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.
M…
Maletis (nee Michas), Cleo Nicki
1925 – 2009
Cleo Nicki Maletis credited her life’s remarkable achievements to the determination inherited from Greek immigrant parents, Tom and Pagoula Michas. Their positive and venturesome spirit brought them not merely to America, but as far as the rugged western provinces of Canada, where she was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
She graduated as valedictorian of the 1942 class of Kitsilano High School in Vancouver, B.C., and from the University of Washington’s class of 1946, with a major in textiles, clothing and art and a minor in business. Her college major might be dismissed as quaint home economics today, but this woman of consummate domestic skills embodied the concept of “superwoman” long before the term was coined, combining seamlessly the roles of homemaker, international celebrity, and company executive. She traveled to New York and began a career of dress design with the noted fashion house of Hattie Carnegie.
In 1947, Cleo met Portlander, Chris Maletis Jr., at a Greek community dance in Seattle. They married in Vancouver, B.C., and settled in Portland. The couple had four sons and, until 1964, she proudly called herself a full-time homemaker.
Cleo’s ascent to a kind of stardom came when she was entered by a home economist in the Mrs. America contest — not a pageant, but a challenging five-day competition of cooking, sewing and housecleaning skills first, and personality and appearance second. The daughter of immigrants won the national title and represented the “American Homemaker” proudly on tours throughout the states and Europe. While in Denmark, she was impressed by that country’s national programs for nurseries and childcare for working mothers. Her local fame coupled with a natural poise, grace and beauty brought her opportunities to represent various entities as a spokeswoman and as a frequent hostess on one of Portland’s early morning shows, KGW-TV’s “Telescope.”
In 1964, Cleo joined the family’s beer and wine business, assisting with clerical work in the Portland riverfront warehouse of Columbia Distributing Company. Founded by her father-in-law, Chris Maletis Sr., in 1934, the company was weathering the second generation’s challenges in a fiercely competitive industry.
As part of a survival strategy in 1967, Chris and Cleo started Maletis, Inc., a branch operation in Washington County in a shabby, cramped, and drafty warehouse with no running water, but a convenient outhouse nearby. Running a team of four teamsters in these gritty facilities was the glamorous and cheery Cleo Maletis, making deals, dispatching drivers, and growing the business.
Her graceful but dogged determination inspired those around her and modeled for her sons and her admiring daughters-in-law the balance of an uncompromising work ethic along with unflagging dedication to family. Cleverly blending her roles, Cleo was known to care for her elderly and ailing parents during the day by making a place for them, occasionally even in her office. Chris and Cleo had purchased a house adjacent to the business property to accommodate them. Maletis, Inc. evolved under Cleo’s direction toward the eventual consolidation with Columbia Distributing to a staff of about 200 by the late 1980s.
The mutual admiration and full partnership between Chris and Cleo set an example for the family and presented a force in the community. At Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in the 1950s, she was instrumental in energizing the charitable women’s organization, the Philoptochos Society, by establishing “circles,” grouping members by age, interests and Greek or English language preference. The system still succeeds today and has been a model for a vibrant Philoptochos in chapters across the country.
Near the Maletis’ second home in Rancho Mirage, Calif., Cleo was a founding member of St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church of Palm Desert. Late in her life she was also active at St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church of Beaverton. Her work in the church earned her the St. Paul Medal, the highest award for service granted by the nation’s Archdiocese.
In the broader community, Cleo worked with the boys’ school district in Beaverton and served on the board of Providence St. Vincent Hospital and Medical Center Foundation. She also was active in the Rotary, United Good Neighbors, March of Dimes and as a Boy Scout den mother.
Neighbors of the Maletis family home in Cedar Hills remember a houseful of rambunctious boys. Cleo’s guidance gave them a certain independence so that during the struggling years, the sons of Mrs. America knew how to manage their meals until the working mother came home at night. Never the sons of privilege, when each was old enough to contribute, it became a point of pride that the boys would join the team alongside their parents in tasks both menial and demanding.
Later, with her 10 grandchildren, Cleo, “Yiayia” (grandmother) always knew how to make a visit memorable. She understood her greatest legacy was in the unique love she showed to each one. A great testament to her embrace of family comes from the unwavering devotion of her four daughters-in-law.
