Obituary of Jiri (George) Koristka

Passed away peacefully, knowing he was loved, on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at St. Mary’s Hospital, at the age of 92.

Beloved husband of the late Anne Koristka (nee McOuat); loved father of Steven (Louise) and Kathy Bousfield (Phil); loving and proud Děda to Megan (Kyle), Jenny (Gary), Alycia (Jake), Matthew, and Aimee.  Pradědeček (Great-Grandfather) to Tenley and Calvin.  Fondly remembered by his extended family in the Czech Republic.

Predeceased by his parents, Jan and Helena Koristka and his brother Jaroslav.

George was a graduate of the Czechoslovakian Air Force Academy, trained to fly aerobatics in the venerable Spitfire MK 1X.  After the Communist invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1948, he made the difficult decision to escape and leave his homeland.

George came to Canada in 1952 and settled in Montreal.  He spent most of his working life with Air Canada.  Always physically active, George was a lifetime member of Sokol, both in the Czech Republic and Canada, including being past-president of Sokol Canada and involved in the Czech and Slovak Association of Canada.

A memorial celebration of George’s life will be held in the chapel of the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Saturday, April 20 at 1:00 p.m.  Reception to follow at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the West Island Palliative Care Residence (Montreal) would be appreciated.  Condolences for the family and memorial donations may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.