KINGSTON, Ontario (BRAIN) — The Canadian bicycle industry lost a pioneer of the import and mass-market sales sector with the passing of George Milo on Sept. 1.
Milo's family members said he will be remembered by all those who knew him as a man of endless energy and enthusiasm, with a love for entertaining and elaborate dinner toasts.
Milo started his career in retail as a buyer and an early pioneer of sourcing and product development in Japan and Taiwan in the late 1960s. Milo later moved into a career in manufacturing and direct import, first with Canada Cycle and Motor Co. and then as the founder of Pride International in 1990. He eventually brought his two sons, Steve and Mike, into Pride, which became the family business.
"The thing about my dad is that anyone who came into contact with him never forgot him. Ever," said Mike Milo, co-founder of Canadian bicycle importer and distributor SMS Product Design. "That engaging personality just stuck with you."
Mike Milo said his father would be widely remembered and deeply missed, industry-wide, particularly his ability to come up with memorable catch phrases — many of which will live on with those who worked with him for years to come.
A memorial of George Milo's life was held in his hometown of Kingston, Ontario, on Sept. 7. Donations are being accepted under his name to Kids Help Phone and the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Network (PAIL).
