GEORGE SKOK

(January 18, 1953 – October 28, 2025) In Loving Memory. George Skok passed away at home in Toronto after a lengthy illness. He was born on a cold winter's day in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to loving parents, Elizabeth and Anatol Skok (deceased). He is survived by his beloved wife, Dr. Alexandra Easson; and his son, Daniil. George is also survived by his sister, Marguerita; his brother, Vladimir (Anna Portoraro); as well as his niece, Tatiana (Kevin Zanatta); nephews, Nicolai (Alisa Hobbs), Adrian (Lisa), Ilya (Kealey), Alexei (Angela); as well as their children. On Alexandra's side, he is survived by his nieces, Maria Clayton (Jeron) and Gabriella Meyer; and his nephews, Lukas Meyer, Nikolas Blase and Julian Blase-Easson; as well as his sisters-in-law, Larissa (Phil Large) and Julia Easson (Mark Kaphaem). George attended Lisgar Collegiate in Ottawa, where his musical and athletic talents were recognized in the band as well as the track and field team (pole vaulting champion in Eastern Ontario). He received his B.A. at Carleton University, and his B. Theology from Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary, Jordanville, New York. His devotion to family was paramount. Alexandra was "the love of his life" as he often recounted. He left his work at Foreign Affairs in Ottawa to follow his future bride to Toronto. Together, they worked very hard to create a loving family. George had perfect pitch and a profound musical gift. He could play any instrument and could change musical keys on demand. His singing voice and church reading was inspiring. He was a musician, choir conductor and songwriter throughout his life. His music and his faith were closely intertwined and he was a key figure in the growth of Russian Orthodox choral music in North America. George directed his first church choir at the tender age of 15 in Ottawa and directed there for many years. He led the building of the beautiful St. Xenia of St. Petersburg church in Kanata and assisted in the creation of the Saint Alexis chapel at Ruskoka Camp in Muskoka. He went on to develop a mature and talented choir at the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox church in Toronto. He was a founding member of the annual Orthodox Music Conference and a key member of the Synodal Liturgical Music Commission (ROCOR). He was unique in his talent to develop singers of all ages and abilities and was a gifted teacher who brought humour and clever puns to every practice. The church music and secular song writing which he leaves behind is a treasure. Beyond music, George was highly social and generous, bringing friends and family together for celebrations (that always included a singalong). He made those who loved him laugh often and shared time at his home and his beloved family "dacha" in Lanark with many. He was an accomplished athlete who enjoyed skiing and golfing throughout his life. He was a devoted husband, father, uncle and friend, often travelling many miles internationally to join friends to celebrate life. He was caring and social to the very end, as witnessed by the many friends who came from near and far to visit him at his bedside. Some describe George as a force of nature; others called him "The George Skok." He was a true influencer - this is who George was. His music, his humour, his compassion for others will be deeply missed. Alexandra and Daniil are ever grateful for the assistance received from the medical staff and the ALS Society personal support workers and volunteers, and to the many family members and friends who will gather to pray and wish him well. A funeral will be held at St. Xenia Cathedral in Kanata on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception. George will be laid to rest at Pine Grove Cemetery (just East of Lanark, ON) on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., alongside his parents and uncle. May the Lord grant him eternal memory and rest. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Society of Canada in support of critical research or a Memorial Fund, in George's memory, under the Kanata Orthodox Church Foundation, which has been established to support the development of young orthodox church conductors. Please contact one of the Foundation Directors, V. Skok at: vskok@yahoo.ca Arrangements by www.barkerfh.com