Table of Contents
Navigate to another page from here by clicking on a letter. Each letter is the first letter in a person’s LAST name.
B…
Barlas, Anastasios (Tasos)
1921 – 1997
To our sadness and loss. Anastasios (Tasos) Barlas passed away, with his family at his bedside on December 21, 1997, after a courageous battle with cancer. His surviving relatives are his loving wife Angeliki and his children: Manolis. Effie, Louis and Bill.
He is graced with nine grandchildren. Manolis and his wife Patti have a daughter Angela (Angeliki) and a son Anastasios (Tasos). Effie and her husband Stavros have a daughter Kondilenia and two sons George and Anastasios (Tasos). Louis and his wife Anna have a son Anastasios (Tasos) and a daughter Angeliki. Bill and his wife Tasia have two daughters Angeliki and Alexandra.
He is survived by his sisters, Eleni and Panayiota. He was predeceased by his brothers Nicko, Yiannis and Panayioti, as well as his parents, Manolis and Efstathia.
Anastasios Barlas was born June 5, 1921, in Haradros, Greece. He served his country with pride in Greece’s Civil War between 1945 and 1949. He was married to Angeliki Tsiakalakis on April 30, 1951, celebrating a double wedding with Angeliki’s brother George. He took over his family farm consisting of three hundred olive trees and approximately ten acres of land for seeding.
Life had its share of difficulties, with all labor accomplished manually. His challenging life graced him with a compassionate heart, a strong character and lively spirit. This strong character enabled him to guide his children, from near and far, down the right path. With trust and faith in his children through the years, his family has returned him much pride and pleasure.
In hope of a better future, the family slowly immigrated to Canada between 1976 and 1983. The unification of his family in their new country meant a lot to Anastasios. He joined his children in Canada to retire but very soon realized that he wanted to be with his sons at their restaurants and continued to work very hard. His curiosity and interest kept him busy all through his life, creating and inventing.
His biggest passion was gardening, both for survival and for his free time. You could always find him nursing his fruit trees and tending to his vegetable garden; his lack of material wealth never affected him. He knew what true wealth his children and nature were. He has left us with a wealth of warm feelings and the riches inside — the greatest gifts, thank you. His nine grandchildren brought him special joy up to his last hours, he will be missed by all.
“We love you Papou”
He shared a loving and peaceful relationship with his wife that grew stronger and stronger over their 46 years together.
A Prayer Service will be held at Saskatoon Funeral Home (4th Ave. and 25th St.) at 7:00 pm Tuesday evening, December 23rd, officiated by Rev. Fr. John Nikolaou. The Funeral Service and interment will take place in his hometown of Haradros, Greece at the Prohetis Ilias Church on Saturday, December 27, 1997. The family extends a special thanks to Dr. Skarsgard for his caring and the staff at Palliative Care at St. Paul’s Hospital. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to the Canadian Cancer Society (438) 2nd Ave. N. Saskatoon, SK, S7K 2C3) would be appreciated by the family.
You’re a special father: For always seeing the best in me. For all the things you’ve helped me be. For all the thoughtful things you do.
There is no father quite like you.
Thanks Patera
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, December 23, 1997, p. 25.
Barlas (nee Rossmo), Patti-Lynn
1960 – 2003
Obituary/biography is not available.
Editorial Note: At the time of her death, Patti-Lynn was married to Manolis Barlas.
Barlas, Angeliki
1925 – 2013
It is with profound sadness and loss that we announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Angeliki Barlas, with her family at her bedside, on February 4th, 2013. Angeliki is predeceased by her spouse Anastasios Barlas who passed away in 1997. She is survived by her children Manolis (Genevieve) and his children Angeliki, Anastasios, Emily and Mac; Effie (Stavros) Arvanitis and her children Kondilenia (George), George (Rhonda) and Anastasios; Louis and his children Anastasios and Angeliki and their mother, Anna; Vasilis (Bill) [Tasia (Ann)] and his children Angeliki and Alexandra; and three great-grandchildren Angeliki, Efstathia and Nikolas. She will also be missed by numerous family and friends both in Canada and in Greece.
