George passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on August 29, 2023, at age 76. He leaves his beloved and devoted wife of 50 years, Louise (nee Lapping), and his five children: Tanya (Scott), Andrea, Stephanie (Ivica), Michelle (Rui), and Jonathan. Grandpa will be missed by his five grandchildren who brought him so much joy, Sophia, Michael, Antonio “Tony”, Emilia, and Vienna.
George cherished his family; his children and grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he considered them his biggest accomplishment.
George was the youngest of his siblings and will be fondly remembered and missed by his brother, Nicholas (Ellen), his sister, Susan (late Paul), and his many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. George is predeceased by his parents, Michael and Alexandra (nee Deek), and siblings, David, Fawzi and Margaret.
George was born in Acre, Palestine on May 27, 1947. In April 1948, the family moved as refugees to Beirut, Lebanon. On August 22, 1959, the family travelled by boat from Beirut to Montreal where his eldest sibling, Nicholas, met the family and moved the family to Elliot Lake on August 24, 1959. George met Louise in Elliot Lake when the yards of their homes backed onto each other, eventually falling in love during the Summer of 1969.
George attended the University of Western Ontario and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree and then a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the Ivey School of Business. After they married in August 1973, George and Louise started their careers together in Toronto, where George worked at his first job in finance at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. Despite the opportunity to continue his career in Toronto, George and Louise returned to Elliot Lake in 1975, so that George could work with his brother Fawzi and open a General Motors dealership together, aptly named, Farkouh Chevrolet.
In 1986, George and Louise purchased Algoma Chrysler Inc., eventually growing the business to three locations of Algoma Chrysler and Rainbow Country Chrysler. George enjoyed success as the Dealer Principal for over 36 years, until he retired in 2022. George always credited the success of his business to the staff at his dealerships, who he thought of as his extended family. George loved going to the dealerships every day to socialize with his customers and his team until his retirement in 2022.
In 1986 George ran successfully for Councillor of Elliot Lake and was then elected Mayor in 1988, he was the Mayor of Elliot Lake from 1988 until 2006. George always believed in the community of Elliot Lake, he considered it his adopted hometown and wanted generations of families to enjoy the many offerings of Elliot Lake, the city he loved, where he met Louise and raised his family.
George was an active member of the Elliot Lake Masonic Lodge and served as a member of many boards, including St. Joseph’s General Hospital, Elliot Lake Retirement Living, and Laurentian University. George was also an active member of the Elliot Lake Tennis Club and Stoneridge Golf Course, where he enjoyed not only the sport but the time to socialize with his many friends.
George loved his family more than anything, and he took great pride in the accomplishments of his five children. George’s beloved wife, Louise, never wavered in her love, support and care for George, and it was George’s greatest gift spending over 50 years together.
George had a great love of life, even after his cancer diagnosis, George was determined to live life to the fullest and fought a very brave battle until the very end. George had an impact on everyone who met him, and he will be dearly missed.
The family is grateful for the care provided to George by his healthcare providers, caregivers, and his dear friends, who cared for George and supported the family. In memory of George, donations to the St. Joseph’s Foundation (Oncology Renovation Unit) of Elliot Lake or the Northern Cancer Foundation would be gratefully appreciated by the family.
Family and friends will be received for visitation at the Elliot Lake Funeral Chapel, 36 Ontario Avenue, on Friday, September 8, 2023, from 3 to 6 p.m. The celebration of George’s Life will be held at St. Peter the Apostle Anglican Church, 13 Roman Avenue, on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 1 p.m. Interment to follow at Woodlands Cemetery for a private burial.