Cleo Maletis was perhaps most recognized for beauty, vibrancy, and style. To even casual acquaintances, however, her unabashed and genuine interest in them, her curiosity and empathy disarmed even those most in awe of her stellar presence. She radiated her signature sparkle even through her final years’ struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was a rare woman of faith, talent and industry that defied the expectations of her generation.
Besides her grandchildren and an expected first great-grandchild, she is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Chris III and Kristi, Tom and Susan, Edward and Cyndy and Rob and Linda. She was preceded in death by her husband, Chris, in 2008, and brothers, Alec and Luke Michas.
A Trisagion service will be held at 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, in St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 14485 S.W. Walker Rd., Beaverton. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, in Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3131 N.E. Glisan St., Portland. Suggested memorial donations may be made to the Hellenic-American Cultural Center & Museum (HACCM), 3131 N.E. Glisan St., Portland, OR 97232.
Source: The Oregonian, November 15, 2009
Manos, Tom
Circa 1885 – 1957
Thomas G. Manos, 72, of suite 8, Belmont apartments, died Saturday.
Funeral services were held Wednesday in St. Paul’s Pro-cathedral with Canon William Cole officiating. Burial was in Regina cemetery.
Mr. Manos was born in Greece and came to the United States in 1904. He travelled across America and came to Vancouver in 1910.
Mr. Manos owned the Parkview restaurant in Regina located where the Novia Cafe now stands. He sold it in 1926. He has also owned a restaurant in Moose Jaw and the Paris Cafe in Saskatoon, where he was until his retirement in 1943 when he settled in Regina.
Mr. Manos is survived by his wife Irene, at home; and a son, George, who is a dentist in Hawaii.
Regina Leader-Post, March 23, 1957, p. 5.
Maragos, Manolis (Manny)
1944 – 2015
It is with profound sadness that the family announces that Manolis (Manny) Maragos passed away suddenly with his family by his side on Friday May 29th, 2015, after a very brief illness at St. Paul’s Hospital. Manny was predeceased by his father Andreas Maragos; his mother Katerina; brothers Antonis, George, and Michael; brother-in-law Fernando Alvarez; and his sister-in-law Anna. Manny is survived by his beloved daughter Andrea (Scott) Kerpan of Saskatoon, SK; his long-time companion Pat McMahen (and her family) of Saskatoon; his sister Evangelia Alvarez of Nanaimo, BC; Andrea’s mom Cathy Maragos (and the extended Danabasis family with whom Manny was very close); his sister-in-law Eleni Maragos of Greece; and numerous nieces and nephews in both Canada and Greece.
Manny was born on the island of Hydra, Greece on April 3, 1944, and emigrated to Saskatoon in March of 1973 where he married Cathy Danabassis. Manny and Cathy welcomed the birth of their daughter Andrea in 1977.
Manny worked for most of his life in the restaurant industry in Saskatoon, including at the Confederation Inn (where he met his long-time friend and mentor Tom Zolinski), the Sheraton Cavalier, the Olympia Restaurant and for 23 years as owner of the famous Crackers Restaurant.
In 2005, Manny took what would be a short-lived break from working in the restaurant industry and spent much of his time doting on his very special grand-puppy Izzy whom he babysat often. Most recently, Manny spent his days working as a much-valued employee at the Mano’s Brew Pub on 22nd street for the last number of years.
Manny’s life was filled in the pursuit of many passions, including spending time visiting with family and friends, travelling back to his beloved homeland of Greece, hosting camp-fires around his fire pit in his backyard and playing his favorite game, Dr Mario, on his Super Nintendo, in addition to all sorts of outdoor activities.
Foremost among Manny’s loves and passions in life included his deep and abiding faith in the Greek Orthodox Church and a devotion to the Greek Community of Saskatoon where Manny served as First Chanter (Proto-Psaltis) for over 40 years, as well through volunteering on the parish council and at a countless community events and fund raisers over the years.
Manny was known by friends, family, and strangers alike as an incredibly generous and giving individual whether by providing financial support to those in need, to providing much needed living arrangements to recent immigrants and family or through giving generously of his time (and opinions) to anyone whom Manny felt needed some of either.
