Earl C. Georgas
Of Owen Sound, in his 89th year, died peacefully at the Grey Bruce Health Services, on June 29, 2018. Earl was the ninth of ten children raised to have love of family and respect for others; to practice strong work ethics and to support community; have appreciation for music and to strive for athletic personal best. For 52 years Earl was a merchant in a haberdashery of clothing, sporting goods and musical instruments, originally in partnership with his brothers Jim and Nick, then transitioning from the Bond Shop to Georgas Bros and as sole proprietor of the Earl Georgas Ski Shop. Earl ran track through his high school years winning at intramural and provincial meets. In the late 1940s he was a star basketball player at OSCVI and went on to win the city men’s league championship for 21 consecutive seasons. He was the league’s commissioner and helped run the Rotary Club’s junior city league. Georgas’ Bond Purple Raiders won the Ontario Basketball Association’s Intermediate B championship in 1957 and his Georgas Brothers Tip Top Tailors team won the intermediate D division championship in 1967. Earl was also a long-time OBA director. Earl was inducted twice to the Owen Sound Sports Hall of Fame, first for Basketball teams and second for league builder for work as a referee and sponsor. He learned to ski from his brother Louis and for 15 years was an instructor at Georgian Peaks teaching many children to love the sport. Earl learned to appreciate music from his father beginning at family Sunday afternoons and this lasted a lifetime. He played clarinet, a bit of piano but his talent was drums. As a member of over 40 bands that spanned 74 years of drumming and looking for the next gig, he paradiddled and tapped out syncopated rhythms with many renowned people in all kinds of music styles – polka, blues, rock, swing, country, but the all-time favourite was jazz. Over the years he taught upwards of 100 young drummers wanting to carry the beat. Earl is inducted into the Bruce Grey Music Hall of Fame. Earl joined Air Cadets at a tender age and was a lifetime member actively participating with the local Billy Bishop 167 Alumni Association. He was a reservist veteran of the Grey and Simcoe Foresters and played in the regimental band. Earl is survived by his loving wife Cora and her children Clancy, Wendy, Granger and Sean of Edmonton; his daughter Lili Anne Holding (Jim Paton) of Owen Sound and her children Christopher (Angela) of Tara, Jeffrey (Melanie) of Chesley and Laura (Kevin) of Barrie; his daughter Hali Comeau (Steve) of Chesley and her children David, Adam and Matthew of Oshawa and Jessica of London England. Also survived by his sister Helene Webber of Kitchener-Waterloo and his loving sister in law Helen Georgas of Owen Sound, great grand children and loving nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his siblings George, William, Louis, Constance, Georgia, James, Aphrodite “Freda”, Nicholas and his son Bradley.
A Celebration of Earl’s Life will take place at St. George’s Church, Owen Sound on Monday, July 9, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. Evensong Service and Prayers for the Dead at the church on Sunday evening, July 8th at 7:00 p.m. Earl will be missed by all who have passed through his life whether it be family, friends community or musicians. What a guy and he never missed a beat!
Donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.greybrucecremation.com.