George J. Holy

George J. Holy 1943-2024 of Scarborough, Ontario 

With heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of George Holy, age 81, on November 26th, 2024, in Scarborough with his wife and eldest son by his side.

George was born in 1943 in Prague, Czechoslovakia. His parents owned a little hardware store in Old Town Prague where he developed an appreciation for sturdy, well made tools. He went on to study electrical engineering at the Technical University of Prague and drove a streetcar as a student. When he finished his degree he worked on the first IBM 360/40 computer in Eastern Europe and served time in the Czech military. His love and knowledge of politics allowed him to make the quick decision to flee Czechoslovakia during the Warsaw Pact Invasion in 1968 and immigrate to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Later he moved to Toronto where he worked as a programmer and system analyst for IBM while raising his family of five.

George enjoyed learning, reading, and sharing knowledge about space, politics, history and mycology. He was an avid newspaper reader, mushroom picker and spent his time composting and gardening at the cottage. He enjoyed playing bridge and going for long swims in the lake. He was very proud of all his children’s accomplishments and adored his grandchildren which brought him the most joy and happiness. He is remembered by his dedicated wife of 44 years, Jelena, three children (Eric, Peter, and Irene), five grandchildren (Mira, Remi, Finan, Sofia and Georgie), friends and colleagues.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory at Scarborough Health Network.