The Prayer Vigil for Manny will take place in the chapel of the Saskatoon Funeral Home on Thursday, June 4th at 7:00pm. The Funeral service will take place at Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, 1020 Dufferin Avenue, on Friday, June 5th at 2:00pm. Both services will be officiated by Rev. Fr. George Tolias. Interment to follow in the Greek Section of the Woodlawn Cemetery.
Manny’s family would like to extend a special thank-you to Dr. Shaw, Dr. Kawchuk, Dr. Gebhardt, Dr. Joanis as well as to nurses Cheryl, Russel, Karen, Shannon, and the rest of the team at the Intensive Care Unit at St. Paul’s hospital for their care and dedication in ensuring that Manny’s final days were comfortable.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Greek Orthodox Church of Saskatoon in Manolis’s name or alternatively, donations can be made to a charity of the giver’s choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home.
Source: Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, June 2, 2015
Marines (née Hayes), Elsie
Circa 1907 – 1979
The death of Elsie Marines, aged 72 years of Rosthern, Sask., occurred in hospital in Saskatoon on July 17th, 1979. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 21st at 1:30 p.m. from the Chapel of the Saskatoon Funeral Home conducted by Rev. Arnold Olsoe. (Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, No. 305, 219 22nd Street East, will be appreciated in lieu of flowers).
Surviving are: 1 sister Mrs. Mary Hase, Rosthern, Sask.; 2 brothers Bill Hase, Saskatoon and Fernie Hase, North Burnaby, B.C.; and a number of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Thomas Marines in 1965, also by parents and 4 brothers.
Mrs. Marines was born in Lebau, Manitoba on October 13th, 1906, and moved to Rosthern, Sask. with her parents in 1907. She was married in Quebec City in 1938. Mrs. Marines resided in Quebec until 1967 when she came to Saskatoon. She had made her home in Rosthern for the past 8 years.
Interment will take place in the family plot in Woodlawn Cemetery. (Courtesy parking area south of the Saskatoon Funeral Home Chapel.
Source: Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, July 20, 1979, p. 33
Marines, Thomas
Circa 1894 – 1956
The death of Thomas Marines, age 71 years of Quebec City snd former resident of Saskatoon, occurred in Phoenix, Arizona on February 25, 1965. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 4 at 4.00 p.m. from the chapel of the Saskatoon Funeral Home. Prayers will be offered in the chapel on Wednesday evening at 7.45 p.m.
Surviving are his wife, Elsie, and four sisters who reside in Greece. The late Mr. Marines was born in Greece and in 1912 came to Vancouver, B.C. He made his home in Saskatoon from 1915 to 1936. Mr. Marines was well known as the proprietor of the Paris Cafe. He had been engaged in the restaurant business in Quebec City from 1936 until his retirement three years ago.
Interment will take place in the Greek plot in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Source: Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, March 3, 1965, p. 25
Matheos (née Markley), Doris May
1900 – 1993
The passing of Doris May Matheos, in her 93rd year, occurred at her residence at Porteous Lodge, Saskatoon on Thursday, November 25, 1993. A Graveside Service will be held at the Family Plot in Woodlawn Cemetery at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 27, 1993, conducted by Pastor Kevin Doell, her great-grandson. Friends and relatives wishing to attend the Service may meet at the entrance of Woodlawn Cemetery at 10:45 a.m. Park Funeral Chapel oversees arrangements.
Surviving is her daughter, Ceres May Hamilton (Cliff); son Jim (Elsie) of Saskatoon; and son, Bill of Edmonton. Doris has nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and three great great-grandchildren; as well as many nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her husband, Tom in 1969.
Doris was born in Burmingham, England and came to Canada with her father and mother and seven sisters and four brothers in 1906, to settle on a homestead in Northern Saskatchewan. Her father, Frederick W. Markley, named the Hamlet they settled in, calling it “Fairy Glen”, Saskatchewan. She married Tom Matheos in 1920 at Humboldt and they lived most of their lives in Saskatoon.
Doris dedicated her life to her children and her faith in Christ and was completely involved in her church work with the Pentecostal Faith. Her greatest joy was her total involvement in missionary work for many years.
