George Vari leaves behind a legacy

Brittany Goldfield-Rodrigues
Editorial Intern
George Vari, the benefactor and namesake of York University’s Vari Hall, passed away on Dec. 9 of natural causes at the age of 87.
The Hungarian-born Vari, who left his country of birth to come to Canada in 1957, is remembered as an outstanding economist and charitable humanitarian who steadfastly supported various academic institutions with generous donations.
Even before he received an honorary degree in 1992 from York University, he and wife Helen Vari were extensively involved in supporting postsecondary institutions.
Aside from working with several charity groups, the couple also created and funded the George and Helen Vari Foundation Entrance Awards for York’s environmental studies students.
The couple also supported other post-secondary institutions, funding scholarships to Victoria University and the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. Ryerson University renamed one of their campus buildings the George Vari Centre for Computing and Engineering following a donation from the couple.
George Vari was also a renowned engineer with extensive experience in construction. He attained global recognition for international projects including work on pavilions in Montre?al’s Expo ’67, as well as the Tour Montparnasse in Paris, a project for which he was awarded the Order of Canada for showcasing Canadian expertise and contributing to Canada’s identity in the international community.
Following his passing, a table adorned with candles and flowers were set up in front of the plaque in Vari Hall Dec. 17, which bears his image and recognizes him and his wife as significant benefactors.
With files from the Toronto Star