VARZARI George

Posted: May 25th, 2016

1160_BakRHtmn_Varzari, George (obit & card)

George F. Varzari

1926 – 2016

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George F. Varzari of Lethbridge on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at the age of 89 years. After a lengthy period of declining health George passed away peacefully. He was predeceased a short time prior by his loving wife of 66 years, Mary. George is lovingly remembered by his son Glenn (Janice) and daughter Cory as well as his granddaughters Jennifer (Nick Noronha) and Cara (Quintin Pike). He is also loved and remembered by his great granddaughter Kya and great grandsons Omari and Reon, his brother Mike (Cutzo) Varzari, cousins Dave (Steamer) Ursan, David Ursan Jr., Vicky Davies, and Sandy (Brock Winter), as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Mary, George was predeceased by his brother Bill (Beaver) Varzari.

George was a successful business man. He started his business 65 years ago and grew National Salvage from a tiny start up business to a thriving recycling business that is now working in international markets. He was self-educated and loved to read. From his reading he applied his knowledge to improving his skills and growing his business. He was an ambitious and dedicated employer and was respected by colleagues and friends. He generously supported the community in the areas of the arts, secondary and post-secondary education, health care, and youth sports. He encouraged others to support the community in any way that they could. He was a proud Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow.

Many would say George was a dreamer, but he was able to make his dreams a reality. He was a man of both ideas and action. He built Crown Shows, a children’s carnival complete with a ferris wheel, roller coaster, and candy floss and travelled to small town rodeos in southern Alberta. He designed and supervised the building of a 32-foot motor home and he and Mary camped throughout Southern Alberta, British Columbia, and the United States.

George, together with Mary, loved to travel and experience new cultures. Along with Cory, they travelled extensively through Eastern Canada, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Hawaii was their second home. For over 25 years they spent six wonderful months of the year in their condominium in Waikiki. George and Mary made many new friends there. George enjoyed his daily morning coffee at Ala Moana Mall where he met with other retired businessmen and tried to solve the problems of the world. He and Mary welcomed many family members and friends from Southern Alberta to their Hawaii home with their Aloha spirit, delicious homemade meals, and guided tours of Oahu. During his retirement George took a keen interest in computers and was an avid student in the LSCO computer club. He enjoyed keeping in touch with family and friends by email and exploring the web for new information.

George was a gentle man who loved his family dearly. He was a man of few words, a good listener and generous hugger, and was never afraid to show vulnerability or emotion. He lived his last few years in Fairmont Extendicare where he always had a warm hello and candy to offer his caregivers. Instead of flowers, George would want you to hug your loved ones and tell them that you love them.

A Celebration of George’s Life will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Anton’s Room at Lethbridge Lodge (320 Scenic Drive South) with a short program at 3:00 pm.

Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.

One Condolence for “VARZARI George”

  1. Colin Schmuland says:

    So sorry for your loss Cory.

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