Angeliki was born on October 2nd, 1925, in Haradros, Arkadias, a small village in Greece. Throughout her life, she was a strong, beautiful and vibrant woman and was admired by many people. She was raised during World War II at a time of poverty and hardships, and throughout this difficult time, she was of great help and guidance for many people in her village. Angeliki acted as a nurse, caring for the sick and elderly in her town, even though she had very minimal education. She would be asked to deliver care daily, from one end of the village to the other, and she would never say no, regardless of how busy she was. Angeliki was married to Anastasios Barlas on April 30, 1951, celebrating a double wedding with her brother, George. Their love for family was of utmost importance to them and shortly after, God blessed them with four children. Raising their family in Greece and working on their farm was filled with adversities and this led their children to immigrate to Canada for a better life. Angeliki and her husband soon followed, having their minds set on moving to Canada to be with their children, and did so on March 26th, 1983. When asked about her choice to move to Canada, Angeliki responded with, “all of God’s gifts are here” – she had no regrets.
She was a caring and loving mother and grandmother, and her family always took precedence over everything. She always enjoyed sharing stories of her past, and about her life in Greece to her grandchildren. Angeliki also appreciated the outdoors, admiring others’ flowers and gardens on her frequent walks. She had a steadfast belief in her Orthodox religion and took pleasure in attending church as often as she could.
During her short illness, Angeliki looked forward to seeing her loved ones, especially her grandchildren, ensuring that they were doing well. The love she had for her family that radiated from deep within her heart will continuously thrive with every passing day. Our family would like to express our sincere gratitude to all those who provided Angeliki with compassionate care despite the language barriers: Drs. Goluboff, Meguro, Li and Gimon, and the nurses and staff at Stensrud Lodge, especially Rahel, with whom she shared a special bond. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Brain Tumour Foundation.
A Prayer Service will be held at Saskatoon Funeral Home on Thursday, February 7th at 7:00 pm, officiated by Rev. Fr. George Tolias. The funeral service will take place at Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church (1020 Dufferin Avenue) on Saturday, February 9th at 11:00 am. A funeral service and interment will take place in her hometown of Haradros, Greece at the Prophetis Ilias Church.
I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. Tha eise panta stin kardia mas, Giagia.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, February 7, 2013
Barlas, Emmanouel (Manolis)
1952 – 2022
Devoted family man, entrepreneur and pillar of the community, Emmanouel (Manolis) Anastasios Barlas leaves behind a grieving family and an eternal legacy. Manolis passed away peacefully on July 14, 2022, at the age of 70 at his home after courageously confronting an aggressive cancer. He was surrounded by loved ones who will honour his legacy by continuing to build on the foundation he left for his family.
Manolis will be lovingly remembered by his adoring wife Genevieve (Davio) Barlas; his children: Angela Barlas, Anastasios (Caitlin) Barlas, Emily Barlas and Mac (Jelena Mlinarevic) Barlas; his grandchildren: Emmanouel and Amelia; his siblings: Efstathia (Stavros) Arvanitis, Ilias (Sonya Jan) Barlas and Vasilis (Tasia) Barlas; as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Manolis was predeceased by his father, Anastasios Emmanouel Barlas, his mother, Angeliki (Tsakalakis) Barlas, and his late wife and mother of Anastasios and Angela, Patti-Lynn (Rossmo) Barlas.
Manolis was born on February 12, 1952, in the village of Haradros, Kynourias, Greece and immigrated to Saskatoon at the age of 25 in 1977. Outside of his successful career in real-estate, community involvement and of course Manos Restaurant, Manolis was a devoted husband, father, Pappou, brother and Theio. Manolis took great pride in his Greek culture, his village spirit, his gift for entertaining guests in his own home and at Manos, his elegant style, his businesses, and most of all, his marriage, and his family.
Source: Saskatoon Funeral Home
Barootes, Anastasia (Ann)
1888 – 1964
The death of Mrs. Ann Barootes, age 76 years of 1134 Spadina Cresc. East, occurred in a local hospital on November 19, 1964. The funeral service will be held on Monday, November 23 at 2:00 from the chapel of the Saskatoon Funeral Home (4th Avenue and 25th Street), conducted by Rev. S. Athanasoulas of St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church, Edmonton.
Surviving are: one daughter, Mrs. Sam Girgulis (Cleo), Saskatoon; one son, Basil, Los Angeles, California; three grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Anastasios in 1943
The late Mrs. Barootes was born in Asia Minor. Coming to Canada in 1926, she had resided in Edmonton until coming to make her home in Saskatoon 20 years ago. Interment will take place in the Greek plot in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Source: Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, November 21, 1964, p. 25.
