Josh Retek was born in 1937 in Budapest, Hungary and at age 19 he fled to Vienna clandestinely crossing the border during the Hungarian rebellion brutally drowned in blood by the Russians.

 Obtained a visa, six months later landed with a flight of luck in Gander in Newfoundland have with them or without money or luggage!

Fortunately, the University of Montreal in those days offered hospitality to refugees, but there was the additional problem of the language that Josh did not speak fluently.

After painstakingly found a job as accountant, George remained to night school where he learned the bridge.

George was married to Mari, an other bridge player, in 1971 and had a son.

Passionately to the game, it Retek perfected knowledge in Montreal until you come to occupy the position of treasurer in the League of Montreal.

His career in the world of bridge led him to become Director ACBL in 1979 and ten years later to be elected to the WBF  Committee of Honor.