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Grigori 'George' Hrischenko Richmond Hill, ON Canada QCWA # 13460 Chapter 73 |
We are saddened to announce that on Tuesday, January 26th, George Hrischenko (Grigori Hrischinko) died, just shy of turning 89. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Cathy Hrischenko (nee Wren) and by his son, Robert Bruce. Survived by his 5 children Cathi (Ed) Kosciejew, Barb (Joe) Suffesick, Eric (Kelly) Hrischenko, Dorothy (Allyn) Hrischenko-Terry and Alan Hrischenko (Alice). Proud grandpa of Robby, Toby, Danielle (Matt Fredson), Holleigh, Dean, Sunny and Ronnie. And even prouder great-grandpa to 7 wild little ones! He is survived by his brother Harry (Nancy) Hrischenko and predeceased by his brother Jim Hrischenko. George and Cathy married in 1952, went on to raise their house full of children and to follow their dreams together. They moved from Windsor with their young family, to Toronto where George was a professor at Toronto's Seneca College for many years where he built lifelong friendships with both his colleagues and his students. Upon retirement and after their kids were grown, George and Cathy built their dream home on their large country property where they loved hosting gatherings with family and music filled parties with friends. George continued to work on his passion of electronics and in communications as a HAM radio operator. As VE3DGX, George made many contributions as an operator. His most notable mention, was for his role with the team sent to Easter Island in 1964. There, he set up the communications for the researchers to have access in case of emergency and to also provide them a way to communicate with their own families during the months-long expedition. This was ground-breaking as it was the first time in history that the islands had any communications to the outside world. George lived near family in Hamilton for the last few years of his life in the final home he bought himself. He kept his independence and enjoyed outings with his family and laughing at the antics of his youngest descendants.
He enjoyed his final months in the company of his daughter and son-in-law who moved back to Canada recently. He passed peacefully, with them by his side. VE3DGX, now a silent key.