- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
GEORGE RANO
Born: Apr 22, 1939
Date of Passing: Jan 26, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGEORGE RANO
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George Rano on January 26, 2026 at the age of 86 after complications of a stroke.
He is survived by his loving wife, Helen; his daughter Jacqueline, and his daughters, Debbie and Anita from his first marriage; along with four grandchildren and many close extended family members.
Born in Budapest, Hungary on April 22, 1939, George lived a long and meaningful life marked by dedication to his family, his work, and his friends. He immigrated to Canada on January 1, 1957, arriving in Halifax and was always proud that he chose Winnipeg as his long-term home. George was a skilled tool and die maker by trade and founded his company Advance Paper Box, in 1970. He ran a successful business for over 30 years, earning respect as an extraordinary businessman in the custom packaging and printing industries, until he retired at age 65 after selling Advance. He took great pride in the success of his company, which manufactured all the pizza boxes in Western Canada and served many dedicated local customers, including Jeanne's Cake Boxes and Santa Lucia Pizza. During his years running Advance Paper Box, George met the love of his life, Helen, and together they shared 44 wonderful years.
George had an incredible and full life. In his younger years, he was a world-class water polo player and represented Canada at the Pan Am games in 1967. He maintained lifelong friendships with his teammates, reflecting his remarkable ability to connect with people and maintain deep and lasting friendships. George served as best man in so many weddings that even he lost count. He was a proud Shriner and member of the Winnipeg Motor Patrol Unit for many years. Again, sharing many deep friendships and colorful memories with this group.
George enjoyed a long and fulfilling retirement. For over 20 years, he spent winters as a snowbird in Palm Springs. Days were filled with golfing, daily walks, entertaining, and Happy hour "good stuff" with his buddies Jerry, Dave, Brian, Pincy and Cam. Again, even more lasting friendships. His winter happy place was in California, although in summer you could always find George fishing out at Lake of the Woods. If you were lucky enough to know where his "superhole" was, you would find him there, trolling for walleye. His lifelong friend Gary (Bunzy) and him bought their personal paradise of Duffy's Island in 1981, and the legacy of Duffy's Island will continue to be treasured for generations to come.
A world traveller, George embarked on many incredible trips, but his most treasured was celebrating his 80th birthday in Mexico with his entire family - a reflection of the deep pride he had in his family. George was an exceptional husband, devoted father, and extraordinary grandpa, taking his granddaughters on weekly outings. His youngest granddaughter, Hamilton Georgia, now 2, brought him immense joy and comfort during his final months.
A true gentleman with remarkable class and unmistakable presence, George left a lasting impression through both his larger-than-life personality and his quick, witty sense of humour. He was the kind of man who could command a room and make it laugh in the same moment. His lasting presence will never be forgotten. He will be remembered always and dearly missed.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the healthcare staff who cared for George at the Health Sciences Centre Emergency Department, Acute Stroke Rehab, GD5 Unit, and Unit 7 at the Seven Oaks General Hospital.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 31, 2026
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
-
Oh grandpa… this is one of my biggest heart breaks! You were there for all my milestones and biggest accomplishments and now i will only get to live with the memory of you! you brought me one my biggest gifts, my wonderful loving momma (debbie) you walked and lived many lives so i could be here one day! 22 years with you will never be enough but one day see you on the other side! rest so peacefully my star in the sky love always ur jenna❤️ - Posted by: Jenna Scanlan (granddaughter) on: Feb 02, 2026
-
My wife karen and I have been real close buddies with George and Helen for many wonderful years. We have shared many Mexican holidays together along with some of their children and these were the best of times and will always be remembered and visited to provide the warmth George always gave you on all occasions. We broke bread and drank red in Mexico also Las Vegas on his 60th along with visits to Winnipeg and their visits to our home in Vancouver, BC. We shared lots of laughs and sometimes tears but we were always there for each other. George was kind and generous to all and he loved Helen and of course his kids and grandchildren. They will miss him as we will because he was part of our life’s journey and we thank him for letting us be part of his life. farewell old buddy you were one of the good guys Freddie & Karen Raeside🏝️ - Posted by: freddie & karen raeside (dear friends from afar for over 40 years) on: Feb 02, 2026
-
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your George. May your many memories help you through this difficult time. 🤗 - Posted by: Patricia Dansen (Former golf friend from Elmhurst) on: Feb 02, 2026
-
We met Desert Princess Country Club many years ago and enjoyed many a bbq. Fortunately I never enjoyed one of George’s Hungarian Tea, an alcoholic breakfast beverage 😂 We played golf together and remember our trips out to Oak Quarry. Rest in Peace - Posted by: M and M (Friend) on: Feb 02, 2026
-
The best uncle I ever had, so many good memories I will miss you ,love Errol. aka Susie.. - Posted by: Errol bochow (Nephew) on: Jan 31, 2026
-
Thank you, George, for bringing such an incredible daughter into the world. I first met Jacqueline (JQ) shortly after I moved across the bay in North K, and from the beginning, George made me feel welcome. I have many fond memories, but the most meaningful is how George showed up for me … and for Davy … after my own dad died. The care and steadiness he offered during that time mattered more than he ever knew. Seeing him with Davy on a pizza night at the Rano home brought joy to both of them, and healed my grief a little more. I will always remember him in the next room, on the computer during sleepovers, and how sad I was when they moved. Then again, I also moved around the same time. Their new home, though, was always a place of calm, warmth, and celebration … a reflection of George’s hard work and values. The last time I saw him, hugging him and seeing the pride on his face looking at “his girls” all grown up… as Jacqueline and I followed our dreams as doctors, will remain a core memory. George will always hold a place in my heart, and he will be deeply missed. - Posted by: Lyra (Jacqueline’s friend) on: Jan 31, 2026
-
Condolences Helen and family! One of my favourite hugs to hang out with in Palm Springs! Really missing him here! - Posted by: dave onufrechuk (Friend) on: Jan 31, 2026
-
My sincere condolences to Helen and the entire family, as this man, George touched so many lives, including my family. I've known George for about 25 years, first meeting him at a poolside bar in Playa de Carmen to which he started the conversation and 15 minutes later he found 2 others and we played crib that afternoon. He always had a smile and story to go along with the topic of the hour. George was the "Big Fish", the story was so incredible but so true. Saving a drowning person, hunting, fishing, swimming, and so much more. You touched so many lives in so many ways and you had a huge impact on my life as well. Rest well George, see you on the other side. - Posted by: Lawrence Yakielashek (Friend) on: Jan 31, 2026