George Kays, a man who excelled in business, sport and community work, has died.
Kays passed away peacefully Saturday at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital surrounded by his family.
He was 84.
His funeral will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Charlottetown. It was incorrectly stated in today's Guardian that the funeral would be held today.
Kays began his long run in business with a lunch counter called Northern Lunch at the corner of Chestnut Street and Queen Street in the late 1940s.
He joined his brother Paul in 1952 as a sales representative for Keefe Drug Company on Queen Street.
In 1962, the pair along with their siblings opened Kays Brothers Wholesale, also on Queen Street.
Albert Kays says his personable father was a vintage salesman, working face to face to sell goods ranging from sundries to restaurant supplies.
“He wasn’t a desk job person at all,’’ says Albert.
“He liked to go to store to store and chat with folks.’’
George retired around 2002 in his early 70s. Kays Brothers closed five years later.
He made is mark in the community.
He served as president of the Lebanese Association of P.E.I.
He was affiliated with the Charlottetown Kiwanis since 1989.
He was also very active in church.
“He was a very caring guy,’’ says Albert.
“He always had a presence in the community. He was a gentle giant.’’
George also was a talented sportsman.
His home was filled with trophies from his many 10-pin bowling triumphs.
He was a provincial snooker champion, and also curled a good game.
George is survived by his wife Georgette, and children Albert, Anne Savidant, Elizabeth Birt and Francis Kays.
