George Edward Bemi passed away peacefully the evening of May 22, 2023 at the age of 96, with his loving wife Kerstin holding his hand. He could not have asked for a better passing. George will be greatly missed by Kerstin and the rest of his family including son Gary (Carol), daughter Laurie (Gary Towsley), daughter-in-law Jan, five grandchildren Mike, Chris, Erin, Kayle (Logan) and Travis; great-grandson Alex, and his newest great-grandson Nolan. George is predeceased by his son Jim in 2012 and his former wife Shirley Bemi (nee Booth) in 2016.
George grew up in Winnipeg Manitoba, the son of Louisa and George Bemi, brother to Joyce, Bob and Shirley (deceased). In April 1944, at the age of 17, George left home to join the Navy. After the war, George attended the University of Manitoba, graduating as an Architect in 1951. In 1952 he was transferred to Ottawa with CMHC, where he began a long and illustrious architectural career, designing scores of buildings in the Ottawa region. Notable works include the main branch of the Ottawa Public Library, the downtown ‘Y’, the Ottawa Police headquarters, the original Ottawa Congress Centre and St. Basil Catholic Church. In 2000 he was honoured to be elected as a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. He was also a past President of the Ottawa Laurentian Club.
As an avid skier, George vacationed every winter for over 30 years in St. Anton, Austria, where he first met his wife Kerstin. His passion though was for golf. He was one of the longest standing members of the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club having been an active member for over 60 years, and winning several cups throughout the years.
Please come and join us for a Celebration of Life on Saturday June 10, 2:00-5:00pm, at the Ottawa Hunt Club (One Hunt Club Road, Ottawa). A private funeral service will be held at another time.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the wonderful staff at the Perley Health nursing home for George’s excellent care over the last three years. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to the Perley Health would be appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Fred Dickinson
Jill Bemi
I was so saddened to hear of the passing of my Uncle George. I always loved when you all would come to Winnipeg to visit. We always had so much fun and great conversations. I will miss him very much.
Brad Harborne
A wonderful man & a great Uncle who will dearly be missed. Loved the times we had the privilege of his company. Love you Uncle George.
David Harborne
He will be greatly missed. Love you Uncle George. Sympathies to the whole family.
Daryl Meyers
I just heard about Uncle George’s passing. I am sending sincere condolences to the rest of the family.
Jim Durrell
George was an amazing man . Extremely talented and interested and involved in so many things . Always fun to talk to ; George lead a great life and we shall all miss him .
Anita Ljungberg
Our sincerest condolences. We wish you peace, comfort and lots of love at this time of sorrow. We are with you Kerstin and family this day when you are taken farwell of your loved George.
Love and hugs from Anita, Börje and family
Cathy and Richard Carter
Remembering the fun times we had in St. Anton. Condolences to Kerstin and the family. Rest in Peace George
Ralph and Anita Abrames
George will be greatly missed by us and his many friends around the world. But we will carry in our hearts the many memories we have of all the good times and all the laughs we shared throughout the years. Our condolences to Kerstin and the whole Bemi family.
Leslie ( nee Langford) & Neil Bow
Thinking of you Kerstin and family. So many wonderful memories of times spent together growing up. I will always remember George's wonderful laugh and the sparkle in his eyes.
great guy, very generous.