Photo Source: Cleo Girgulis
Barootes (aka William E. Powers), Basil A.
1920 – 1984
The death of William E. Powers, age 64 years, of Los Angeles, California occurred suddenly at his home on April 9th, 1984, due to heart failure.
The Funeral Service and Farewell will be held on Saturday, April 14th at 2:00 p.m. from the Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, 1020 Dufferin Avenue with the Very Rev. John Nikolaos officiating.
A Prayer Service will be held in the Chapel of Saskatoon Funeral Home on Friday evening, April 13th, at 7:30 p.m. Memorial donations to a charity of the donor’s choice will be appreciated in lieu of flowers.
Mr. William E. Powers (formerly known as Basil A. Barootes) was born April 3rd, 1920, in the seaside town of Triglia, Asia Minor. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Anastasios Barootes who have both predeceased him. The family arrived in Canada, January 25th, 1926, as refugees and settled in Edmonton, Alberta.
Mr. Powers attended Strathcona High School and continued his education in the College of Commerce at the University of Alberta and in Saskatchewan.
When World War Two started, he joined the United States Merchant Marines and saw active service in the Atlantic. Following the war, he returned to Los Angeles where he entered the restaurant business. He was an accountant by profession.
Mr. Powers leaves to mourn: his only sister, Mrs. Cleo Girgulis and her husband Sam Girgulis, Saskatoon; also, numerous cousins, Maria Manitsis, Katina and Terpsey Afaganis, Cleo Alaoglu, Terpsey Barootes, Effie Gardener, Ted Gardener, Theo Dardener, Maria Collins, Don Barootes, Gus Barootes, Steve Barootes, Dr. Staff Barootes, Steve and Milton Pappas, wives and families; nieces, Christina and Ann Andrews and Celia Kachmarski.
Interment will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery. Funeral Service arrangements entrusted to the Saskatoon Funeral Home.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, April 12, 1984, p. 25.
Barootes, William (Vasilios)
Circa 1881 – ?
Biography/obituary is not available.
Editorial Note: William (Vasilios) Barootes was the father of Efthemios (Effie), Demosthenes (Donald), Efstathios (Staff), Constantine (Gus), Stephen, Cleo, and Terpsy Barootes. William and his brothers (Vasillis [Basil], Nicholas, Christos, and Theopani [Stephen]) operated the Patricia Confectionary and Tea Room and the Patrica Cafe in Saskatoon.
Barootes, Stephen
1927 – 2018
Stephen Barootes grew up the youngest of seven children during the Depression in Saskatoon; his family was short of everything but love and humour. Steve would recall how one winter, short on fuel and cash, the family tore up the wooden sidewalk to burn it for heat. They denied any knowledge of this when the landlord inquired. His childhood ended abruptly, however, with the death of his oldest brother Effie, 16, in a car accident. This event, along with financial struggles, precipitated the family leaving Saskatoon and heading east.
Settling in Toronto, they opened the Belmont Lunch Counter in the 1940s. Dad had a hard time balancing work at the restaurant with his education. Only through a good word from a priest in Saskatoon, was he allowed to enter St. Michael’s College, where he prospered.
By the late 1950s, three of his siblings had careers in medicine, dentistry and education and left the family business. Steve earned a degree in biochemistry from the University of Toronto, with aspirations of becoming a doctor. However, bound by family and cultural practice, he felt he had no choice but continue to support the family business. Giving up his dream was one of his lifelong regrets.
Dad met his wife Mary Lou – his great love and rival wit – in university. Their marriage produced four beloved children – Nancy, Louise, Joan, and Theo.
He opened Fifth Avenue Restaurant at Bloor and Yonge with his brother Don, and endeared himself to patrons by quoting Shakespeare, song lyrics and much more thanks to his photographic memory. Some nights, you might see the Toronto Maple Leafs and their dates at the horseshoe-shaped bar, while well-dressed patrons dined in the booths. One afternoon, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton came in. Even Greta Garbo showed up for a discreet lunch.
In the late sixties, Steve opened Dooley’s Irish Dining Parlour but, in its second year, he learned the Royal Bank was buying up neighbouring properties to build an office tower. Facing the loss of his investment, he fought back. The battle played out like David against Goliath. When it came time to close the deal, the bank’s lawyer inquired, “Steve, how would you like the money?”
“Like Minnie the Moocher got hers. You know, the old Cab Calloway classic?” he asked, then sang: “She had a million dollars in nickels and dimes, and she sat around and counted it a million times.”
