George Francis Bielmeier
elevated EqcJ9 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of George Francis Bielmeier on September 01, 2023.
elevated EqcJ9 Born on April 14, 1947 in Toronto, George embarked on a lifelong journey of study, academic teaching and community involvement.
elevated EqcJ9 George was a dedicated professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, School of Social Work for 35 years. He inspired countless students with his wisdom, dedication, guidance and compassion. In recognition of his commitment to his students, George was named Professor of the year in 1988, the first alumni to receive this honour. Shortly after a scholarship award was established in his honour, “The George Bielmeier Award”. As well as teaching George took on administrative responsibilities and became a director of the school. In 2010 George was granted Emeritus status.
elevated EqcJ9 George championed a number of social justice initiatives, notably the founding of the former Toronto Counselling Centre for Lesbians and Gays . It was the first such service in the 1980’ s.
elevated EqcJ9 Upon retirement George moved to Hamilton and fulfilled his dream of renovating a century home. The stunningly beautiful home was only enhanced by his creation in the garden. So outstanding is his garden that he was awarded Gardener of the Year twice. Though George was only in Hamilton for 7 years, he left an indelible mark on the community. His friends and neighbours in Hamilton will miss the engaging conversations they had with George as he worked in his garden and his sharing of the fruits of his labour.
elevated EqcJ9 George’s strong commitment and support to his family will always be treasured. It wasn’t just the good times, but even more importantly the difficult times when we needed someone to guide us that he was there. George was predeceased by his brother Joesph on January 22, 2023, his nephew Michael on March 01, 2021 , and his dearest friend Jose Pimentel on April,1991 He will be deeply missed by his sisters Elizabeth, Helen , Barbara and his sister in law Elaine as well as his nephews Robert, Damian, Chris, David , Joey and niece Jennifer and his dog Byron.
elevated EqcJ9 His friends are a testament to who George is. They have all been so very supportive at this difficult time by visiting George in hospital and giving of their valuable time to tend his home and garden. For all your kindness thank you.
elevated EqcJ9 From the bottom of our hearts to the depths of our soul George, we love you.
elevated EqcJ9 “In one of the stars I shall be living. In one of them I shall be laughing. And so it will be as if all the stars were laughing, when you look at the sky at night…You – only you – will have stars that can laugh.
elevated EqcJ9 From the book ‘The Little Prince’ by Antoine De Saint-Exupery.
elevated EqcJ9 Rest In Peace George.
elevated EqcJ9 Cremation has taken place and the family is having a private interment at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.
elevated EqcJ9
George will also be sadly missed by his relatives in Germany. George had a very special relationship with this part of the extended family. He often visited Germany, most recently on his own in 2011, and again one year later, accompanied by his brother Joseph and his family.
I was able to visit George twice and stay with him, both in Toronto and Hamilton. I am forever grateful to him for his hospitality, the wonderful time and fun we had together. Thanks, George – and at the same time it’s so sad. I would have been so happy to meet you again, but our plans were destroyed. So all I have left is your voice in my head when we phoned for the last time, a few days before you passed away. You spoke your farewell words in German – it made me shiver and I will never forget them.
With love from Germany – Cousin Klaus
My condolences to the extended Bielmeier family.
George and I met as freshmen at Ryerson University in September, 1969. We remained in touch until he left us last September. I remember those early days fondly. George was bright, energetic, and fun to be with.
Although I was a ‘white-knuckle’ flyer, he encouraged me to join him on many exciting travels which included the Soviet Union, Mexico, Egypt, Florida, and the Caribbean.
George had a very positive influence on my life. I miss my very good friend.