Agioritis, Margarita

1912-2005

Margarita Agioritis, age 93, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on June 29, 2005. Margarita was born on the island of Santorini, Greece. She immigrated to Canada in 1962 and lived many years in Saskatoon and Regina, before moving to Calgary.

Margarita was predeceased by her husband, Evangelos. She leaves to mourn her loss seven children: George (Dina), Trifon (Kasiani), Konstantinos (Lola), Nina (Gust), Perry (Irene), Anna (Peter), and Ninos (Kathleen); 22 grandchildren; and 33 great- grandchildren.

Margarita will be lovingly remembered for her wonderful smile and good cheer to everyone. She will be dearly missed and forever loved by her family.

A Funeral Service was held in Calgary, AB on July 2, 2005. A Memorial Service will be held in Saskatoon on Sunday, August 7, 2005, 11:00 a.m. at Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, 1020 Dufferin Avenue.

Rest in peace “Big YiaYia”

Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, July 9, 2005, p. 25

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Alaoglu (née Barootes), Cleo

1915 – 2016

Cleo Alaoglu, 101, beloved Mother, Sister, Aunt, and Great Aunt died peacefully in her sleep on March 21, 2016, in Tarzana, California. She was born March 16, 1915, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She was the first-born of seven children to William and Anastasia Barootes from Triglia, Turkey.

She was raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. She graduated Saskatoon Teachers College in 1938.  Cleo taught Grades 1-7 in Sonningdale, Saskatchewan (1938-41); Grade 8 in Delisle, Saskatchewan (1941-42); Grade 6 at Forest Hill School, Toronto, Ontario (1945-47).

She married Leonidas Alaoglu, mathematician, on August 21, 1947. She raised three children in Encino, California:  Angelo William Alaoglu, Ann Alaoglu, M.D., of Washington, D.C.; and Elaine Alaoglu, Encino, California.  She is also survived by her youngest brother, Stephen Barootes, of Toronto, and numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and great grand nieces and nephews.

During the 1960s she taught and ran the Sunday School at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge, California. She returned to teaching Grade 2 at Pinecrest Schools, Granada Hills, from 1971 to 1977.  She was the founding principal at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox School from 1979 to 1984. She retired in 1984 after her husband’s death in 1981 but remained on the School Board until 2012.

Cleo was small but mighty, a bundle of energy.  She loved her students and all children.  She was a people person and a woman of faith.  She saw the good in people and overlooked their flaws.  She enjoyed helping others, entertaining, gardening, traveling, a good laugh and a good prank, dark chocolate, french fries and Johnny Walker Red Label with water. She was the major-domo and chief executive of her large Barootes/Alaoglu family, always planning what the Royal “We” should be doing next.  She was a passionate fighter as well as caring educator and friend.  Her priority was what was best for the group, whether family, friends, or community, not herself. She touched many lives in a positive way.  She had a great run until age 95 when age finally began to catch up with her.

Since the death of her son Bill in 2014, she was a resident of Marble Terrace II.  The family will be forever grateful for the loving care she received there, particularly by Elizabeth Godlewska, Grace Szczesna, and Leszek Lis, and also the wonderful care provided by Assisted Hospice Care.  The family would also like to thank her dear friends Martha Katsufrakis and Van Pappas who regularly visited with her at Marble Terrace.

Trisagion will occur on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at 7:30 pm and funeral, on Friday, March 25, 2016 at 11:00 am. Both services will be held at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 9501 Balboa Blvd., Northridge, California 91325. Makaria fwill follow interment at Oakwood Memorial Park, 22601 Lassen Street, Chatsworth, California 91311.

The family requests donations to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox School in Northridge or a charity of your choice benefiting children.

Source:  GreekObituary.com

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Alexandris , Konstantine George

1939 – 2019

Gus Alexandris arrived in Canada on his own from Greece in 1961. He worked tirelessly and helped support his family back home. He married Shirley, the love of his life, in 1984 and together they created a beautiful life.

