Obituary of George Edward Mara
GEORGE EDWARD MARA, C.M.
December 12, 1921 - August 30, 2006
After maintaining his customary good humour and optimism during a recent period of health problems, George died while undergoing heart surgery. He was predeceased by his remarkable wife and dearest friend, Peggy (nee Roddick). He will be deeply missed by his son George, daughter Diane, son-in-law David Knight, and extended family members Josephine Cusack and Vince Pawis.
George was a man of extraordinary talents with a wide range of friends in business, sports, and charitable endeavors who will fondly remember his influence on their lives.
His accomplishments in the world of hockey began as a young boy on his Dad�s backyard rink. Honing his skills at Upper Canada College, he went on to play for the Toronto Marlboro Hockey Club. Following wartime service as a Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Navy, he captained Canada�s Olympic Hockey Team, the R.C.A.F. Flyers, to a gold medal victory in 1948 in St. Moritz, Switzerland.
After a brief encounter with the NHL, George returned to Toronto to begin a successful business career at the William Mara Company as an importer of wines and spirits. Company connections enabled him to make many long lasting friendships in various parts of the world. His entrepreneurial spirit and good, sound judgement involved him in the creation of and participation in many business ventures, boards of directors, and charitable organizations, including Sonograph Canada, Jannock Ltd., Confederation Life, The University of Toronto, The St. Andrews Club (Florida), and The Ford Motor Company of Canada.
His keen interest and involvement in , and The R.C.A.F. Sports Hall of Fame. A desire to financially support young Canadian athletes and coaches in amateur sport led to his leadership in the development of The Olympic Trust of Canada. In recognition of his work for these potential Olympians, he was awarded the Order of Canada. His interest in the younger generation and his strong ties with Upper Canada College prompted his energetic participation and leadership in the Colleges� fundraising campaigns.
George�s compassion was evident through his work over the years with several hospitals and health organizations, such as, The Wellesley Hospital, St. Michael�s Hospital, The Ontario Society for Crippled Children, and The Ontario Division of the Canadian Cancer Society.
Whether on the golf course, tennis courts, testing a sports car, or exploring the waters of Florida and Georgian Bay, he thoroughly enjoyed his time with family and friends.
His ever-present sense of humour, generosity, determination, and wisdom endeared him to all ages. May his memory continue to inspire the desire to make a difference and to achieve excellence, always, in the presence of humility, humour, and grace.
Friends are invited to a memorial celebration of George�s life on Friday, September 15th at 4 o�clock in Laidlaw Hall, Upper Canada College, 200 Lonsdale Road. In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations may be made to the Ontario Division of the Canadian Cancer Society, 1639 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario M4T 2W6 or St. Michael�s Hospital Foundation, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1W8.
