One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man. ~ Elbert Hubbard
George Mitro (Mhtroglou) was born in Piraeus, Greece on September 18, 1936. He was the eldest of five children. Tragically his twin brother died at birth. Living in Greece during WW2 and the subsequent civil war, was a constant struggle. He lost his father, Alexander, during the war years, as well as a younger brother, Paulos. He was sent to live in an orphanage for boys with his brother, Peter while his only sister, Angela lived with his mother, Anna. Following the war, with a limited formal education, George learned the skill of carpentry from an uncle, worked at an amusement park but eventually settled working on boats. After a few trips to Germany, he had the opportunity to travel to Canada. He arrived in New Westminster, BC in January 1963 and with only a few dollars and the support of another Greek family, George began his life in Vancouver.
He met his wife, Sally (McNaughton) of 58 years, at dance lessons and they were soon married on April 16, 1966. They were later blessed with five children. That is when their dance of family life started.
George was hardworking and began his career at Western Display that continued for over 35 years. It was here that he continued to develop his skill of woodworking.
In 1974, the family cabin in Pt Roberts was built. Endless weekends and summer days were spent going to Maple Beach to swim and crab, enjoying long walks, sitting by campfires and building lifelong friendships.
Much time was also spent in his workshop fixing, designing and building. There really wasn’t anything that George couldn’t build or fix and if he needed a special tool or part, he would build that too. His thirteen grandchildren have fond memories of learning their first carpentry skills from Grandpa in the basement, with only minimal injuries.
Many could look at his life and see difficulty, struggles and tragedy, but George was never one to linger on the past but instead was always thankful for all he had and accomplished. He was particularly proud of his children and was grateful for the opportunity of their education, an education he was never afforded. George was quick to forgive, generous with his time and talents and was always up for a celebration.
George was active until his last few weeks and our hope is that this humble Greek carpenter is finally home, learning from the Master Carpenter. May he rest in peace.
He is survived by his wife, Sally Mitro and sister, Angela Christopoulos. His children: Anne Moncer, Susan (Trevor) Mueckel, Alexander (Noriko) Mitro, Catherine (Kevin) Streeter and Georgina (Achilles) Mallari and thirteen grandchildren: Abderrazak Moncer, Sarah Mueckel, Heidi Mueckel, Charles Streeter, Peter Mueckel, Alexandra Streeter, Julia Mueckel, Emily Mueckel, Jack Streeter, Jacob Mallari, Rebecca Mallari, George Streeter and Rachel Mallari.
Memorial Mass
Thursday, May 9th at 11am
St. Andrews Catholic Church
480 East 47th Ave, Vancouver BC