In Celebration of

George Keistus Rackus

June 22, 1927 -  February 3, 2019

Passed away peacefully at the Amica Unionville Retirement Residence on Sunday, February 3, 2019 at the age of 91.

Born in Lithuania, George and his family immigrated to Canada when he was still a child. He studied art at Wayne State University in Detroit and later at the Ontario College of Art in Toronto and the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris, France. His art is held in numerous collections, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Art Gallery of Windsor. He was an active member of several art societies including the Canadian Society of Etchers and Engravers, the Ontario Society of Artists, the Canadian Graphic Society, and the Colour and Form Society. Additionally, he was an avid gardener, traveler, and sailor.

Loving father of David (Danute) and Philip (Stephanie). Proud grandfather of Linas, Darius (Christe), Justin, Paige and great grandfather of Enoch. Much loved brother of Illa Milliken. He will be greatly missed by all his extended family and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff of Amica Unionville for the wonderful care they provided George in his final years.

Friends may call at the Turner & Porter "Peel" Chapel, 2180 Hurontario St., Mississauga (Hwy 10 N. of Q.E.W) on Thursday from 6-9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Friday, February 8, 2019 at 11 a.m. For those who wish, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Guestbook 

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Michele and Lin (Friend of family)

Entered February 4, 2019 from Toronto

Dear David and Danute
Thinking of you at this time.
Love
Michele Weber and Lin Cai

Jane Gotlib (Friend)

Entered February 4, 2019 from Toronto

Dearest David and Danute and family,
I’m so sorry that we won’t be able to attend the service this week (I’m going out of town) but please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. George lived such an exuberant life with such grace and joy. Hugs to you all!
Love, Jane & David

Tony and Debra Loureiro 

Entered February 5, 2019

David, we are so sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences to you and your family.

Tim and Jane Henshaw 

Entered February 5, 2019 from Basel, Switzerland

A celebration of a life well lived. His legacy lives on in his children, grandchildren and great grandson and in his art, his gift to the world. Remembering the family in prayer

Roger & Silvy Moryoussef (Co-Worker)

Entered February 5, 2019 from Richmond Hill

David

Very sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolences to you and the whole family.

Life Stories 

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Joyce Morris (close friend and artist deciple)

Entered February 5, 2019 from Cardinal, ON

I walked into George's studio in 1985 Clarkson and into this man's life for more than ten years. So many memories of those bowls of hot milk soup his mother made and he'd bring to the studio and we'd talk art. He sent me to Mirvish Village in Toronto to share a studio with another print maker and voted me onto the board of the Print and Drawing Council of Canada. He was a man of great charm and a strong presence. When he walked into the room he got everyone's attention; and he loved it. He validated my choice to live as an artist and taught me so much. He wanted me to remain forever the disciple but he'd pushed me beyond that role. I sent him a letter about ten days ago which I hope brought him some good memories.

Photos 

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