It is with sadness that we announce the death of George Grodecki, on October 29, 2025, at the age of 95.

George was born in Lwów, Poland, on July 28, 1930. His remarkable life was defined by courage, resilience, and leadership.

After his father’s death under Stalin’s regime, his mother Frances, George, and his younger sister Irma were deported, along with thousands of Poles, to Siberia, with only the clothing and bedding they could carry by hand. After two and a half years of hunger and cold in Soviet Russia, their journey continued to Allied refugee camps in Kazakhstan, Iran, and finally Beirut, Lebanon.

In Beirut, George met the love of his life and future wife, Halina. Their journey together brought them to Canada, where, with the support and sacrifices of his surviving family, he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering (UofT 1954) followed by an MBA (1957) which led to successful executive leadership roles at Ecolaire Canada, Champion Road Machinery, Westeel Rosco Ltd, Union Carbide, and numerous public sector directorships.

George was very active in Polish scouting, Krąg Tatry, and the Canadian-Polish Congress, a highlight of which was hosting the future Pope, then Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, on a personal visit to Toronto in 1969. George was a proud Canadian who also wanted all around him to know about Polish culture and traditions.

George loved golf, travel, and the outdoor life, especially spending time at his beloved cottage in Kaszuby, Ontario.

He was predeceased by his wife, Halina, in July of this year, and will be lovingly remembered by his children, Krystyna and Richard; his grandchildren, Krystian, Madeleine, and Julia; his great-grandchildren, Vivian and Laurence; and extended family, who are all blessed to have known him.

A special thanks is extended to the compassionate staff at Copernicus Lodge in Toronto.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Copernicus Lodge Foundation.

Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., on Sunday, November 9, 2025 from 2-5 p.m. At 2:30 p.m. during the visitation, there will be a brief eulogy from Richard, as well as a prayer by a priest. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Casimir’s Church, 156 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, on Monday, November 10, 2025 at 10 a.m. A light lunch at Chopin Restaurant will follow the Mass.