Gus was a genuine family man through and through. His greatest pride was raising his four children and his brightest joy came from spending time with his family. He loved having everyone together, sharing in laughter. He was a great storyteller and avid gardener. Last year, he became a proud grandfather to his precious granddaughter Amara.

Gus was predeceased by his parents George and Panayiota and his sister Maria. He will be dearly missed by his wife Shirley, his sons George (Saumya and Amara), Dimitrios, and David (Christina), his daughter Larissa, his brother Alekos, his sisters Anna and Eleni, and numerous extended family members.

Source: Dignity Memorial

Editorial Comment:  Konstantine George Alexandris is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Saskatoon (Source:  Ancestry.ca).

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Andrianakos, George Harry

1905 – 1971

The death of George Harry Andrianakos, age 66 years of the Ferguson Block, Saskatoon, occurred in a local hospital on May 11, 1971. The funeral service will be held on Friday, May 14th at 1:30 p.m. from the Chapel of Saskatoon Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. V. Stamas.

Surviving is his wife Genevieve; three daughters: Mrs. Laurie (Lillian) Rupert, Mrs. Anthony (Joanne) Smith and Miss Evanthia Andrianakos, all of Calgary; four grandchildren; a brother Sofianos in Greece; four sisters, Mrs. Stamo Anagnostakos and Mrs. Georgia Georgoulis both living in Greece, and Mrs. Helen Petropoulos and Mrs. Anastasia Chrones both of Calgary.

Mr. Andrianakos was born in Greece and came to Saskatoon in 1930. He had lived in Victoria, Banff, and Calgary prior to returning to Saskatoon 6 years ago. He had been employed as a chef at the Elite Cafe in Saskatoon. Interment will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery. 

Source: Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, May 12, 1971, p. 38.

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Anton, Andreen

1889 – 1919

Andreen Anton was born in Greece in 1889. He served in the Greek army during the Balkan War. He suffered from a disability which he attained during his military service and was honourably discharged.

He came to Canada in 1917. He settled first in Moose Jaw and later in Saskatoon. Andreen listed his profession as a candy-maker. While in Saskatoon, he worked at the Royal Confectionary (owned by Gus Golf) and the Elite Café (owned by Sam Serif).

Andreen was accidentally killed in a duck-hunting accident north of Prince Albert in September 1919. He was the first person of Greek decent to be buried in Woodlawn Cemetery. His funeral was conducted by Rev. Daniel Koloshiuk of the Russian Greek Orthodox Church. The Saskatoon Star-Phoenix reported the following on September 26,1919, about the funeral:

“After a brief chant at McKague’s chapel, the remains were taken by the friends of the deceased to the [Russian] church on 20th Street, [where] the chanting of the death litany, with all the ceremony of the orthodox Greek church was performed with the assistance of Antroin C. Geatros of Regina. In conclusion Anton’s friends kissed the remains as an expression of their respect. The cortege, comprising the hearse and 40 automobiles, went by way of Second Ave. to Woodlawn cemetery, [where] the body was buried during the chanting of the final rites.

Andreen Anton was the first Greek to find his last resting place in Saskatoon. This fact combined with the fact that he had many intimate friends, and was held in great esteem by all of the members of the Greek colony, being a well educated man and a war veteran, caused the entire Greek colony of Saskatoon, the leader of who is G. A. Golf, to turnout, and Prince Albert, Regina, and Moose Jaw Greek colonies were well represented. . . . “

At the time of his death, Andreen was survived by an older brother George who lived in Lethbridge.

Researched by: Ken Pontikes, May 30, 2023.
Source: Canada, Border Crossings from U.S. to Canada, 1908 – 1935, record: April 12, 1917; Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, September 22, 1919, p 3 and September 26, 1919, p. 3.

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Antonopoulos (nee Kotsakis), Afroditi

Circa 1923 – 2003

Mrs. Afroditi Antonopoulos was born in Raches, Greece on April 3, 1923, and was married to George Antonopoulos on October 26, 1947.

