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
Monica Adjeleian
Sarah Gelbard
My condolences to George's friends and family. I worked with George a dozen or so years ago when he donated his drawings and files to the Carleton University Archives. I had the privilege of hearing so many great stories and about his love for architecture and Ottawa.
Dale Marshall
I’m so sorry to learn of George’s passing. We enjoyed spending time with him, especially at Red Pine. My heart goes out to the family.
Lovely man. Sorry for your loss Kerstin.