Lainas, George
December 12, 1930 - January 13, 2022
Surrounded by family, George passed away peacefully on January 13th, 2022, in his 92nd year. He was the son of the late Maria (nee Kaipi) and Thomas Lainas of Larissa, Thessaly, Greece. George cherished his many roles within the family – devoted husband of Evmorfia (nee Stergiouli) for 63 years, loving father of Tom (Cheryl), Menely (Gina), Anastasia (Jeff), and proud grandfather of Christopher and Christian. He was also brother of the late Bill (Erasmia), Georgia Alexiou (John) and forever remembered by many nieces and nephews.
George lived a full life that included the early war years where, as a young boy, he played an important role as an underground messenger for the Greek Resistance, carrying critical messages through the Mount Olympus region between enemy German lines. After the war, George further established himself within Larissa as a trained barber and married his hometown sweetheart, Evmorfia. Soon after starting a family in Greece, he sought a new life for his family in Canada.
After arriving by ship in Halifax in early 1960’s, he settled in Toronto with the stereotypical “$2 in my pocket” and little English-speaking ability. But nothing holds a feisty Greek man down for long, and he quickly established himself with steady employment and a solid command of English while Effie managed the household and brought 2 more children into the world. Before long, George found success in the property management business and the family was thriving. Over the next number of years, many more thousands of Greeks from overseas would follow the courageous and bold path of those like George, Effie, Bill, Georgina & John, arriving in Toronto and the rest of Canada to ensure a more prosperous future.
George possessed a passionate love of the arts. He was a prolific amateur painter, guitar player and singer including his time as a dedicated member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Men’s Choir.
His life was full of energy, love and passion and he will be always remembered as a truly authentic, selfless, and caring person who always put family first. May he rest in peace.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made out to the Odette Cancer Centre and North York General Hospital Foundation.