Afroditi immigrated to Canada with her family in 1965 where she worked in the family restaurant business until her retirement. Afroditi’s life centered around her family, relatives and many friends who all had adopted her as their “Yia Yia”. She devoted her time to seeing that the needs of others were always met, and she loved to spend time doing things for her grandchildren.

She was very proud of their accomplishments and never gave up an opportunity to attend many of their activities. She always enjoyed the company of family and friends whom she accepted and loved as her children.

Afroditi was very devoted to her faith and loved to take part in the many liturgical celebrations at her church. She also enjoyed traveling back to Greece to visit with her many relatives and friends whom he loved like her immediate family.  Afroditi will always be remembered as a loving grandmother, “Poli Agapimeni Yia Yia”, as she, indeed, was to all who had the opportunity to know her.

The family would like to express our gratitude to all our relatives and friends for all the prayers and support they offered during our mother’s illness. A special thank you is extended to Dr. Stefiuk, the health care workers and all attending doctors at both the Saskatoon City Hospital and the Royal University Hospital for the tremendous service and care they offered towards our mother. “Yia Yia” always tried to offer her support to those less fortunate than her and for that reason flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the YWCA Cluster Campaign, 510 – 25th Street East, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 4A7.

Afroditi joins in eternal peace her husband, George; sister, Dimitra; and brother, Bill. She is survived by her sister, Sikelia Bardopoulou in Greece. She is also survived by her daughter, Shirley (Alex) Liakopoulos and their children, Gregory (Kristine), Joanne (Christopher) and George; their son, Tony (Brenda) Antonopoulos and their children, George, Christopher and Aphroditi; along with numerous nephews and nieces.

Source: Park Funeral Chapel
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Antonopoulos, George

1918 – 1997

It is with great sorrow that we the family wish to formally announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and “Papou” (grandfather), Mr. George Antonopoulos.

Mr. Antonopoulos is survived by his wife Afroditi; brother Athanasios (Stavroula): children Shirley (Alex) Liakopoulos, Tony (Brenda) Antonopoulos and six grandchildren, Gregory, Joanne, George and George, Christopher and Aphroditi along with numerous nephews and nieces.

The Funeral Service and Interment took place on October 19, 1997, at St. Georgios Church in his native village, Raches, Greece and was attended by many friends and relatives.

Mr. Antonopoulos was born in Raches, Greece on March 6, 1918, and was married to Afroditi (Kotsakis) on October 26, 1947. George immigrated to Canada with his family in 1965 where he lived and worked in the restaurant business until his retirement. He always enjoyed the company of friends and relatives and took great pride in his grandchildren as he never missed a chance to attend and watch them in their many activities. He enjoyed working outside and looked forward to volunteering his time with the many projects within the Greek Community of Saskatoon. He always enjoyed travelling back to Greece to spend time with his many relatives and friends whom he loved like his immediate family.

He will always be remembered as the gentle man he was, as he treated everyone in Our community with respect and love. Like a good grandfather, he indeed was “O Kalos Papou” to all. As in the tradition in the Greek Orthodox faith, forty days after the passing of a person, special prayers will be offered as part of the mass on Sunday, November 23rd (11:00-12:00 a.m.) at Koimissis Tis Theotokou, Greek Orthodox Church at the corner of Dufferin Avenue and 8th Street. The family would like to extend an invitation to all our friends to these special prayers.

Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, November 21, 1997, p. 32.

George and Afroditi Antonopoulos are proud of their son Tony and his new bride Brenda.

Photo Source:  Tony Antonopoulos

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Arvanitis, Christos

1936 – 2021

It is with great sadness that the family of Christos Arvanitis announces his passing on Sunday, July 25, 2021, at the age of 84. Christos was born in Astros, Greece, on December 25, 1936, to Yiorgos Arvanitis and Kondilenia Pappoulias.

He served in the Greek military before immigrating to Canada in 1962. He came to Canada in search of a better life, and that he accomplished. He started as a dishwasher and worked his way from the ground up. Together with three of his brothers, they opened a number of successful businesses in Saskatoon: the Shasta restaurant, the AFOUR nightclub, and the Saskatoon Station Place restaurant.

