GEORGE McRAE HALL

April 26, 1935 - December 17, 2025 Aged 90, he argued he was in his 91st year and quite proud of it. Son of George McRae Sr. and Grace Dorward. Born and raised in Toronto. Devoted husband to Jo-Anne for 67 years. Beloved father to Kathleen and Stewart, father-in-law to Robert Boaz and Sheila Jakowec, grandpa extraordinaire to Spencer and Aidan Boaz and Madeline Hall. University of Toronto Chemical Engineering class of 57/58. 2nd Lieutenant during summers at university with a posting to the Canadian contingent on the Rhine. Free time as a young man saw him hiking, canoeing, portaging and star gazing throughout Ontario's hinterland. A stint at Kodak where he figured out the 'secret formula' to coloured film. His 30+ year career with IBM as Manager, Host System Strategies was rewarding, offering travel and a unique opportunity to see what was to come. George partnered with fellow IBMers to open several restaurants in Toronto's downtown core. One of them being the Louisiana Purchase, known colloquially as The Lip, played host to some of Bay Streets finest from the late 1970s to mid 1990s. It spawned a couple of careers, one in house, one on Bay St. and a future husband. George very much enjoyed travel with Jo-Anne that they have been recently reliving together, grateful for all the fun they had. He loved planning adventuresome trips for his family. Always awe inspiring, with risk at times and rife with hilarity. In retirement, George took pleasure from his hiking group of fellow IBM retirees. Exploring trails around the GTA and Muskoka, ending the tour in a fine pub or George devising a menu and cooking in cottage country. An avid investor, he spent much time in the markets and casting about for investment opportunities. George's collecting and laying down wine led to an impressive cellar enjoyed by many. A lifelong lover of food, he loved conjuring up and preparing unique foods for family and friends. He loved seeing his young grandchildren's reactions when he would present them with foods such as dragon fruit... George was a good friend to many with a steadfast loyalty to lifelong friends, including his classmates from Parkdale Collegiate, some of more than 80 years! His love of these relationships was maintained by phone calls in recent times. George had an archaeologist like curiosity for discovery and learning. Most of all, George was a conversationalist. From the mention of the fact that dinosaurs didn't have kneecaps to his take on dark matter was generally his children's cue to quietly excuse themselves and leave it to the spouses and grandkids to entertain Dad. Early morning calls from his children for much needed rides or pickups were eagerly answered and always on time. Or the retort to "it's just me Dad" when coming into the house was met with "it's not 'just' you". His family always knew how much he loved them. His children will forever remember the father, the proud and loving grandpa, the chef, the host of fine weekend dinners, bountiful Christmas Eves and Christmas day breakfasts and cheer. His sense of humour was evident and often groan worthy into his final days. His care givers played along, the compassionate and dedicated of Lakeridge Health Oshawa. With deepest gratitude to all we met there, who cared for us too. George was a philosopher. His grasp of the human condition was firm. He avowed, he had a wonderful life. In the end, George only wanted us to go forward with empathy and kindness to our fellow travellers.