his career at Clarkson Gordon & Co. In 1964, he joined RBC's Dominion Securities (DS) where he moved up the ranks in investment banking to become Vice-Chairman and a Member of the Executive Committee. George often joked that he was the first person of Eastern European descent - the first "SKI," as in Dembro-ski - on Bay Street. He 'officially' retired in 1998, but kept an office, heading downtown in his jacket and tie until his 89th year.

In business, George built his long career on the pillars of honesty, dedication and integrity. To quote a colleague, George was the conscience of the firm. He had a great nose for the character of the people [we] were dealing with, and he would turn down a potentially profitable business if he didn't think that they could pass the smell test. Those exceptional qualities were well respected: a beacon to other top companies. George served on the Board of Directors for Laidlaw Inc., Cameco Corporation, Electrohome Limited, Extendicare Inc., Middlefield Bancorp Limited, Murphy Oil Corporation, Durham Furniture Inc., and Aetna Life Insurance, amongst others.

George will be remembered as a mentor of many young people, and even more so as a generous philanthropist. Together, the Dembroskis have donated significantly to the Canadian Opera Company, St. Michael's Hospital, the Toronto Botanical Gardens, Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Canadian Canoe Museum, and hundreds of other causes. But what many don't know is that George was a silent supporter of many in need: from writing a cheque to a single mom he saw on the news who had just lost her home; to building a much-required bridge for the community marina; or supporting a struggling athlete.

We will miss you terribly, George, but know that you are heaven with the Masters on TV, an expensive stogie in one hand, malt Scotch in the other, the Globe and Mail open on your lap, ribs on the BBQ, a good mystery book on the table, the sounds of your family setting the table and laughing, and the loons calling from a sun-kissed Stony lake. Rest in peace knowing that you made the world a much better, kinder place.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 24 Cheritan Ave., Toronto (one block south of Lawrence Ave. on Yonge Street). A celebration of George's life will be held at The Rosedale Golf Club at 12:00 p.m., immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Michael's Hospital or the Peterborough Regional Health Centre are appreciated.

Livestream available at: https://ipickart.com/stream/GeorgeDembroski/