In late 1987, Mary Lou died suddenly. Steve’s heart was broken. He didn’t want to open his next restaurant without her but was determined to leave his kids a legacy. He built Barootes and QUOTES Bar and Grill in the King Street West property he’d held onto for years, now the heart of the city’s entertainment district. Both restaurants thrived, but when the building was sold in 2012, it was the end of the Barooteses’ run of almost 100 years in the restaurant business in Canada.
My sisters, brother and I will miss his bons mots over a Tim Hortons coffee and a Boston cream doughnut.
Source: Louise Brown (Stephen’s daughter), Globe and Mail, December 17, 2018.
Barootes, Efstathios (Staff)
1915 – 2016
A compassionate doctor, a fierce political debater with a razor-sharp wit and a devoted family man.
These are words family, friends and colleagues use to describe Senator Efstathios William (Staff) Barootes, who died Sunday in Regina.
He was 81.
“He was probably the most passionate, intelligent man I had ever met,” said Leader-Post editor-in-chief Bob Hughes, whose wife Barbara is Dr. Barootes’ daughter. “He was also one of the few people I’ve met who was just as comfortable talking to the average person as he was with a prime minister.”
Hughes said Dr. Barootes’ health had been failing in recent months.
Born to Greek parents William and Anastasia Barootes on Nov. 15, 1918, in Winnipeg, Dr. Barootes spent his school years in Saskatoon. After graduating with his B.A. in science from the University of Saskatchewan in 1940, he decided to pursue a medical degree from the University of Toronto.
Upon graduation in 1943, Dr. Barootes enlisted with the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps. He was soon sent overseas to serve as the Regimental Medical Officer with the Toronto Scottish Regiment in Europe. Often, Barootes worked along the front lines with injured soldiers.
“Some of the sights were just terrible,” Barootes recalled in a 1994 interview with The Regina Sun. “In Antwerp, the day after the theatre was bombed, I looked in and there were probably 600 people just looking like they were frozen. They were all just sitting there. Dead.”
Following the war, Dr. Barootes returned to Toronto to do his postgraduate work in urology. It was at this time that he married Betty Lorraine Stewart. “He always claimed his greatest accomplishment was meeting and convincing Betty to become his wife and mother of his children,” said daughter Brenda Barootes on behalf of the family. “It’s the gospel truth.”
In 1951, Dr. Barootes moved to Regina where he began a long and successful career as a urological surgeon. Until his retirement in 1978, Dr. Barootes was very involved in the medical community throughout Canada.
“In the early 1960s, Dr. Barootes was an outspoken critic of the government’s new Medicare plan. He and many other doctors felt they should have the right to directly bill their patients, rather than simply being employees of the government.
The discontent grew until July 1, 1962, when the doctors of the province withdrew their services. The strike lasted 23 days and finally ended when the government included a clause in the Medical Care Insurance Act that allowed for direct billing by doctors.
During the following year, Dr. Barootes was president of the Saskatchewan Medical Association. In 1964, he went on to be president of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan. From 1966 until 1978, he was also very involved in the upper echelons of the Canadian Medical Association.
“His honesty and integrity were unquestioned,” said Dr. Paul Good, a Regina urologist who worked with Barootes for many years. “He was always on the patient’s side.”
Although officially retired from medicine in 1978, Dr. Barootes did not simply fade from public view. In fact, he began what could be considered a second professional career.
Long a supporter of the Progressive Conservatives, after his retirement Dr. Barootes became quite active at the provincial and federal levels of the party. He served as Vice- President for Saskatchewan of the Progressive Conservative Association of Canada.
Dr. Barootes sat on various committees and boards at the local and provincial level. He was a member of the Board of Governors at the University of Regina, a member of the council for the Canada West Foundation, director of the Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club and a member of the Executive Committee for Ipsco, Inc. among many things.
In 1983, the government of Grant Devine appointed Dr. Barootes chairman of the Saskatchewan Mining Development Project. A year later, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney named Dr. Barootes to the Senate. While there, he did not shrink from hard work and controversy. He helped to implement the GST and push through the original Free Trade Agreement with the United States. He was also a vocal supporter of the Charlottetown Accord, often appearing at public forums to argue for acceptance of the accord.
Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Nate Nurgitz, who served in the Senate with Dr. Barootes, said he’ll remember his close friend’s biting wit and his breadth of knowledge on numerous topics. “He was a very conservative Conservative,” Nurgitz said. “He spoke his mind and he spoke it well.” Nurgitz said he recalled several fierce debates between Dr. Barootes and Liberal Senator Davey Steuart. “Yet there was a degree of civility about him,” Nurgitz said. “It didn’t matter how tough the debate was, when it was over it was over. Friendships were friendships.”
In 1993, Dr. Barootes retired from the Senate after nine years. Among the many honours that have been bestowed on Dr. Barootes was the Medal of Service from the Canadian Medical Association.
In 1994, the country of Greece named Dr. Barootes a Commander of the Order of Phoenix, the highest civilian award in that country. He was recognized for maintaining Greek culture, heritage and traditions while making worthy contributions as a Canadian citizen.
Dr. Barootes is survived by wife Betty and five children: Barrie (Toronto), Bryan (Lake Charles, La.), Brenda (Calgary), Brent (Calgary), and Barbara Hughes (Regina). He also leaves five grandchildren, two brothers and two sisters.
A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral Friday at 1030a.m.
Source: Regina Leader-Post, August 1, 2000, p. 3.
Tribute to Staff Barootes: Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ)
Dr. Efstathios (Staff) Barootes, a politically savvy Saskatchewan urologist who served as deputy president of the CMA before being appointed to the Canadian Senate in 1984, died in Regina July 30, 2000. He was 81.
There are many stories about Staff Barootes, and he told some of the best ones himself. In 1985 he told CMAJ about the sometimes tortuous path his postsecondary education had taken. In 1940 he was informed by the University of Saskatchewan that he could not receive his BA because he had not paid his bills. ”Then one day I got a phone call from the dean’s office. ’Your arrears have been paid, they told me. ’You can be present on graduation day.’ ”
The mysterious Good Samaritan turned out to be the president of Canada Packers, who had heard from one of his managers that the kid who used to wait on tables in a Regina restaurant couldn’t finish his studies because his family was broke.
”Now wouldn’t that make you think pretty well of the entrepreneurial capitalist system?” said Dr. Barootes. That experience may also help explain his longtime connection with the Tory party in Saskatchewan.
Dr. Barootes, who received his medical degree from the University of [Toronto] in 1943, spent the last 2 years of WW II as medical officer with the Toronto Scottish Regiment. His connection with organized medicine began shortly after the war, and he became president of the Saskatchewan Medical Association in 1962, the year the province introduced medicare. He helped lead the fight against the new system, opposition that culminated in a 23-day doctors’ strike.
His service to the CMA, which included a 6-year stint as treasurer, was highlighted in 1976 by his appointment as deputy president of the CMA; he served as deputy to Dr. Barry O’Donnell of Ireland. Five years later he was awarded the CMA’s Medal of Service because of contributions that ”often set the CMA on its proper course and because his interventions on behalf of doctors at all levels, both civil and political, have been of great value over many years.”
Dr. Barootes retired from active practice in 1979 and immediately devoted his attention to politics. He helped the Tories form the government in Saskatchewan in 1979, and 5 years later he was appointed to the Senate by then Prime Minister Brian Mulroney; he served until 1993.
A Regina Leader-Post editorial remembered him this way: ”Barootes left much behind to mark his passage through life, but perhaps he should best be remembered for never giving less than his best to anything in which he was involved.”
He is survived by his wife, Betty, and children Dr. Bryan, Barbara, Barrie, Brenda, and Brent.
Source: Canadian Medical Association Journal, 2000 Sep19; 163(6): 795 and 2000 Nov 28; 163(11): 1427.
Barootes, Demonsthenes (Donald) William
1917 – 2005
Demonstethenes (Donald) Barootes died peacefully on December 5, 2005, in his 88th year. Husband to the devoted loving Kay and the late Audrey, Don will be sorely missed by son Bill and his wife Karen, and granddaughters Brooke and Hailey, as well as son Bob, his wife Siobhan and grandsons Evan, Corey, and Drew. Don leaves behind sister Cleo, brother Steve and sisters-in-law Betty and Ann. He was predeceased by sister Terpsy and brothers Staff, Gus, and Effie. Don will be fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews.
Don leaves behind a legacy of honour and dignity. A special thanks goes to the nursing and support staff, residents, and volunteers at The Westbury for their compassionate care and prayers. As per Don’s request, a private celebration of his life has already taken place. If you wish, a donation to The Westbury Long Term Care Facility, 495 The West Mall, Etobicoke M9C 5R8 in Don’s name would be appreciated.