Floral tributes are gratefully declined and memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the Donor’s choice. Those wishing to join the family for lunch at 12:30 p.m., after the burial, are invited to attend the Churchill Park Full Gospel Fellowship Church, 2410 Haultain Avenue.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, November 27, 1993, p. 55.
Matheos, George
Circa 1890 – 1940
George Matheos, 50, of 228 Avenue I South, who was employed as a cook with the Air Force at North Battleford, died suddenly, presumably from an attack of heart disease, there today. Surviving are a widow and three sons, Philip, Gordon, and John, all at home. The funeral is to be held at 2.30 p.m., Wednesday, from the Saskatoon Funeral Home.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, September 16, 1940, p. 3.
Editorial Note: George Matheos (Mathews) is buried without a marker or monument in the Greek section of Woodlawn Cemetery in Saskatoon. His grave is located next to, and south of , the grave of Thomas D. Smith.
Matheos (Matheoulis), Thomas John
1891 – 1969
The death of Thomas John Matheos, age 77 years of No. 1 Nicholson Apartments, Saskatoon, occurred in a local hospital on October 14th, 1969. The funeral service will be held on Friday, October 17th at 1:30 p.m. from the Chapel of Saskatoon Funeral Home conducted by Rev. D. S. Fenn. (Floral tributes are gratefully declined.)
Surviving are: his wife, Doris; two sons, James of Saskatoon and William of Edmonton; one daughter. Mrs. Ceres May Hamilton of Woodfibre, B.C.; 9 grandchildren; 3 greatgrandchildren and one brother in Greece.
Mr. Matheos was born in Greece and came to Saskatchewan in 1914. He came to Saskatoon 40 years ago and became engaged in the restaurant business. He retired in 1952.
Mr. Matheos was very active in the Greek community and was a member of the Ahepa Lodge in Saskatoon for 35 years. He was also a member of the Apostolic Church.
Interment will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, October 16, 1969, p. 20
Matheos, James William
1924 – 2011
James William Matheos passed away at St. Paul’s Hospital on June 8, 2011, after a life of abundant love and laughter. Jim was predeceased by Elsie, his loving wife of 65 years; parents, Thomas, and Doris; sister Ceres (Cliff) Hamilton; and brother Bill. Forever cherished, loved and always remembered by his sons Gord and Fred (Pom); sisters-in-law Marge (Stan) Mays and Norah Reynolds; grandchildren Bob, Tom, Derek (Danielle), Graham (Christie), and Warren (Nancy); great grandchildren Jade, Joey, Ellie, Sam, James, George; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was born in Saskatoon and lived all his life here except for the time he served in the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War. He attended Princess Alexander Public School, the Saskatoon Technical Collegiate, and earned a Certificate in Business Administration and Accounting from the University of Saskatchewan.
He started his working career as a telegraph messenger at the C.N.R. while just a young boy of 15. Jim went on to work for the City of Saskatoon and later joined Avis Rent a Car where he advanced to the position of General Manager for Western Canada. After 20 years with the corporation, Jim bought the Avis franchise for Saskatchewan and later sold the business to retire at the youthful age of 51.
Jim left behind a legacy full of deep love for his childhood sweetheart and lifelong partner Elsie, his sons, grandchildren, and other members of his family. He will always be remembered for his years of volunteer service and devotion to those he was associated with. Jim was very proud of his involvement with many community organizations and was steadfast in his belief that life’s journey must include concern and help for those in need. He was a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion Nutana Branch #362 and Honorary Member of the Nutana Rotary Club of Saskatoon. Jim’s solid faith and his unfailing consideration for others, made him an endearing friend and confidant to the many people he met over his lifetime.
Jim will always be remembered for his zany sense of humour, and practical jokes. It was always fun for everyone to participate and get close to the action when Jim decided to hold court on some controversial topic of the day. He made many lasting friends throughout the Saskatoon business community and could always be counted on to give his personal time for volunteer initiatives. Jim spent many hours playing the organ, golfing, gardening, and visiting the family cabin at Waskesiu, but his most enjoyment came from being with his family, especially his grandchildren whom he dearly loved and was extremely proud of.
A service of remembrance will be conducted by Reverend Margaret McKechney at Park Funeral Chapel, 311 3rd Ave. N., Saskatoon, on Friday, June 17, 2011, at 11 a.m. Cremation, with interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be all the people whose lives were touched by our dearly beloved Jim.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, June 11, 2011.
