GEORGE REZNIK
November 25, 1929 - July 23, 2016
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 humour.
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
As published in
Winnipeg Free Press on July 30, 2016
Condolences & Memories (20 entries)
To the family of George I would like to
offer my condolences. I had a few
opportunities when I was younger to play
with George in Grand Forks, ND with the
Dick King Swing band and also his trio. He
was always an inspiration and gave
encouragement to younger musicians. I
loved to hear his stories about jazz. I
had always wanted to go to Winnipeg and
sit in with him. Unfortunately it never
happened. My highlight of his visits was
eating dinner with him and the trio at the
Westward Ho restaurant. I met them at
their hotel room before Dinner and they
insisted on driving the 200 feet to the
restaurant in the car with a very loud
blues playing. I walked along side the
car, feeling the bass in my chest. Very
cool! You will be missed.
- Posted by: Donald Vidal
(musician who performed with George.)
on: Oct 25, 2023
I frequented the Bar at The City Center
Hotel in the 60s . That was one of the
places to be at night. George used to
spell off Mike Lewis who was the Resident
Piano Player from The US. Both were great.
My friend Frank Falk told me he introduced
George to His wife Carol. Frank passed
that year too. Those were the days at The
CC and The T &C.
- Posted by: Edwrad Goralski
(Admirer ) on: Sep 12, 2020
To express sympathy in the loss of your
loved one and to let you know that many
thoughts are with you and your family. In
the love that surrounds you, may you find
strength. In the memories you cherish, may
you find peace. With caring thoughts Miro
Cerqueti and pharmacy staff
- Posted by: Miro Cerqueti and pharmacy
staff () on: Aug 02, 2016
Dear George & family, We are very
sorry to hear of George's passing. He was
a lovely man and I always enjoyed talking
to him at Lester Beach. He was always
cheerful; George will be missed at the
lake. Martina (Tina nee Petriuk), Dale
Hutchison Lester Beach
- Posted by: Martina & Dale
Hutchison (Friends from Lester Beach)
on: Aug 02, 2016
There are not many of us left that grew up
playing with and, or admiring Georges
great talent. Many of we musician, of the
same age, grew up and followed George and
his playing around town and at most of the
clubs he worked in. Being a musician
myself, it wasn't always possible to hear
George on a regular basis, as we were
always working at the same time, but did
get to see and hear him at after hours
clubs or on television. He being one of
the best keyboard players, if not the
best, it was one of my greatest desires or
dreams to work with him. That desire and
dream went on for fifty years. Finally
after the long wait, and when Bill, his
regular drummer at the Pemby took some
time off, and my dream and desire finally
came true. I got the opportunity to work
with George and Bob at the Pemby and
several other casual gigs with him. Only
then did I realize how great a player he
was even at that age, and how loved and
admired he was. Musicians of all ages
showed up at the Pemby, to hear him, talk
to him, and admire him. George had such a
great attitude and always had a humorous
side to him that was very individual. The
weeks I spent with him were some of the
best , if not the best musical times I
ever had. Thank God I was able to video
all those session, and the times will
always be in my memory, and after I'm gone
will be on tape. Thank you George so very
much for the opportunity to work with you
and fulfilled my musical dreams. I
realized that those few months would never
be topped. I realized that and shortly
there after I retired, feeling completely
fulfilled as far as music goes. I know it
was just a short time we worked together
but it was worth a lifetime. I will miss
you George I also send my very best to
Carol and really know how much of a loss
it is for her and to George Jr, and the
rest of his family. I know he is in a good
place and if everything works out we will
do it again. All my Love Jim
- Posted by: Jim "Stix" McEwen (Fellow
Musician and friend) on: Aug 01, 2016
George was a great player with a great
memory for music and friends. I started
going to the Pemby in 1995, every
Saturday, and followed the trio where ever
they were playing. There was not only a
great skill but a happiness to his music,
and he was one who needed to play and who
also allowed countless musicians to hone
their skills. I feel so grateful to have
been entertained by George and Moose and
Mac.
- Posted by: Brian Curtis (Friend and
Fan) on: Jul 28, 2016
George, you will be always in our hearts.
Our deepest condolences to Carol, George
and whole family. Rest in peace our back
lane captain. Srdjan
- Posted by: Family Maric (Slavica,
Srdjan and Pavle) (Neighbors and
friends) on: Jul 27, 2016
I was saddened to read of George's
passing. George was a very talented
entertainer who obviously loved what he
was doing and in turn his audiences and
fans were the winners. My condolences to
George's family and to his legions of
fans.
- Posted by: Val Bishop (acquaintance)
on: Jul 27, 2016
My condolence to family. George and his
smile always welcomed you when you arrived
at his room Winnipeg Inn Pemby COOL FM and
many happy hours. I always asked him to
play After Hours.He gave me his version ad
it changed everytime. Part of my past and
George represented Winnipegs glorious
music when fans listened and enjoyed night
music Jazz. Go in peace my friend and as
always After Hours. Lee
- Posted by: Lee Major (friend )
on: Jul 27, 2016
George, Was one of the best pianists in
Canada. I played with George all over
rural Manitoba, What a blast?? He was one
of the few players who could play a beat
up piano 1 or 1/2 a tone out. My heart
felt condolences to the whole family.