Source: Humphrey Funeral Home
Barootes, Constantine (“Gus”) William
Circa 1919 – 1986
Editorial Note: Constantine was the son of William Barootes who operated the New Patricia Cafe in Saskatoon. Constantine died on November 27, 1986, in Toronto, Ontario. He is buried at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto.
Barootes, Terpsetha (Terpsy)
1916 – 2005
Terpsetha (Terpsy) passed away Saturday, February 26, 2005. She was the beloved and devoted sister of: Cleo, Don, Staff, Gus, Effie, and Steve. She will be sorely missed by loving friends and many nieces and nephews. A family service will be held at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, 222 Burbank Drive, on Thursday March 3rd, at 11 o’clock. Interment will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
Source: Humphrey Funeral Home
Barootes, Efthemios (Effie) William
1921* – 1937
Boy Scouts of the 15th Troop (Westminster Church) formed a guard of honor this afternoon at the funeral of Effie Barootes, 12-year-old member of the group, who died last Wednesday from injuries received when cycling on May 2. The boy was struck by an automobile.
****
The funeral service for Effie Barootes, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Barootes, 228 Eighth Street, was held on Saturday in the chapel of the Saskatoon Funeral Home. The Rev. A. Cudryk officiated, and members of the Westminster Boy Scout Troop were in attendance. Pallbearers were Jim Black, N. Storey, Jim Smith, and Irwin Hoidas. Burial was made in Woodlawn Cemetery.
*Birth year as recorded on monument at Woodlawn Cemetery, Saskatoon.
Source: Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, May 15, 1937, p, 3.
Bezbes, Peter Alex
1935 – 2014
On Sunday November 23, 2014, Peter A. Bezbes, at the age of 79, passed away peacefully in the Palliative Care Unit at St. Paul’s Hospital with his beloved wife Tina and close family and friends at his side. Peter is survived by his wife of 46 years Konstandina (Tina); his sisters Athanasia Kotopouli of Greece, Ioanna (Jean Loubardeas) of Saskatoon and Kalomoira (Mary) Couros of Humboldt; and numerous nieces, nephews and their families in Canada and Greece.
Peter was born April 30, 1935, in the town of Kastri, Arkadia, Greece. He immigrated to Saskatoon in 1957 for a better life in Canada. He worked in the restaurant industry at several different restaurants in Saskatoon and will be most remembered for operating Peter’s Place Restaurant with his late brother-in-law, Athanasios (Tom) Karas. He was very proud of his personally designed menu creations, with traditional meals, and new selections that were appreciated by all his clients.
An instrumental founding member of the establishment of the Greek Orthodox Community is Saskatoon, Peter was very involved in all aspects of the community, especially assisting and helping in all the needs of the Greek Orthodox Church and congregation. He was heavily involved with Folkfest and volunteered many long hours.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to the medical staff at the Royal University Hospital and exceptional thanks to the nurses at St. Paul’s Palliative Care Unit for the loving compassionate care they gave Peter. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Cancer Clinic (20 Campus Drive, S7N 4H4) for research purposes only, or to St. Paul’s Palliative Care (1702 20th Street West, S7M 0Z9). A Prayer Vigil will take place at the Saskatoon Funeral Home on Tuesday November 25th at 7:30 pm. The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday November 26th at 1:00 pm at Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church (1020 Dufferin Ave) in Saskatoon, followed by interment at Woodlawn Cemetery (Greek Section). Both services will be officiated by Rev. Father George Tolias. Arrangements have been entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home.
A Tribute to Peter Alex Bezbes
Photo Source: Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, October 31, 1981, p. 5.
“If you do it right, you can make a dollar in the restaurant business. If you don’t you can lose your shirt”.
Since Peter Bezbes of Peter’s Place on Circle Drive left Greece in 1957 to come to Saskatoon, most of his waking hours have been spent working in the restaurant trade. But his career did not start in management.
His first job here was washing dishes for $92.50 a month in a small 20th Street restaurant owned by a cousin. Within a few months, he was playing the roles of cook and janitor, but was still washing dishes.
“I was doing 2 1/2 jobs, so I asked for a $2.50 raise to round it off to $95 a month. When I didn’t get it, I gave eight days notice, but they fired me in three days.”
