George Reznik
July 23, 2016
GEORGE REZNIK
On Saturday, July 23, 2016 George Reznik, aged 86 of Winnipeg, Manitoba, passed away peacefully at Victoria General Hospital surrounded by his loving wife, Carol, beloved son, George, and special niece, Cathy. George was a wonderful husband to his wife, Carol, of over fifty years of marriage as well as a loving father to his daughter, Lisa Ann who predeceased him, son, George and daughter in law, Auriana, in addition to being grandfather to three precious grandchildren, Gabrielle, Julius and Oliver. George also leaves nieces, nephews, and numerous friends who loved him dearly. Born on November 25, 1929 in Winnipeg, George was classically trained as a pianist at a young age through the Bornoff School and Royal Conservatory of Music. However, George’s first and lasting passion was jazz which he played professionally in Winnipeg starting at the age of 16 for over five decades at multiple venues including the Royal Alex Hotel, Town and Country Club, Rancho Don Carlos Club, Northstar Inn and Hotel Fort Garry. At the age of 61, an age which most people retire, George started a weekly Saturday jazz session at the Pemby Hotel with his trio of Bob “Moose” Jackson on bass and Bill McMahon on drums which included numerous musical guests until his retirement over 21 years later at the age of 82. A Canadian treasure with an impressively rich and diverse musical past, “Rez” has shared the stage with many famous entertainers including Louis Armstrong, Barbara Streisand, Lenny Breau, Dave Young and Herb Ellis. George was a recipient of the CanWest Global Jazz Achievement Award in recognition for his outstanding contribution to jazz for over 50 years. Most musicians and jazz lovers who know George Reznik would concede that the unlikely pairing of humbleness and impressive talent have earned him a permanent place in the history of Manitoba jazz as a piano player. George celebrated, mentored and inspired countless musicians. He loved all people equally and generously no matter where they came from or who they were. He touched everyone who crossed his path with his true sense of joy, compassion and humor. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 29, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. in St. John Brebeuf Roman Catholic Church, 1707 John Brebeuf Place, Winnipeg, MB with Rev. Fr. Mark Tarrant presiding. A special thanks to the friends and caring staff at both the Simkin Centre, and the Victoria Hospital, especially nurses Edith and Tanya, who all provided exceptional care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of George may be made to a charity of your choice. Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematorium, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com