Matheos, William
Circa 1935 – 2001
On Friday, June 8, 2001, Bill Matheos died after 66 years of life.
He is survived by his son, Brad (Donna) Matheos; his daughters, Janice (Dale) Graff and Margot (Terry) Buryniuk, all of Edmonton; six grandchildren; one brother, Jim (Elsie) Matheos of Saskatoon; one sister, Ceres (Cliff) Hamilton, also of Saskatoon; and numerous other relatives and friends.
Cremation took place with a Service of Remembrance to be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 16, 2001, in Memories Funeral Chapel, 13403 St. Albert Trail, Edmonton. If friends desire, any memorial contributions may be made in memory of Bill to the Edmonton Food Bank, Box 3866, Edmonton, AB T5L 4K1.
Edmonton Journal, June 15, 2001, p. 26.
Mavridou, Marina
1908 – 2000
Marina Mavridou, late resident of the Lutheran Sunset Home, was born in Istanbul, Turkey on July 1st, 1908, and passed away on Friday, October 27, 2000, in Saskatoon, SK Canada.
Left to mourn are her daughter, Mary Gonari of Saskatoon, SK; two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren: Tina (Ari) Carastathis, Joanna and Alex of Thunder Bay, ON and Bill (Marija) Gonari, Theo, Alexei, Christopher, Stefan and Michael of Saskatoon, SK; and numerous nieces and nephews in Greece. She was predeceased by her parents, Anthimos and Aspasia Mavridou; her nine siblings; and her son-in-law, Yani Gonari in February 1987.
The Prayer Service will be held on Monday, October 30 at 7:30 p.m. from the Acadia Drive Funeral Chapel. The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, October 31 at 2:00 p.m. from the Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, with Rev. Father John Nikolaou presiding. Interment will follow in the Greek Section at Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to the Lutheran Sunset Home Foundation (1212 Osler Street, Saskatoon, SK S7N OT9). Arrangements are entrusted to John Schachtel at Acadia Drive Funderal Chapel.
Source: Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, October 30, 2000, p. 12.
McLeod, Angeline (née Frangkis)
1931 – 1967
Angeline Frangkis was born in Saskatoon on January 20, 1931. She was the youngest daughter of James Frangkis and Mary McKovey. She left Saskatoon as an infant with her family in 1931, moving to Montreal, Ottawa, and eventually British Columbia.
In 1949, she received her diploma in practical nursing from Vancouver’s Vocational Institute.
In 1950, she married Donald George Douglas Mcleod. They had two sons and a daughter.
Angeline died on September 25, 1967, at the age of 36, in Delta, British Columbia. She was survived by two sons, David and Mark; and a daughter, Katherine; her brother, Stanley, and her two sisters, Connie and Joyce; and her father, James.
Researched by Ken Pontikes, June 28, 2024
Source: British Columbia Division of Vital Statistics; Vancouver Province, March 8, 1949, p. 26, August 17, 1950, p. 28, September 25, 1967, p. 25, and September 29,1967, p. 34.
Metrakos (née Chrones), Katherine
1924 – 2005
The world has lost an incredible, compassionate, and strong human being. She fought without respite the ravages of cardiovascular disease and finally succumbed on May 12, 2005, with her daughter by her side, at the Brome Missisquoi Hospital in Cowansville, QC, close to her beloved country home.
She was born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan and settled in Montreal with her adoring late husband, soul mate and professional colleague, Dr. Julius D. Metrakos PhD. There is a huge emptiness in the hearts of her children, Stephanie (Paul Brulotte) and Dimitri (Lorraine Laramee) as well as an irreplaceable void for her cherished grandchildren, Michael and Andrew Brulotte, Paige and Brendan Metrakos, and her beloved niece Sophia Andriopoulos.
Her compassion and caring have been felt over the years by many friends, relatives, patients, and colleagues. She had a distinguished international forty-year career as a pediatric neurologist at the Montreal Children’s Hospital and McGill University focusing on childhood epilepsy and research with her husband.
