1930 - 2022
It is with great sadness, the family of George Vins announces his passing on January 12th, 2022 at the age of 91, in Bradford, Ontario.
George leaves behind the love of his life, his darling wife of sixty-three years, Ellen. George will be forever remembered and loved by his daughter Suzanne, son James, daughter-in-law Mirsada, and son-in-law Jim.
Grandpa George will always be missed by his four grandchildren Sajun (fiancee Teal), Justin (wife Kristen) Jessica (husband Armando), and Skylar, along with his two great-grandchildren Jax and Ari.
George also leaves behind his older sister Beatrice and many wonderful nieces and nephews and brother and sister-in-laws. He is predeceased by his parents William and Beatrice and younger sister Miladka.
George was born in Prague, 1930. He grew up the middle child, a boy with two sisters. Full of spunk and energy, he loved cross country skiing, picnics with family, and travel. Despite World War II he graduated with a chemical engineering degree and moved to join his parents and sister in France after the war.
Having mastered the French language, he immigrated with his parents and sister to Montreal, Canada in 1952, but he was destined to move to Ontario where he met, Ellen. They were married in Toronto on July 19th, 1958.
Together they raised two children, built a cottage in the Kawarthas, made a home in Newmarket, then Bradford, and started a successful converting company. Active in his community, he ran for the York County School Board as a Trustee, and was pivotal in developing Newmarket’s competitive swim team. He became an active member of several packaging associations as well as the Toronto Board of Trade.
He had many hobbies throughout his life from water skiing, flying, furniture construction, automobiles, oil painting, wine making, and music. He enjoyed traveling with Ellen, and trips included European vacations, flights on the Concord, cruises with Viking and on the Queen Mary. Later in life, he was fond of spending winters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with family and friends.
George’s greatest legacy, besides his wonderful family, is the converting company, Vins Plastics Limited he started with his wife in 1977. This enterprise grew over the next 45 years into the industry leading company it is today. He mentored many people along the way including his son James and his grandsons Sajun and Justin. He always thought of it as a true family business as it supported many families over the years and will continue to do so in the future.
George will be sadly missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will continue on for future generations.
Due to Covid 19 restrictions a private funeral service will be held at Skwarchuk Funeral Home, Bradford. Livestreaming of the funeral service will be available on the funeral home website on Friday, January 14, 2022 at 3 p.m.
In George’s memory, donations may be made to St. Elizabeth Health Care.
Online condolences may be made at www.skwarchukfuneralhome.com.