Winnipeg, Manitoba
GEORGE REZNIK
On Saturday, July 23, 2016 George Reznik, aged 86 of Winnipeg, Manitoba, passed away peacefully at Victoria General Hospital surrounded by his loving wife, Carol, beloved son, George, and special niece, Cathy.
George was a wonderful husband to his wife, Carol, of over fifty years of marriage as well as a loving father to his daughter, Lisa Ann who predeceased him, son, George and daughter in law, Auriana, in addition to being grandfather to three precious grandchildren, Gabrielle, Julius and Oliver. George also leaves nieces, nephews, and numerous friends who loved him dearly.
Born on November 25, 1929 in Winnipeg, George was classically trained as a pianist at a young age through the Bornoff School and Royal Conservatory of Music. However, George’s first and lasting passion was jazz which he played professionally in Winnipeg starting at the age of 16 for over five decades at multiple venues including the Royal Alex Hotel, Town and Country Club, Rancho Don Carlos Club, Northstar Inn and Hotel Fort Garry. At the age of 61, an age which most people retire, George started a weekly Saturday jazz session at the Pemby Hotel with his trio of Bob “Moose” Jackson on bass and Bill McMahon on drums which included numerous musical guests until his retirement over 21 years later at the age of 82.
A Canadian treasure with an impressively rich and diverse musical past, “Rez” has shared the stage with many famous entertainers including Louis Armstrong, Barbara Streisand, Lenny Breau, Dave Young and Herb Ellis. George was a recipient of the CanWest Global Jazz Achievement Award in recognition for his outstanding contribution to jazz for over 50 years. Most musicians and jazz lovers who know George Reznik would concede that the unlikely pairing of humbleness and impressive talent have earned him a permanent place in the history of Manitoba jazz as a piano player.
George celebrated, mentored and inspired countless musicians.
He loved all people equally and generously no matter where they came from or who they were. He touched everyone who crossed his path with his true sense of joy, compassion and humor.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 29, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. in St. John Brebeuf Roman Catholic Church, 1707 John Brebeuf Place, Winnipeg, MB with Rev. Fr. Mark Tarrant presiding.
A special thanks to the friends and caring staff at both the Simkin Centre, and the Victoria Hospital, especially nurses Edith and Tanya, who all provided exceptional care and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of George may be made to a charity of your choice.
Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematorium, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com
George was one of the funniest, kind & exceptional jazz pianist I have ever known!!! He would always make it a point to come over sit down with me & tell many of his jokes! He'll be truly missed by me & many other friends! I know your angles are enjoying your jazz playing!! Rest in peace my friend! Guy Moreau
Guy Moreau
December 29, 2024 | Winnipeg, MB | Friend
Just found out, two years late that my old buddy had passed on. We met Wpg Beach, I was 17/18 and he was 5/6 years older. Playing with the Charlie Cruikshank Orchestra. Go back long way and he was just the greatest guy you could have as a friend. Whenever got to Wpg would make a point of popping in to Pembina and as soon as he saw me he told everyone in the room that my old friend GM is here. Just awesome times over the years, listening to his group play or as a freelance musician for all the...
Gord McLauchlin
August 19, 2018 | Orillia, ON | Friend
I was very surprised to hear of George's passing and I will keep him in my prayers. On the other hand with great confidence and happiness I know in my heart he is now experiencing paradise beyond our human understanding with God and is looking down upon us all with great joy. I was always very touched by his faithfulness to Jesus whenever I visited George and his family in the hospital with the Eucharist. I will continue to assist by praying for his soul and for his family. Special prayers as...
Michelle Micuda
August 20, 2017 | Winnipeg, ON
Carol... Sorry to hear of Georges passing. Only seen the small obit in today's paper. With the passing of Mom just a few days earlier, I am sorry that I missed Georges service. Moms obit is in today's paper(Sat/July30th) May your love and strength carry you through this sad time....Heather. (Jeannie Kolbes daughter)
July 30, 2016
A very early memory of mine was seeing George and my former school friend Carol at Grand Beach on a Sunday, sharing the day with their young family - so many years have passed. My condolences.
Cherry White
July 29, 2016 | Great Falls, MB
I haven't seen this man for over 20 years. Last time we talked, he was with his wife Carol at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet building. I still remember the times I talked to him there. He was a very nice friendly gentleman.
Kelly Maguire
July 28, 2016 | Los Angeles, CA
I can't express the joy and pleasure that I experienced listening to George and the trio play at the Pemby. His playing was always world class and when on a break he was always gracious, friendly and appreciative of those who came to see him. I was able to visit him at the Simkin Centre on a few occasions and he always was in good spirits and happy to engage in lively conversation. Now he is jamming with Louis Armstrong and other jazz greats. Thanks for all the great music and rest in...
Mayer Pawlow
July 27, 2016 | Winnipeg, MB
I have always had the highest respect for George's musical ability as well as his friendliness to my wife and myself as well as others.
Dick Bell
July 26, 2016
A thousand years ago when I was 15 I had one of my first gigs at the German Hall and as I stood there with my guitar and amp a man waived me over to his table, put his package of cigarettes on the table and said "have a cancer stick". That man was George Reznick. A beautiful friendship was started from that moment on that lasted many years. Throughout my career George helped me musically. During our music sessions together, George composed many difficult arrangements which were long and...
Ray Moga
July 26, 2016 | Vancouver, BC
