George Anthony deMunnik

deMunnik, George Anthony (Gerardus Antonius), March 7, 1942 - May 21, 2025

George passed away on May 21, 2025, surrounded by those who cared so much for him. George was born in Slagharen, Netherlands to Jan and Everdina deMunnik. He was the third of 9 children. He came to Canada in 1952 with his parents and siblings, docking in Halifax, receiving a “new” Canadian name and then moving to Matchedash township outside of Coldwater. There he began school in English, having only spoken Dutch. The family later moved to Orillia where George met and married Margaret Duncan and had 2 girls, Carol and Nancy. They bought a home and raised their family in Warminster where George also volunteered for the Medonte Fire Department, suiting up and running down the road to the station in full gear when the alarm would sound, once even carrying a freshly made bologna sandwich. Having never had the chance to finish high school; George completed his GED and subsequently attended Ryerson for certifications in water treatment. He worked for the City of Orillia for two decades and retired in 2002. George loved the warm outdoors and spent winters with his partner Carole Birtley (predeceased) in Fort Myers, Florida. After Carole passed, his dementia became more pronounced, and he was unable to live on his own. After several years living with his daughter Carol and son in law Ron, he moved to Spencer House in Orillia for higher care needs. He was treated with dignity, respect and love there until he passed from chronic dementia.

George is survived by his children Carol deMunnik and her partner Ron Lantz, and daughter Nancy Andrews and her partner Ken MacDonald, as well as their mother Margaret deMunnik. He is predeceased by his parents, siblings Alice, John, Wijnand and Herman, and leaves behind siblings Tom, Mary, Wim and Dorothy. He had 4 grandchildren who made him very proud: Trevor and Lianna Lantz, and Alison and Erin Andrews. George also will be missed by his furry companion and walking partner Bella the Beagle.

The family would like to thank the staff at Spencer House for the exceptional care George received over his years residing there. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.

A celebration of life will be held at Mundell Funeral home, 79 West St. N., Orillia on June 1st from 1-4 pm.