The family wishes to thank the Brome Missisquoi Hospital and the Masonville Community for their support. Funeral service will be held on Monday May 16 at 2 p.m. at the Loyola Campus Chapel, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, and thence to the Mount Royal Cemetery. Visitation at Urgel Bourgie Funeral Home, 1255 Beaumont Ave., T.M.R., Saturday 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation, 1 Place Alexis Nihon, 3400 de Maisonneuve Blvd., Suite 1420, Montreal, Qc. H3Z 3B8. It was an honor to have known you.
Source: Legacy Remembers, May 14, 2005
A Tribute to Katherine Metrakos
On May 12, 2005, the medical community lost an incredibly devoted, compassionate, and strong person with the death of Katherine Metrakos.
Kay Chrones was born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, on July 13, 1924, the daughter of Greek immigrants. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan in 1945 and her medical degree from McGill University in 1949. While in medical school, she met and later married Julius Metrakos, who was to become Professor of Human Genetics at McGill. They also were a team in clinical research and helped to lay the foundations of our current understanding of the inheritance of the epilepsies. Kay and Julius were internationally renowned as leaders of genetic investigation in epilepsy and were the bridge between the work of William Lennox and the present explosion of genetic epilepsy research.
For many years, they acted as consultants in this area for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Their remarkable success was due to the unprecedented pairing of expertise in human genetics with clinical and neurophysiological acumen. In recognition of their work, they received several awards, including the Penfield Award from the Canadian League Against Epilepsy (1987), Hellenic Benevolent Society Award (1992), and, in 1994, an award from the Neurogenetics Research Group of the World Federation of Neurology. Their joint articles are regarded as classics in the field.
For nearly 40 years, Kay was associated with the Montreal Children’s Hospital, where she succeeded Herbert Jasper as director of the Neurophysiology Laboratory and founded the Convulsive Disorder Clinic, the pioneering and, for decades, the premier Epilepsy Clinic in Canada. She was an excellent teacher and clinician, freely sharing her experience and knowledge with residents and students. Rarely did a clinic or EEG reading session pass without several pearls of wisdom emerging. She was a devoted mentor to generations of young epileptologists and clinical neurophysiologists. She had great warmth and compassion for the children under her care and endless patience for their parents’ questions and concerns. The Clinical Neurophysiology laboratory at the Montreal Children’s Hospital has been named after her.
Kay was able to balance her busy professional career with her private life. She was well known for her cooking ability and was a wonderful hostess. It was not uncommon for her to prepare a gourmet dinner from scratch effortlessly on very short notice.
She was a dedicated wife and mother and a staunch supporter of her extended family. The death of her husband and partner, Julius, was a great loss for her. Throughout their lives, they were a great strength to one another. She is survived by her two children, Stephanie, and Dimitri, and four grandchildren.
Daniel L. Keene, Fred Andermann, and Eva Andermann, “In Memoriam: Katherine Metrakos: July 13, 1924 – May 12, 2005”, International League Against Epilepsy, Blackwell Publishing Inc., 2006, p. 453.
Michas, Athanasios (“Tom”)
1884 – 1970
Thomas Michas was born on October 26, 1884, in Thebes, Greece.
Before coming to Canada, Athanasios was a member of the Greek Guards (“Evzones”).
He emigrated from Greece in 1905, arriving in New York. In 1908, he went to Vancouver and then to Moose Jaw and Tegaske (Saskatchewan) where he opened a hotel. In 1913, he operated the Savoy Café in North Battleford and in 1914, a hotel in Turtleford.
On August 3, 1915 (during World War I), he enlisted in the 65th Battalion in North Battleford and left for England in March 1916. Athanasios was the first Greek in Saskatchewan to enlist in a Canadian unit. This Battalion was disbanded in 1916 when its members now located in England were drafted into other units. Therefore, Athansios served in France with the 16th Canadian Scottish Battalion. He was wounded in Ypres in June 1916.
He returned to Canada in 1917 and was discharged with the rank of a corporal in August 1918. From September 1918 to January 1919, he was a patient at the Earl Grey Sanatorium in Regina where he was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis.
He subsequently moved to Saskatoon where he was associated with the Paris Café and Hotel, as well as the Flanagan Hotel Bar. He also owned hotels in Saskatoon and Prince Albert.
His was married to Letty Michas. She died in 1936 at the age of 38.
