Yurko (George) never threw anything out.

His late 19th century house on Dundas Street West, abutting Trinity Bellwood Park at the northern end, was a shining tribute to the art of compilation. The cacophony of his vast collection of assorted objects populating his abode, surely set international records. His fascination with objects and their artful placement and display was a testament to his oft repeated quote, “ If I can’t see it, it doesn’t exist for me.” It would be misplaced to call his enlightened clutter and its artful presentation as nothing less than a gigantic, three-story sculpture masquerading as a human abode.

Those visiting his house invariably expressed awe and wonder. His house was like no other. What’s left now is the deconstruction of his monument under the banner of “Sic transit gloria mundi.”

Yurko was born in Prague in 1946 and came to Canada with family, settling in Toronto, in 1951. He attended Humberside Collegiate transferring then to Palo Alto High School upon family’s 1961 move to California. A four-year stint at Kalamazoo College was his next educational stop and then on to Pratt Institute in New York from which he graduated in 1970 having studied design in its many aspects.

Back in Toronto he went on to build a successful design career working for architectural firms, industrial designers and the ROM. Moving to Ottawa, he worked at the National Film Board as a graphic and exhibition designer, mounting works of notable Canadian photographers. Recipient of many honours and awards, perhaps his most memorable work, the design of the “Between Friends” book of photos, Canada’s honouring of the American Revolution Bicentennial, 1776-1976.

Yurko was well travelled, enjoyed many friendships and drove his Alfa Romeo like a maniac.

He will be sorely missed by his brother Michael and his wife Olena, his nieces Vera and Hannah and her husband Mihail Salariu and their three children Sofia, Adrian and Eva.

Visitation on Friday, December 27th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Panachida service at 7pm. at Turner & Porter, Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., Toronto. Online condolences available at turnerporter.ca.