George Blanis, better known as, "The Barber" served the city of Prince George for more than 55 years. Cutting hair since the year he set foot on Canadian soil.

By Veronica Beltran

George "The Barber" leaves legacy behind

Prince George institution, George “The Barber” leaves legacy behind

Aug 19, 2019 | 12:33 PM

PRINCE GEORGE–George Blanis, or more commonly known as George, “The Barber,” an institution to the city of Prince George has passed away at the age of 81.

The Prince George legend was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer several weeks ago and died over the weekend.

Blanis moved to Prince George in 1962, from Greece with the dream of opening up his own barber shop one day. “Before he immigrated to Canada he actually was a barber with his dad back in Greece,” said Dean Blanis, “The Barber’s” son. However Blanis’ plan wasn’t to always stay in Canada, he had planned on going back to his home country, Greece. But things quickly changed as he met his wife and began a family in Prince George.

“The Barber” began working at the railway and cut hair on the side, but didn’t fully leave his railway job until 1964, when he opened up his barber shop inside of the old Simon Fraser Hotel, most recently known as, the Days Inn. That spot would become his home for more than 50 years before having to leave it and move to it’s current location on 5th Ave and Dominion.

George Blanis, better known as, “The Barber” served the city of Prince George for more than 55 years. Cutting hair since the year he set foot on Canadian soil.

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Dean Blanis says his father was dedicated and passionate about his customers and his work, mentioning that “a lot of people didn’t know his last name, but as soon as you mentioned George “The Barber” they knew it.”

Ron Polillo, a long-time friend of Blanis’, first met “The Barber” during a job interview for the local radio stations, 99.3 The Drive and 101.3 The River. Polillo says that Blanis had customers from all over Prince George and surrounding areas drop by his shop to get their hair cut, or their beards shaved. Of course Blanis had to deliver on his nickname, and he did by offering an authentic barbering experience to his customers. He offered things such as hot shaves in which, a towel, brush and blade are used shave off male facial hair. “He always had this idea that he wanted to make it the best barber shop ever,” said Polillo.

Polillo had been a customer of Blanis’ for more than 25 years,” I always joked that I’ve known George so long that he actually looked after me when I had hair,” said Polillo.

“He connected with people, he connected with everybody…it was like home,” according to Polillo going to see “The Barber” wasn’t like stepping into a Chatters to get your hair cut, “he cared about people, to me that was the difference. He genuinely cared about people, and he connected with people, and that’s why he grew to this legendary status.”

Blanis ran for city council in the late 80’s and Polillo says he wasn’t “far off from being successful,” and even helped found the Greek Orthodox church. Blanis’ son says that one quality’s he will always remember of his father is how he would always put family first. George “The Barber’s” legacy will continue on as a new owner has taken responsibility of the shop.

George Blanis’ funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 11 AM at the Greek Orthodox Church.