After a wonderful life of laughter and joy, George Gefucia died peacefully at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in Bracebridge on Feb. 24, 2008 in his 86th year.

Beloved husband of 61 years of Mary “May” Gefucia of Bracebridge; dear father of Tom Gefucia (Lindsay) of Bracebridge and Brenda Gefucia (Sandy Tersigni) of Richmond Hill; loving Papa of Jay and Gina Gefucia; brother of Anna Corches and Vera Seili (Ray) of Windsor and the late John, Nick, Con and Donald Gefucia, Irene Pahomey, Helen Burley and Mary Levergood. George is also survived by his sister-in-law Lucille Gefucia of Brantford.

Born in Regina Saskatchewan in 1922, as a young boy George moved with his family to Windsor, Ontario. He married May in 1946 and they moved to Bracebridge in 1958. An employee of Canadian Motor Lamp since age 16, George was part of the management team sent to establish the company’s Bracebridge plant that year, retiring as plant superintendent in 1981. Over the years the plant was owned by Rockwell International, Arvin Meritor and Dura.

George loved sports, playing semi-pro ball in his early years and later with the Bracebridge Oldtimers. He was also an avid golfer and curler. George was active in the community through many years of involvement with the town’s recreation committee and with the Lions Club of which he was past president and held the honour of being a life member.

The family would like to thank the staff at James Street Place, who has been nothing short of wonderful in enabling George to have the best possible quality of life during his most difficult times, as well as Dr. Cross and the nursing staff at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital who patiently cared for him during his hospital stays.

The funeral service was held at Bracebridge United Church on Feb. 29, 2008. Spring interment is planned at Bracebridge Municipal Cemetery.

As your expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation or the Ontario Heart and Stroke Foundation.