George Hryshchuk Jr. | 1965-2019
George Hryshchuk Jr., 53 suddenly passed away on Saturday, February 2, 2019. He will be terribly missed by family, friends and the industry he served as a longtime member of the Advanced Ultrasound Electronics (AUE) team.
In 2001, George became AUE’s first employee where he assisted his brother, John, to grow the company to what it is today. He was a firm believer in outstanding customer service and he had a unique ability to motivate others to meet his own high standards no matter how difficult a challenge might be.
“George was the first employee hired by Advanced Ultrasound Electronics, shortly after John founded the company in 2001,” said AUE Director of Service and International Operations Jim Carr. “He was responsible for building much of the foundation the company stands on today. His knowledge of the industry, his incredible memory for part numbers, and his knowledge about compatibility of parts were a huge asset for AUE. He helped train many technicians, logistics folks, salespeople and the people that are developing the AUE model at AUE Ltd. in the UK. His passion for customer service was a shining example for all of us, which we will carry for the rest of our lives!”
“I will always remember the way George would light up a room,” Carr added. “He had a huge, warm smile that came easily because he was happy almost all the time. It could make a person meeting him for the first time feel like he was a lifelong friend. And it was sincere, because George would literally give a stranger the shirt off his back if asked. He could get frustrated at times, especially if we didn’t live up to his high standards for customer service. Even when he was urging you on with something like helping a customer solve a seemingly impossible technical challenge, he did it in a supportive way, usually imitating a line from one of the many movies he had memorized. I still hear him saying, ‘C’mon, Jim. You can do it! You ‘da man!’ ”
In his many years with AUE, George became a friendly face at industry trade shows where he represented the company. His positive outlook and friendly words were among the characteristics for which he was best known.
“I had the pleasure of knowing and working with George for as long as I can remember. What really stood out was the way he smiled and always had a positive outlook on life. He always had a fantastic life experience to share, and I always looked forward to seeing him. He was truly one of a kind and the industry will sorely miss his kind and gentle spirit. Rest in peace George,” MD Publishing Founder and President John Krieg said.
MD Publishing Vice President Kristin Leavoy remembers seeing George at several conferences and industry events.
“George was a fixture at the MD Expo. He had been representing AUE at conferences since the company was founded, and you could always count on him for a smile and a kind word. He’d usually throw in a funny story about his shenanigans back home in Oklahoma which always made for a good laugh as well,” she said. “He will be sorely missed by the TechNation family.”
His interactions within the industry were just one way that George continued to grow professionally. The interactions were also an avenue he used to share his knowledge with others.
“One of the ways he gained knowledge of the ‘real world of imaging technicians’ was his membership and support of many HTM organizations. And, using that knowledge and experience, George helped many others in this industry. We are astounded and grateful for all the emails, texts and phone calls we have received at AUE from people telling us how much George meant to them in their lives and careers,” Carr said.
People from throughout the industry were quick to share their thoughts and memories on a LinkedIn memorial page as well as on a Tribute Page created by Moore Funeral Home.
“The last time George and I spoke at one of our trade shows, I told him he looked great. He said he was doing the best he could and his girlfriend was telling him he needed new clothes. We had a wonderful time and laughed and told stories. I always looked forward to talking to him. He loved his work, family and loved doing what we all do – taking care of patients with the products and services in the health care industry,” wrote Michele Shahbandeh of Integrity Biomedical Services.
“George you are a one of a kind soul and I feel truly blessed to have known you. Gone far, far too young … you will be missed so much,” wrote Kimberly Rowland from Tri-Imaging Solutions.
Janice Courtois, CBET, at Mayo Clinic wrote, “Very sad news. I would search out George at the many vendor fairs over the years. He was a knowledgeable resource in the ultrasound modality, and he had a great sense of humor!”
April Lebo from Trisonics Inc. echoed what many wrote and thought upon hearing of George’s passing.
“George was an amazing man and will be sorely missed! The industry will not be the same without him,” Lebo wrote on LinkedIn.
“So sorry for your loss John and Hryshchuk family. George always made us laugh. He had the softest heart and was always a pleasure to talk to. He will be missed. May his legacy and spirit always be alive at AUE,” SONO Ultrasound Wipes President and CEO Arman Semerjian shared.
Daniel Pierce, MV ultrasound trainer at Philips Healthcare, was another who referenced George’s kindness and caring nature.
“George was an amazing person with a warm kind heart. Always a big smile and time to talk. He genuinely cared about people. I miss him and am thankful I knew him,” Pierce wrote.
Robert J. Steele, director of service solutions at Agiliti, wrote, “Our industry is sadder and a little smaller today. Condolences to the entire AUE team and George’s family and friends.”
A memorial service was held February 7, 2019 at Moore’s Southlawn Chapel in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in George’s memory to John 3:16 Mission, 575 North 39th West Ave, Tulsa, OK 74127; or Coffee Bunker, 6365 E. 41st, Tulsa, OK 74135; or www.semperfifund.org.