Bezbes worked at several other restaurants in the city — the old Golf’s Restaurant on Second Avenue (“I learned a lot of fancy dishes there”), the Diana Grill across the street and later Pinnochio’s on Broadway Avenue (Saskatoon’s first pizza place).
With about $9,000 in savings and borrowed money, he and a partner eventually went to Calgary and opened their own restaurant, a venture which proved unsuccessful. Packing up their equipment, they came back to Saskatoon and opened the Rendevous on the site now occupied by the Capri Executive Motor Hotel.
Bezbes remained there for about 10 years and several changes in partners. After leaving the business for a couple of years, he opened the Circle Drive outlet.
It has been a successful venture, having been expanded to 99 seats, about twice the original size.
Bezbes, who shares Peter’s Place with partner Tom Karras, says experience, hard work, and personal attention are essential to a successful enterprise. Good food, reasonable prices, fast service and a friendly atmosphere bring back customers, but an owner’s touch is needed to achieve these goals.
“You can’t hire managers — you’ve got to be there yourself to make sure its done right. The business has to be part of you.” Only the owners can ensure that no complaint goes unresolved, he explains. “An unhappy customer won’t come back, and that’s money out of my pocket. Here, if a customer doesn’t like his steak, he gets another one or gets his money back. Then he’ll come back and bring a new customer too.”
Peter shares the same problem as most service industries — staffing. Finding qualified employees is a constant problem. The restaurant employs about 25 full-time staff, and keeping positions filled calls for almost year-round advertising, Bezbes says. “A good cook or waitress (who can get up to $50 per night in tips) can make as much moneuy as anyone.” Bezbes says, “but nobody wants to work weekends”.
Now that the restaurant is well-established, Bezbes said inflation and high interest rates are not major problems. Neither does he expect the tight money situation to drive customers from his door.
“We’ve got an unlimited menu — everything from soup and sandwhiches to steak and lobster. If the guy with $20 doesn’t come in, I’ll get the guy with $2. It makes things complicated for me, but we’ll survive.”
With one business well-established, Bezbes is expanding his financial interests beyond the restaurant trade. Profits from Peter’s Place are being directed into a commercial development on Idylwyld Drive, “and once we have that paid off, maybe I’ll take it a little easier.”
However, as long as he has an interest in the restaurant, he will play a personal role in its operation. “As long as I’m in the business, I’m going to do it right or not at all.”
Bezbes is one of many Greek-Canadians involved in Saskatoon’s restaurant business. He attributes this to the fact that the first Greeks coming to the city were involved in restaurants — as more followed they tended to get jobs in the Greek-owned establishments, and many stayed in the field.
Ownership of a business is the goal for many Greeks, Bezbes says. “We’re independent. We’d rather be chiefs than Indians.”
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, October 31, 1981, p. 5.
Bezbes, Peter George
1930 – 2012
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather(papou). Dad passed away on March 27, 2012. He is survived by Anna, his loving wife of 49 years; their three children Maria (Larry) Kowalchuk, Margareta (Markos) Baikas, Georgia (Bruce) Boechler and seven grandchildren, Alexander, Arianna, Adam, Anna, Nikolas, Gregory, and Michael. Also surviving are his sister Tresso (Henry) Karahalios, brother Spiro Bezbes, numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Dad was born in Kastri, Greece and immigrated to Canada in 1951. With hard work and perseverance, he owned and operated several successful restaurants – The Barry Hotel Restaurant, The Suburban Restaurant and Bezbes Family Restaurant in Saskatoon. Peter gave back to his community with his involvement in service clubs such as The Order of AHEPA and The Kiwanis Club. After his retirement in 1993, dad enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, keeping up with world events, and tending to his garden, especially his apple trees. His home was always a welcome place to those who knew him, and he will be missed by his extended family and many friends.
The prayer service will be held at Acadia McKague’s Funeral Centre on Sunday, April 1, 2012, at 7:00 pm. The Funeral Service will take place on Monday, April 2, 2012, at 2:00 pm at Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, 1020 Dufferin Ave., Saskatoon, with Reverend Father Michael Michael officiating. Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery will follow the Funeral Service.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at RUH, MD Ambulance and Saskatoon Fire and Protective Services, as well as Father Michael who helped us with his spiritual guidance.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Canadian Diabetes Association or The Heart and Stroke Foundation. Arrangements have been entrusted to Acadia McKague’s Funeral Centre.
