George McCluskey
1962-2023
Our warrior, George McCluskey, gone? How is that possible?! It’s with a heavy heart that I announce this tragic news to be true. He beat his Stage 4 throat cancer to a pulp, learned to walk properly again after being hit by a car, even managed to survive almost 25 years with me and my autistic son (hey now!), but, in the end, he just couldn’t beat that last bite of pizza. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, he grew up on the mean streets of Moss Park (Manchester, England) where he learned to take care of himself and fell madly in love with Manchester United. In 1986, he took a chance and came to Canada, sponsored by his beloved Auntie Rae. With his printing apprenticeship under his belt, he soon found work and started at The Printing House in 1989, a job he loved and excelled at for nearly 30 years until cancer reared its ugly head. More than 10 years of fighting, 33 shots of radiation, and 3 rounds of chemo finally took care of that, but it took its toll on his body. George always had an indelible spirit and a sparkle in his eyes, you just couldn’t keep him down, but the gift of cancer gave him the chance to share that spirit with even more people at a time when they really needed it. He was THIS close to becoming a peer counselor with Wellspring, a cancer centre attached to Sunnybrook for survivors and their families. After all those years of being a gift to so many of us, a shoulder to cry on and a one-man cheering section, he left two final gifts behind. So pleased to say his kidneys were successfully transplanted into two people with end stage renal disease. I hope they like Elvis. George’s Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, May 13th, 2023, at the Caribbean Coast (2570 Eglinton Ave. E.) from 4-8PM. Yes, of course there’ll be karaoke, it became the highlight of his week. And, if he has anything to do with it, it will be as epic as his 60th birthday was at the same place last summer. Come and share one last beverage with our George. Gone but never EVER forgotten.
Catherine McWatch
Dear Rhonda and Reil,
We all loved George and he was fine person to be around and sorry I wasnt here the last days of his life and I continued to ask every day when I was away to fine out how he was doing. I think about him constantly and every time I go to the Caribbean Coast I am looking for him there to and always will and send my love to both of you.
Sandra
I went to secondry school with George always a shy kind gentle boy…I will always remember him sending love to his wife and family x
Sharon Bennett
George was an amazing person loved by so many Thanks for sharing his journey with us all Rhonda Xx
Nancy Mc
Dear Rhonda,
Hoping your loving memories give you and Riel some peace and comfort. I know George has left a huge void in both your lives.
Lindsey Malloy
Beautiful soul beautiful man a good friend of my brother John in school, he to passed several years ago so I hope they are both having a beer up there. Thank you Rhonda and your family for keeping all his school friends in the loop the last few months rip George xxxx
Niece cheryl
Uncle George I never meet u in person
But u did when I was still a baby u changed me u also we’re feeding me.
We always had our video talk and u knew how 2 cheer me up and laughed together I am so glad u r my uncle I miss u nd love u so much rest in peace Ur beautiful soul
Melodie Grayson
Such a lovely beautiful person funny and loving always brought good cheer. He will always be remembered by me … I send sincere condolences to the whole family with love 💕 because angels abound all around.
👋 see you later George 🥰
Alison Godwin
Rest in heavenly peace George 🙏❤️ our old school friend deepest condolences to Rhonda and your family and friends sleep tight George 🙏❤️ until we meet again 💖💖
Ruth Tansey
Alison I knew him to, I use to sneak out of Birley high school to meet him on the Precinct in moss-side.
Alison Godwin
Did you Ruth great memories for us all 💖
Buddy from Brooklyn
Tiny Dancer,
My deepest condolences on your tragic loss. It’s so rare when we find the right fit and sometimes soul crushing when it’s gone. But we are left with beautiful memories of another human being who touched our heart and made life seem worthwhile. Believe me, I know. I wish you peace.
Buddy from Brooklyn
Rhonda (aka Tiny Dancer)
Thank you so much, Buddy. Much love to you as well <3
Reena
George,
Remember when you used to sing:
🎶 ’And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I’ll say it clear
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain
I’ve lived a life that’s full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way …
Regrets, I’ve had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption
I planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way’🎶
Well you CERTAINLY did DO IT your way, George!!
I consider myself fortunate to find a good friend in George! His advice, his laugh and his wisdom are not lost on me(and never will be)! I am happy to continue to carry them in my heart and pass them along to those in need of it and do it in memory of George! I just happen to know that George lives on through two lucky kidney recipients and even though I don’t know them, I am happy to hear how George saved them…
Rhonda and Riel,
Keep Calm and Stay Strong!!
Ruth Tansey
I was a childhood friend of George, we use to play in the park with my sister and his brother, we spoke on messenger from time to time and I’m so sorry to hear of his passing.
Sleep tight George love in my heart forever ❤❤❤❤
Darlene Collins
Wow my heart is broken. George used to come in to happy land quite often and if I was having a really bad day he always knew how to put a smile on my face. He was such a wonderful man. He is going to be missed by so many people. Rest in peace George
Cassidy
I came across this entirely by accident, looking up an obit for a friend I lost last year…
I worked with George for a year and a half back in 1998-1999. It was my first full time job. George invited me to join the softball team he played on and was just a lovely person who made me feel welcome. My sincere condolences to his loved ones. You’ll be missed, George.
Mariam Yaffah Bankole Karanja
My sincere condolences to the family and friends and all of us who new him through social media Facebook and many other platforms…
May his soul rest in perfect peace..
Sue Gemmell
I met George at the Blue Lagoon about 14 years ago. We had one thing in common and that was tracheostomys in our throats! We bonded immediately and I always looked forward to seeing his smiling face. Such a tragic loss of such a gentle soul. My deepest condolences to you and your son, Rhonda. Til we meet again George ❤️
Vince Naccarato
I just came across this.
George and I worked together for 6 Years at the Printing House. He loved to go for lunch and have a chip buddy. He was such an amazing guy. He also was the only person who could be late for work, when he only lived a 15 minute walk away. I had to go wake him up a few times.
Going to miss you old friend.
Rest in peace.
John McCombs
I met George decades ago when he tried to hustle me on a pool table. He quickly learned and we became good friends to the point he was at my Mother’s place for Christmas dinner one year. Always hung out with him at The Emerald, a watering hole that used to exist at Coxwell and Queen. George was always a solid guy and kept in touch through Facebook. Medical condition aside I’m glad George found happiness when he met Rhonda. If there were more people like George in the world, the world would be a far better place.