Obituary for George John Frengos
Frengos, George:
It is with profound sadness that we share news of the sudden passing of George Frengos on December 26, 2023, at home, after a wonderful Christmas with loved ones. His kindness, compassion, and larger-than-life spirit will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and colleagues as well as the students, past and present, whose lives he enriched with his passion and curiosity.
Beloved husband of Melissa McGrinder, devoted father of Hanalei Frengos, Loving son of Bill and Peggy Frengos. Loyal son-in-law of Patricia and Patrick (deceased). Thoughtful brother of Tricia Maxwell (Drew Maxwell), and Tom Frengos (Mariko Frengos). Authentic uncle to Stephanie Maxwell (Jordan) and Cassie Maxwell (Shane). Entertaining Brother-in-law of Patrick "Morris" (Patti), Monica (Sil), Steve, Mark (Jessica), Marcy (Doug), and nieces and nephews Nicole, Nathan, Megan, Joel, Jacob, Mia, and Lulu. Best friend of River and Everest (loyal pups).
A dedicated and inspiring English teacher for over 30 years (20-plus years at Cameron Heights), George understood people on a level that made them feel heard and valued. He was an insightful and rebellious spirit, a non-conformist, endlessly curious, a determined and persistent advocate of the underdog, and philosophically engaged in life and all of its questions. George truly embraced the spirit of aloha - "the essence of being: love, peace, compassion, and a mutual understanding of respect." He lived in harmony with the people around him with generosity, empathy, kindness, and grace. Smart and articulate, George was infinitely interesting, and always interested. He loved his family intensely, was a genuine and loyal friend, and compelled his students to discover the best version of themselves. He unapologetically lived large every day and believed in disrupting the status quo with his "work is dumb" philosophy. He was moved by his daughter's courage and resilience, music, art, literature, travel, adventure, and the power of the human spirit. He was endlessly proud of his Lake Huron cottage and adored River and Everest more than life itself. He loved exploring Vermont, Hawaii, Detroit, Boston et al, enjoyed a well-crafted beer, and was the magnetic force that brought people together. He is a self-proclaimed "Aloha Generator" and the impact of his loss will reverberate throughout this community.
George's family will receive relatives and friends from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm on Friday, January 5th, 2024 at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467. A funeral will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, January 6th, 2024 in the funeral home chapel. Reception to follow immediately at the funeral home. Interment at Parkview Cemetery after the reception (Waterloo, ON).
If you are unable to attend George's funeral in person his family has invited you to view his service online on the funeral home website at https://www.henrywalser.com/live-streaming on Saturday, January 6th, 2024 at 10:30 am.
As expressions of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home).
Visit www.henrywalser.com
It is with profound sadness that we share news of the sudden passing of George Frengos on December 26, 2023, at home, after a wonderful Christmas with loved ones. His kindness, compassion, and larger-than-life spirit will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and colleagues as well as the students, past and present, whose lives he enriched with his passion and curiosity.
Beloved husband of Melissa McGrinder, devoted father of Hanalei Frengos, Loving son of Bill and Peggy Frengos. Loyal son-in-law of Patricia and Patrick (deceased). Thoughtful brother of Tricia Maxwell (Drew Maxwell), and Tom Frengos (Mariko Frengos). Authentic uncle to Stephanie Maxwell (Jordan) and Cassie Maxwell (Shane). Entertaining Brother-in-law of Patrick "Morris" (Patti), Monica (Sil), Steve, Mark (Jessica), Marcy (Doug), and nieces and nephews Nicole, Nathan, Megan, Joel, Jacob, Mia, and Lulu. Best friend of River and Everest (loyal pups).
A dedicated and inspiring English teacher for over 30 years (20-plus years at Cameron Heights), George understood people on a level that made them feel heard and valued. He was an insightful and rebellious spirit, a non-conformist, endlessly curious, a determined and persistent advocate of the underdog, and philosophically engaged in life and all of its questions. George truly embraced the spirit of aloha - "the essence of being: love, peace, compassion, and a mutual understanding of respect." He lived in harmony with the people around him with generosity, empathy, kindness, and grace. Smart and articulate, George was infinitely interesting, and always interested. He loved his family intensely, was a genuine and loyal friend, and compelled his students to discover the best version of themselves. He unapologetically lived large every day and believed in disrupting the status quo with his "work is dumb" philosophy. He was moved by his daughter's courage and resilience, music, art, literature, travel, adventure, and the power of the human spirit. He was endlessly proud of his Lake Huron cottage and adored River and Everest more than life itself. He loved exploring Vermont, Hawaii, Detroit, Boston et al, enjoyed a well-crafted beer, and was the magnetic force that brought people together. He is a self-proclaimed "Aloha Generator" and the impact of his loss will reverberate throughout this community.
George's family will receive relatives and friends from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm on Friday, January 5th, 2024 at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467. A funeral will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, January 6th, 2024 in the funeral home chapel. Reception to follow immediately at the funeral home. Interment at Parkview Cemetery after the reception (Waterloo, ON).
If you are unable to attend George's funeral in person his family has invited you to view his service online on the funeral home website at https://www.henrywalser.com/live-streaming on Saturday, January 6th, 2024 at 10:30 am.
As expressions of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home).
Visit www.henrywalser.com