George was the youngest of four children born to the late George, Sr. and Irene (Miller) Olix in Hornell on July 14, 1930. He attended the Hornell City Schools and married the late Carolyn (Beyea) Olix on July 25, 1949 at the St. Ann's Parish in Hornell. George and Carolyn were married for 65 years before her passing in 2015. George and Carolyn were both life long Hornell-area residents. In his younger years, George was a communicant of St. Ann's Church.
In his early working career he worked in the Freight House for the Erie Railroad and then became a master welder and pipe-fitter working three different jobs when he was first married to support his growing family. George was employed by National Cylinder, Stroebel's Welding, Foster & Wheeler, Frank Lill & Sons and was a member of Local 13 Boiler and Pipe Fitters Union. In 1975, he founded Olix Welding on North Main Street Extension. George's skills as an expert metal fabricator and boiler installer can be seen on many of the wrought iron railings in the Hornell area, and his work as an industrial boiler systems installer can be seen across NYS. Later, with his wife Carolyn, he expanded the welding business to include Steuben Mechanical Contracting. George, with the help of his wife, sons and sons-in-law, designed and manufactured "Olix Air-Flo" wood and coal stoves starting in 1978. Even though he ceased production of his successful line of wood and coal stoves in 1990, many of these fine stoves are still in use all over the Northeast.
Before George retired, he enjoyed attending his children's sporting events, boating, water skiing, snowmobiling, hunting, camping, traveling in a small RV, working on his house and lawn, golfing and tinkering in his garage. He was a true road warrior who was always ready to drive anywhere on a moments notice and passed that trait down to his children.
George also had the "gift of gab" as his wife Carolyn described his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. He loved to talk with people about a wide range of topics and wasn't shy about letting his opinion being known.
George had a soft spot in his heart for animals, especially several dogs he had during his life as well as a few cats that he adored. He also helped his daughter care for three horses on a daily basis for eight years. Most recently, he had three daily canine visitors who will miss him and the hot dog treats he always kept on hand for them.
George is survived by his eight children; Debra Dockstader, Steven (Lois) Olix, Danny Olix, Thomas (Laura) Olix, Dawn (Bryan) Dodge, Christopher (Tammy) Olix, Tedd (Julie) Olix and Susan Olix-Anderson. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Walter F. (Dorothy); his sisters, Virginia Olix and Cecelia (Gene) Morrison; his nephew, Walter F. Olix; and his son-in-law, John A. Anderson.
The family of George Olix would like to thank Dr. Nasar Chaudry for not only being George's doctor, but for also being a friend for many years, the Arkport Village Cafe for making him feel welcome every day for breakfast over the past few years and also his friends at the Arkport American Legion who also looked out for him. Their kindness did not go unnoticed by George or his family.
To send a remembrance to the family or to light a candle in George's memory, please visit www.brownandpowersfunralhomes.com. The family is being assisted by Gerald R. Brown, Director.
The family will be present to receive friends on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home, 354 Canisteo Street, Hornell, N.Y. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday at 2 pm at St. Ann's Church. Burial will be in Hornell Rural Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be sent to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.
