Even a quiet gesture can have a significant impact. Such a quality describes in good measure the late George Evoy and the generous college bursary that has recently been established in his name.
The George Evoy Memorial Bursary, established by the Evoy family, is granted to a full-time student enrolled in the second or third year of the Conestoga Mechanical Engineering Technology – Design and Analysis program.
Among other criteria including a demonstration of financial need, eligible students must be goal-oriented and have good academic performance while showing a commitment to hard work and perseverance.
Evoy, a gracious husband, father, and grandfather saw early the value of continued higher education to which the Evoy memorial bursary is a testament. While working at Chrysler in Windsor, he attended the Chrysler Institute of Engineering during evenings.
"He believed in the value of hard work as the foundation for success. His generosity and willingness to help others was underscored by his modesty and his privacy," commented daughter Karie Evoy.
The entrepreneurial spirit caught hold of him early and with a partner in 1963 they started their own business, Depco Metal Products Ltd. in Toronto, an automotive parts manufacturer. Then, in 1967, the partners expanded their business by adding an appliance parts manufacturing company in Cambridge, Kromet Handles Ltd.
Through their efforts and those of his team, both enterprises flourished with manufacturing facilities in Canada and the United States as well as outside sales and engineering offices.
Even in a retirement that included a passionate interest in antique cars, Evoy was dedicated to the businesses he created and the people who worked there. He frequently visited the office until the companies were sold in 2005. He enjoyed walking through the plant and chatting with people, said Karie Evoy.
"My father would be most proud to know that Conestoga College students are being assisted in achieving their educational goals with this bursary. He would also hope that in the future they will use their skills to improve the quality of their family’s life and that of the community."