It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George Stekl on July 6, 2013 in Vancouver, BC. George was born to Arthur and Magdalena Stekl in 1934 in Brasov, Romania. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Joan, their children John (Monica) and Bob (Lorraine), and their grandchildren Alexander, Natasha, and Madalyn. George is also survived by his sister Eva (Sandy) Cairns and their children Kitty and Robyn.

George attended various public schools in Vancouver before graduating from Prince of Wales Secondary in 1952. After studying at UBC for one year, George transferred to the University of Toronto where he earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. It was while at U of T when George met Joan.

George and Joan moved back to Vancouver, where he articled with Helliwell MacLachlan to become a Chartered Accountant. He became the first candidate from British Columbia to win the Governor General’s Gold medal, for the highest marks in Canada on the UFE in 1962. In 1965, George, Joan and their two young sons moved to Toronto for two years with Clarkson Gordon before returning permanently to Vancouver.

George joined McDonald Currie & Company (later Coopers & Lybrand), becoming a partner in 1969. Later George formed Somerset Consulting based in the offices of Sheinen & Company, with a concentration on tax.
George was a lifelong walker and lover of hiking – especially at Lake Louise, AB.  He loved vacationing in Sunriver, Oregon, where he and his family regularly visited for 20 years. George kept active by cross country skiing in the winter, and cycling and walking in the summer. After his retirement George’s walking habit moved to the golf course.

When he was not enjoying the outdoors, George was a voracious reader – espionage, mysteries and history (both B.C. and World). He loved engaging in conversations about politics, current events and history.
Always an engineer at heart, George had a passion for planes, trains, ships, and, especially cars. Both of his sons inherited his keenness for automobiles.

He was a much loved husband, father, and grandfather who will be greatly missed. A celebration of George's life will be held on Wednesday, July 17th, at 2pm at the Arbutus Club (2001 Nanton Street in Vancouver). In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Central City Foundation or Salvation Army.
George's family would like to thank the staff and volunteers at VGH Palliative Care for the loving care George received through the last weeks of his life.