Winnipeg will surely miss a great
musician. Jazz them up in Heaven? Paul
Bayda
- Posted by: PaulBayda (accordion)
(Fellow musician) on: Jul 27, 2016
I can’t express the joy and pleasure that
I experienced listening to George and the
trio play at the Pemby. His playing was
always world class and when on a break he
was always gracious, friendly and
appreciative of those who came to see him.
I was able to visit him at the Simkin
Centre on a few occasions and he always
was in good spirits and happy to engage in
lively conversation. Now he is jamming
with Louis Armstrong and other jazz
greats. Thanks for all the great music and
rest in peace. Mayer Pawlow
- Posted by: Mayer Pawlow (Fan and
Friend) on: Jul 27, 2016
My condolences to you George and the rest
of your family.
- Posted by: Tammy Honke (Friend of
George Jr.) on: Jul 26, 2016
I first met George through my ex when we
toured the clubs around the city in the
70`s. He had a way of acknowledging his
friends when we would arrive where he was
playing. For me, he would break into the
intro of ``The Shadow of Your Smile``. He
never forgot it and even years later when
I moved back to the city I was surprised
that he remembered me. His style, his
passion for the music scene in Winnipeg,
his storytelling and his music were always
a treat to be part of. Rez was always on
point and he will be missed. I think of
him whenever I hear that song and it
always puts a smile on my face and a
memory of the person who entertained and
befriended so many people with dignity and
respect always. Rest in peace, George. My
sincere condolences to your family.
- Posted by: Monique Graboski
(Friend from back aways) on: Jul 26,
2016
I met George years ago when I was newbie
piano player in Winnipeg. He was playing
at the "top of the Inn" in the Winnipeg
Inn. I mentioned I was a player and he
offered me the piano without reservation.
I played a few of my favorite songs and
George gave me a lot of encouragement and
praise (although I'm sure I sounded like a
beginner!) George was a generous and
inclusive, kindhearted soul. He was also a
gifted pianist in the Oscar Peterson
style; able to play fast jazz lines in
unison, which is a challenging technical
skill. He could do it while having a
conversation with you! George Reznik
touched many musicians in Winnipeg with
his upbeat, unique personality. He will be
missed!
- Posted by: Brian Paul (Friend/
colleague) on: Jul 26, 2016
A friend and I visited the Pemby a few
Saturday afternoons during the seaon
George was in Wpg (Sept to May). He
provided such wonderful music, and had
other musicions to jam with him and his
trio. While in Wpg last Sept I had hoped
to visit the Pemby to hear George again.
But, it was not to be. Truly a great
entertainer.
- Posted by: Diane Turner () on: Jul
26, 2016
Carol I am so sorry to hear of your
husband's passing. He left a wonderful
legacy of music and experiences. My
thoughts are with you and your family in
the days ahead.
- Posted by: Judy Murphy () on: Jul 26,
2016
Thank you for the music.
- Posted by: Darrell Spilchuk (Fan) on:
Jul 26, 2016
I hadn't see George in the past 6 years or
so, but I am totally devastated. Even
though I know we all don't live forever,
George was someone who I felt would always
be there. He was always willing to give me
and other singers the mic and make us
sound amazing because of his amazing
keyboard talent. He gave so many their 15
minutes of fame by allowing them to share
the stage with a true professional. One of
the things I remember about George was
that while other musicians would end a
song once, George would often end it
several times! I interpreted that as
George enjoying playing so much that he
just didn't want to let go of it. George
was of the Beat generation and his
expressions reflected that. Groovy, man.
This is a very sad day for me and I can't
imagine how sad it must be for Carol,
George Jr. and the rest of George's
family. Save a spot for me, George. I'm a
few years behind you, but I'll be
there....and I'll bring my own mic. Maybe
we'll even convince a few angels to sing
backup!
- Posted by: Kenn Perkins (Friend) on:
Jul 26, 2016
George was our neighbour for the past 27
years. As a young family moving to a new
street, he and Carol were more friendly
and welcoming than we could have hoped. It
was always a good day when George was out
for a walk with his beloved pets and he'd
stop for a chat. We'd talk about music and
life and always George would regale us
with stories and jokes that kept me
laughing for days. A few times at
Bar-B-Q's we'd sit with a drink and cigar
and wax philosophically about the world
(ok...it wasn't that philosophical of a
discussion). The neighbourhood feels empty
now with you gone. Our deepest condolences
to Carol and your whole family.
- Posted by: Hope and Jim Beatty
(Neighbours) on: Jul 26, 2016
I am one of those people that has been
truly inspired by George's character and
skill. Many an hour I spent listening and
enjoying his exceptional piano playing. I
have known George since I was 16 years old
and remember how nice, patient and genuine
of a man he was. I did photography work
frequently at The North Star Inn and would
sit at the piano bar right next to george
and enjoy not only the piano playing but
some great conversation as well. I can
feel George leading the harp playing
angels into a more jazzy direction. Rest
in peace you wonderful man. Court
- Posted by: Court Brooker (Friend and
admirer.) on: Jul 26, 2016
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