George B. SUKORNYK

GEORGE B. SUKORNYK, Q.C. April 21, 1927 - October 6, 2023 George's story begins and ends with family - their deep love for him and his devotion to them. George came from humble beginnings, born in Germany and just 6 months old when he moved to Canada with his parents. His Dad, the Very Reverend G J Tsukornyk, was a Major in the cavalry of the Ukrainian Army when he met his wife, Anna, George's mother. They moved across Canada when George was a boy, from Edmonton to Cape Breton, as his Dad led various congregations as a Greek Orthodox priest, before eventually settling in Toronto. George's dogged determination to succeed started young - as a teenager, he took on some of the toughest jobs, such as picking tobacco in Southwestern Ontario, in order to get ahead. He graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School and worked briefly in the profession as a young lawyer at Imperial Oil, but quickly discovered he had a strong entrepreneurial bent. He showed passion for diverse business interests early on: from managing musical acts such as Lenny Breau and Joey Hollingsworth, including appearances at the Purple Onion in Yorkville and the Ed Sullivan Show, to co-owning a beautiful vineyard in St. Emilion, France. But, his first major enterprise was Harvey's and Swiss Chalet, now iconic Canadian institutions, which he co-founded in the 1950s with Richard Mauran. In 1959, George flipped the first hamburger at the first Harvey's location at Yonge and Observatory Lane in Richmond Hill. George was a true renaissance man: happy on a tractor, thrilled to venture to far off lands such as Cairo or Tokyo, and keen to sing on the radio or at the CNE Bandshell as a young man. More than 50 years ago, George was lucky to meet his lifelong partner, Norma Firth, who was the love of his life. George and Norma set off to build a dream, raising a beautiful family together and have had what can only be described as a magical love affair. George and Norma built an extraordinary world centered all around their kids and the hands-on creation of and love for beautiful properties, from Toronto to Hockley Valley, from King to Florida, to Muskoka and beyond. The two continued through many business and property adventures – a truly inspired marriage of family and business that is rare to find. George has always been cherished by his children and grandchildren. George and Norma imbued them all with an excess of energy, a strength of will and character, an entrepreneurial spirit, a passion for nature and travel, a deep love for family and an excitement to create. He was the quiet patriarch of a large family and his presence as such will continue to be felt forever. He was deeply involved in the lives of his children, whether supporting his daughters, Angela (Richard) Potts and Michele (Greg) Haber, at horse shows or helping his sons, Chris and Greg, launch their first start-up. He was also deeply connected to the lives of his grandkids, Courtney, Morgan, Justin, Aidan, Dylan, Alexandra, Austin, Blake, Bérénice, Lia, Raine, True, Birdie and Baylor. George is also survived by daughters, Donna, Patti, Julie and Nancy; their children, Jennifer, Connor and Charlotte; and was predeceased by his sister, Lydia Gailus. Everyone knew George as a stoic and refined gentleman. He passed peacefully at home at 96 years of age. You just can't ask for more in life. A celebration of life will follow. Donations made to Sick Kids Hospital in his honour (SickKidsFoundation.com/donate) would be greatly appreciated.