Obituary for George John Podnar
It is with great sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of George John Podnar on May 1, 2021, at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital, after a lengthy illness.
George lived and grew up in Thunder Bay, born to Josephine and David Podnar (both predeceased). He was an avid sports fan and athlete in his youth including curling, hockey, and football. George was a huge hockey fan and especially the Montreal Canadiens. George enjoyed many hobbies including being a registered Ham Radio Operator (VE3JJ), a handyman around the house, collecting and watching movies, and he liked to tinker and explore computer technology. George had an eclectic career initially as a ticketed pipefitter, then starting his own real estate brokerage, and most recently was a commercial property manager.
One of the things George enjoyed most later in his professional career was working with his wife, Brenda – after all, she is and will always be his best friend and the love of his life. Together they enjoyed watching movies, playing cards, or just spending time together sharing a coffee on the patio in their gardened backyard.
George is survived by his wife Brenda (nee Pumphrey) and their children: son Michael of Wainright, Alberta and his spouse Connie; son Sean of Brampton, Ontario and spouse Michelle (nee Hamood) and their children Ava, Elise, Marcus, and Lauren; son Ryan of Milton, Ontario and spouse Jennifer Orr-Podnar and their children Hannah and Xander; and, brother John of Nepean, Ontario and spouse Cathy and their children David, Julie, and Jennifer. George is predeceased by his sister, Mildred.
The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses and medical teams at Thunder Bay Reginal Hospital and Saint Joseph’s Hospital over the past year, and especially Amanda who was so kind, caring, and gracious during the family’s time of need.
The family will be holding a private family gathering. Instead of flowers, any donations to the Canadian Cancer Society in George’s name are appreciated.
George lived and grew up in Thunder Bay, born to Josephine and David Podnar (both predeceased). He was an avid sports fan and athlete in his youth including curling, hockey, and football. George was a huge hockey fan and especially the Montreal Canadiens. George enjoyed many hobbies including being a registered Ham Radio Operator (VE3JJ), a handyman around the house, collecting and watching movies, and he liked to tinker and explore computer technology. George had an eclectic career initially as a ticketed pipefitter, then starting his own real estate brokerage, and most recently was a commercial property manager.
One of the things George enjoyed most later in his professional career was working with his wife, Brenda – after all, she is and will always be his best friend and the love of his life. Together they enjoyed watching movies, playing cards, or just spending time together sharing a coffee on the patio in their gardened backyard.
George is survived by his wife Brenda (nee Pumphrey) and their children: son Michael of Wainright, Alberta and his spouse Connie; son Sean of Brampton, Ontario and spouse Michelle (nee Hamood) and their children Ava, Elise, Marcus, and Lauren; son Ryan of Milton, Ontario and spouse Jennifer Orr-Podnar and their children Hannah and Xander; and, brother John of Nepean, Ontario and spouse Cathy and their children David, Julie, and Jennifer. George is predeceased by his sister, Mildred.
The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses and medical teams at Thunder Bay Reginal Hospital and Saint Joseph’s Hospital over the past year, and especially Amanda who was so kind, caring, and gracious during the family’s time of need.
The family will be holding a private family gathering. Instead of flowers, any donations to the Canadian Cancer Society in George’s name are appreciated.