Anyone who knew Christos would know that he was very proud to be Greek, adored good food, spoke his mind, loved his brothers, enjoyed visiting with all his friends and never missed a Greek community event that involved music and food. He could always be found in the lounge of the Station waiting for visitors to come and chat.

His nieces and nephews meant more to him than words can describe. He was very proud of their accomplishments and was sure to tell anyone who would listen all about them. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandnieces and nephews which he felt were like his own grandchildren.

Christos is survived by his brothers, John (Eleni), Dave (loanna), Dino (Matina), Stavros (Efstathia); his nieces and nephews: George (Heather), Kondilenia Lily (Douglas), Kondilenia, Falia (Kosta), Contelanea (Robert), Eleni (Jason), Yiorgos, loannis (Evaggelia), Diamandis, Kondilenia (George), George (Rhonda), Taso (Bronwyn); 27 grandnieces and nephews; 6 great- grandnieces and nephews; his godson Tasos (Tricia); and many beloved cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Vasilis; his sister-in law, Eleni, and his nephew Dimitris.

A Prayer Service will be held at Park Funeral Home, 311 Third Ave. N. at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 2, 2021. His funeral will take place in Astros, Greece, as he wanted to be buried at home. The family requires all guests attending the Prayer Service to wear masks to keep everyone in attendance safe. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Stonebridge Crossing Retirement Community and St. Paul’s Hospital for their care and compassion. 

Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, July 31, 2021, p. B10

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Arvanitis, John

1929 – 2022

John Arvanitis was born on March 12, 1929, in Astros, Greece, to Yiorgios Arvanitis and Kondilenia Pappoulias.

As a child his family endured hardships during World War II and Greece’s Civil War. He worked at a monastery as a laborer with his horse and mule, helping with the day-to-day activities. He then served in the military’s Greek Elite Commando Force.

In 1957, he moved to Canada for dreams of a better life and made that journey on the Queen Elizabeth,  landing in Halifax. Once established in Canada, his bride-to-be Eleni came to Canada in 1960. After his marriage, he worked to bring his brothers, Diamandis, Christos, and Stavros, to Canada. Pappou, as many called him, worked a few starter jobs at  the Barry Hotel, the Bessborough Hotel, and Red Robin Café.

He eventually started his own restaurant career with his brothers, purchasing the New Shasta Café.  Then in the early 70’s, he and his brothers transformed it into the A-4 Nightclub. His final legacy was the Saskatoon Station Place Restaurant that took him into retirement in his early 80’s.

He enjoyed having visitors at home, entertaining in his backyard, as well as looking forward to visits from friends and family at the restaurant. He loved his wine, storytelling, and listening. He had a kind and gentle demeanor and always had time for everyone, especially the young people, fascinating them with his stories. Although being diagnosed as a young man in his 30’s with Macular Degeneration, he went on to have a rewarding successful career.

His greatest pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. John is survived by his wife Eleni; his son George (Heather) and their children Eleni and Hanna; his daughter Kondilenia “Lily” (Doug) and their children Kristian and Thomas; his brothers Diamandis (loanna) and family, Kostadinos (Matina) and family, and Stavros (Efstathia) and family.

John was predeceased by two brothers Christos and Vasilis.

Pappou (John) passed away peacefully at his residence on February 1, 2022, with Eleni, George and Lily at his side.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CNIB, Salvation Army or Samaritan Purse in Saskatoon.

Prayers will be held on Sunday, February 6, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. from Park Funeral Home, 311-Third Avenue North, Saskatoon. The Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 7, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. from the Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, 1020 Dufferin Avenue, Saskatoon, followed by Interment at the Woodlawn Greek Cemetery.

Due to current COVID conditions, the family requests all attending John’s Services be Double Vaccinated.

A special thank you from our family to Stonebridge Crossing Retirement Community for taking care of “Commando” with exceptional care, kindness, and compassion.

Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, February 5, 2022, p. B9

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