Source: Dignity Memorial
Boulis, Mary
1911 – 2003
We regretfully announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Mary Boulis on November 30, 2003. Mary was born in the Melfort area on February 7, 1911, to Mary and Nicolas Stasiuk, the eldest girl in a family of 15 children. She leaves to mourn her passing, her daughter, Cathleen Matlock and her husband, Paul; her precious grandchildren, Neil Matlock (Rita), Keith Matlock (Monica Goulet) (Josh and Sasha), Craig Matlock and his partner, Shelly Eckmire and her children, Logan and David and Craig’s children, Kristen and Kyle and the children’s mother, Lisa Matlock, Nancy Young and her partner, Scott Witt and her children, Nicole, Kevin and Mitchell and the children’s father, Gord Young. She also leaves to mourn two sisters, Alexandria Toffan of Edmonton, AB, Georgina Legge (Murray) of Surrey, BC; and one brother, Nick Stasiuk (Vivian) of Lloydminster, AB; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her loving husband, James Boulis Jimmy on February 22, 1972; seven brothers, Mike, Steve, Theodore, Victor, Paul, Adam, and Wilfred; and four sisters, Kaye, Maude, Lillian and Sophie. A sad time came to mum when she lost her eyesight to Macular Degeneration in the fall of 2002 and suffered a stroke in August of 2003 which she never recovered from.
She was involved in the restaurant business for many years working at numerous restaurants, the Arcade Cafe, Shasta Cafe, KG Hotel, Foxy’s, to name a few, and while managing Gramma’s Restaurant in the North Park area was a Gramma to many young people in this area. She also employed young people who became her lifelong friends.
Her gardens were legend both vegetable and flowers. She gave away much of her abundant vegetable harvest each fall. She commented early in the fall of 2003 that it was the first time since she moved to Saskatoon (50 years ago) that she didn’t have a garden to look after.
She looked forward to Christmas festivities, Thanksgiving, family dinners, barbecues and birthdays and the party atmosphere which went along with this type of gathering and the great discussions around the big table. Her contribution of cabbage rolls and perogies were always a great hit. Mum, was always trying to keep active, took part in the activities at the Cosmo Seniors Centre, carpet bowling and other activities. Being a very social person, she always looked forward to meeting her friends. She also was an active member of St. James Anglican Church.
We will miss your guidance and unconditional love. We will love you forever. Rest in Peace. In lieu of flowers, our family would appreciate a donation to the Coronary Artery Rehabilitation Group, 2020 College Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 2B4. The Funeral Service will be held at Saskatoon Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 3, 2003, at 2:00 p.m., with Reverend Michael Stonhouse officiating.
Source: Legacy Remembers, December 2, 2003
Boulis, James
1892 – 1972
The death of James Boulis age 79 years of 725 Main Street, occurred in a local hospital on February 22nd, 1972. The funeral service will be held on Thursday. February 24th at 3:30 p.m. from the Chapel of the Saskatoon Funeral Home conducted by Archdeacon H. W. Brandrick.
Surviving are his wife Mary; one daughter, Mrs. Paul Matlock (Cathy), Saskatoon; and four grandchildren, as well as several relatives in Greece.
Mr. Boulis was born in Greece. He came to Canada in 1914 to settle at North Battleford where he became engaged in the restaurant business. He operated a candy shop and confectionary in Dauphin Manitoba for several years before coming to reside in Saskatoon in 1936. In Saskatoon, Mr. Boulis was part owner of the Arcade Cafe from 1948 to 1950 and subsequently was employed at the Commodore Cafe until his retirement in 1967. He had been a member of the Ahepa Lodge No. 9 C.J.
Interment will take place in the Greek plot in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, February 23, 1972, p. 35.
Bouzios, Louie (Elias)
1932 – 2019
Louie (Elias) Bouzios was born on December 18, 1932, in Vervena, Arkadhia, Greece. His parents were Panagiotis Bouzios and Maria Gavros.
He operated the Rite Spot Restaurant at 145 Third Avenue South in the late 1970s and early 1980s.. Specific dates of when he operated this café are not available.
Louie and his family moved (date unknown) to Montreal, Quebec. He died there on February 4, 2019. At the time of his death, he was survived by his spouse, Marika Bouzios; his daughter, Maria; son-in-law, John Orfanos; and grandchildren, Emmanuel, and Ilias.
Researched by Ken Pontikes, October 17, 2023
Source: Echovita; Ancestry.ca; Newspapers.com