George Michael Anthony Antoniak

Age 72, of Halifax, Nova Scotia, passed away in Halifax, on September 20, 2023. George was born to first gen eration Polish and Ukrain ian, Canadian Immigrants, and Holocaust survivors, Nina (Nee Pudlak) and Michael An thony An toniak on December 6 1950 in Woodstock, On tario. George was the youngest of three children; Raymond, Robert (Bud) and George. Spending the earlier years of his life living on Prince Edward Island, George was forever a student of learn ing and life. He was educated in Philosophy at the University of Prince Edward Island. As well as self taught on a multitude of subjects especially Music. While still living on Prince Edward Island, George found his soul mate in Jane Breimer. Their love blossomed and they were married on December 27, 1976. They moved to Halifax, and began their life together but the fruits of their love didn’t end there as they bore three beautiful children together: Tanja, Michael, and Kristin. As a family, George and Jane loved travelling for family gatherings, whether it was to see George's family or Jane's and their many cherished nieces and nephews and grandchildren. George took a deep pleasure in making people laugh, kids especially. Sadly, Jane passed un expectedly on July 29,1990 and the family would forever be lovelorn in her absence. Even though Jane was George’s Soul mate, the love he had found first in life was music. George was a prolific guitar player. Humbly proud of his selftrained skill with the guitar and referred to by many as “one of the best players I’ve ever known.” His talent with the guitar can not be overstated. George’s skills en abled him to travel the world and play with many bands such as Lougarou, Storm, Ram, Ought to Be, The Min glewood Band, and Barbara-Mae and the Nashville Renegades. He was an in-demand session player and is con sidered a legend among East Coast guitarists. George has performed with artists Matt Min glewood, Raylene Rankin, Gene MacLellan, Sam Moon and Laura Smith to name a few. He also became a sought after song-writer, writing for such artists as Lisa MacDougall, John Chiasson and Laura Smith. George received a 2007 ECMA award for his musical con - tributions to East Coast Musicians. His soul spoke in music and the people who knew George, whether briefly or for many years, were able to share in the joy that music brought to him. As George was brought home to spirit on the four year an niversary of his son Michael’s passing, the family feels comforted by the thought that Michael must have come to relieve him of any suffering and to help him on his path to reunite with his loved ones who are awaiting him. George is survived by his eldest daughter, Tanja (Glenn) and his youngest daughter, Kristin (Ryan); and grandchildren, Theo and Miles (who always made him smile and brought him such joy). George was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Raymond; his wife, Jane; and his son, Michael. George’s family will be hosting a funeral service on Mon day, October 2, at 4 p.m. The service will be held at 2535 Robie Street, All Nations Church in Halifax (at the corner of Robie and Charles Street). There will also be a reception at the church following the service, all are welcome. If you are un able to attend but would like to witness the service, All Nations Church website will be streaming it. In lieu of flowers, please share a memory of George with the family or support them in settling George’s estate through the Go-Fund Me link which has been set up for them and which will also help to support the cost of services being held in celebration of George’s life. The family wishes to express deep gratitude to all who have reached out to share their memories of George and their con dolences on his passing and, who have been of help and support to the family in any way