George Thomas HALMOS

1928 - 2023

GEORGE THOMAS HALMOS 1928 - 2023 George Thomas Halmos passed away peacefully, at Baycrest Hospital, in his 95th year. Beloved husband of Vera (predeceased); loving father of Tony (Rea) and Marion (Steve); grandfather of Chris (Lauren), Beth and Quincy; and great-grandfather of Finnegan; George also leaves behind a wide swath of friends and former colleagues spanning several generations. Born and raised in Budapest, Hungary, George (along with his parents, Gergely and Margit; and brother, Pista) survived Nazi persecution during World War II and endured through the oppressive post-war Communist regime. George graduated as a Mechanical Engineer in 1950, met his future wife, Vera (also a survivor) in 1954, and in 1956, escaped across the Austrian border by night with only small packs on their backs. In 1957, George and Vera married in Vienna, and along with thousands of Hungarian refugees, found a welcoming home in Toronto, where they made the most of the opportunities available to them. George wasted no time resuming his career in Toronto, though he spoke virtually no English. He quickly became an international leader in the field of cold roll-formed metal fabricating. He was a pioneer in Computer Aided Roll Design, wrote dozens of articles, was a highly in-demand speaker, and published a definitive handbook. After almost 25 years working with Alcan, Westeel Rosco, Reynolds and B&K Machinery, George struck out on his own at the age of fifty, and found continued success as a consultant and custom roll forming press designer well into his senior years. George was never boastful of his accomplishments, but instead, beamed gentle pride. George enjoyed and excelled at an array of sports and pastimes throughout his life, including soccer, team handball, water polo, tennis, downhill, cross-country and waterskiing, skindiving, windsurfing and kayaking. He nurtured his artistic proclivities; he was an avid photographer and home moviemaker, and in his 80s, he took up oil painting. He loved the cottage, as a place to indulge both his love of gardening and of family and friends. Though very practical and matter-of-fact, and in spite of his many accomplishments, George is perhaps best remembered for his warmth, kindness and old world charm at every occasion and encounter. The funeral will be a private family affair. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 24th at 3:00 p.m. in the party room of 360 Bloor Street East. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Baycrest Hospital or a Charity of Your Choice.