Obituary of George Strike

George Louis Strike George L. Strike, age 82, passed away on Saturday, October 20, 2012 after a brief battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Susan; their two sons, Christian and Jonathan (Tiffany); his son, Anthony (Kathryn); grandchildren Anthony Jr. (Stephani), Samuel, Sloan, Henry, Margaret, and Hugh; and a great-grandson, Benjamin. Preceding him in death are his parents, Louis and Christina; his brothers Nicholas and John; and his sister Kay. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Dr. Lucas Politis, his sister-in-law, Sylvia Wood Strike, as well as numerous loving family members and others who have been touched during his life. One of George's defining qualities was the ability to value every person. He leaves a legacy of faith, community involvement and service, devotion to family, productive living, respect for all people, and appreciation of the joys of life. George was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he graduated from the University of Utah, served as 1st Lt. in the U.S. Army Reserve, and worked at Ajax Presses before moving to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1962. An accomplished business owner and entrepreneur, George was Chairman of the Board of Advance Textile Systems, Martin Franchises, the Hess & Eisenhardt Manufacturing Company, American Laundry Machinery, and Peoples Bank & Trust (Denver, Colorado.) He was also a longtime limited partner in the Cincinnati Reds. George was a distinguished member of his church, and designated as an Archon, Order of St. Andrew, the highest layperson recognition of the Greek Orthodox Church. He believed in service to the community, and served as Chairman of UC Health of Greater Cincinnati, the University of Cincinnati Board of Trustees, the Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati, the University of Cincinnati Hospital Board, and the Cincinnati Council on World Affairs. He also served on numerous other non-profit boards, both locally and nationally. In 2012 he received the President's Award for Excellence from the University of Cincinnati, was honored with a Lifetime "Health Care Hero" Achievement Award, and was announced as a 2012 Order of the Black Blazer Inductee, the University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics' top honor. He has received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Cincinnati, the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Utah, and the Emeritus Alumni Association Merit of Honor Award from the University of Utah Alumni Association. His other numerous awards and distinctions include the Annual Honoree Award from the Drake Center and the Chairman's Award from the University of Cincinnati Foundation for distinguished leadership at the University. Funeral services will be held at Holy Trinity St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 7000 Winton Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45224 on Thursday, October 25, at 12p.m. There will be a reception for family and friends immediately following the services at the Queen City Club. Internment will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 27. Memorial contributions may be made to UC Health of Greater Cincinnati, the University of Cincinnati Dept. of Athletics, or a charity of donor's choice.