Athanasios was the president of the 65th Battalion Old Boys’ Association. He was also an active member of the Canadian Legion, Army and Navy Veterans, and the Order of AHEPA.
In 1937, he was part of the delegations of 4,000 Canadians who travelled to France to participate in the unveiling of the Vimy Ridge Memorial and to unveil a bronze plaque honouring the memory of Saskatoon-resident Hugh Cairns, recipient of the Victoria Cross, with whom Athanasios served in the 65th Battalion. Shortly before leaving on this trip, Athanasios married Eftychia (Effie) Michas (a sister of Athena Sperounes).
Athanasios died on January 26, 1970, in Edmonton. He was survived, at the time of his death, by his wife Eftychia, and two sons, Harry in Edmonton, and Nicholas of Chicago.
Saskatoon Daily Star, December 28, 1927, p. 10.
Editorial note: The “Tom Michas” who moved to Vancouver was Thomas Lucas Michas.
Athanasios Michas, president of the 65th Battalion Old Boys’ Association, in Valenciennes, France, participated in the unveiling in 1936 of a plaque in memory of Hugh Cairns, VC DCM, a Saskatoon soldier who was killed near the town in 1918.
Source: Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, August 12, 1936, p. 3.
Researched by: Ken Pontikes, September 8, 2023
Sources: Regina Morning Leader, December 9, 1918, p. 1; Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, February 22, 1936, p. 3; Saskatoon, Star-Phoenix, July 10, 1936; Edmonton Journal, July 25. 1936; Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, November 25, 1937, p. 3; Edmonton Journal, January 29, 1970, p. 64.
Michas, Lucas Thomas
1922 – 1977
Lucas Thomas Michas was born in Saskatoon on September 24, 1922. His parents were Thomas Lucas Michas and Pagoula Michas/Peters/Panagiotou. Around 1925, he moved with his family to Vancouver.
During World War II, Lucas joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). He moved to the United States in the late 1940s and became a naturalized US citizen in 1954. On February 28, 1960, he married Bess Maheras. While in the United States, he managed a finance company in Los Angeles.
Wedding Photo: Lucas Thomas Michas and Bess Maheras Michas (1960)
Source: Dignity Memorial
Lucas died in San Diego on September 20, 1977. He was survived by his wife and two daughters, Mariana and Anthea.
Researched by: Ken Pontikes, September 1, 2023
Research sources: Ancestry.ca, Newspapers.com, D
Michas, Thomas Lucas
1890 – 1976
Thomas Lucas Michas was born on December 15, 1890, in Kapareli, Attica, Greece. He immigrated to Canada in 1907 and became a naturalized Canadian citizen in 1912.
Between 1920 and 1924, he operated the Paris Café at 252 Second Avenue North.
On July 31, 1921, he married Pagoula Peters/Panagiotou in Morristown, New Jersey. They had three children – two of which were born in Saskatoon (Lucas Thomas Michas, born in 1922, and Cleo Nicki Michas/Maletis, born in 1925). Their third son, Alexander Thomas Michas, was born in Vancouver in 1927, after Thomas and Pagoula moved there.
After over forty years in the restaurant business in Saskatoon and Vancouver, Thomas retired in 1951. He and Pagoula moved to San Franscisco and then to Palm Springs, California.
They later moved to Portland, Oregon, where their daughter, Cleo, cared for them.
Thomas died on October 8, 1976, in Oregon.
Researched by: Ken Pontikes, September 1, 2023
Research sources: Ancestry.ca, Newspapers.com
Mirras, John
1899 – 1953
John Mirras, from Vancouver B.C., died on December 2, 1953. He was the beloved husband of Mary, father of Katherine Chinakos and of Steve, Jim and Anita Mirras. The funeral service will occur on Thursday, Dec. 10, 1:30 p.m. at Hennessy, Goetsch & McGee, Portland Oregon.
Vancouver Province, December 8, 1953, p. 28
Editorial Note: John Mirras resided in Saskatoon from 1935 to 1940.
Mirras (née Petroulias), Mary
1906 – 1989
Mary Mirras reposed in our Lord on Friday, December 15, 1989, in St. Vincent’s Hospital. She was wife to the late John Mirras who predeceased her on December 2, 1953.
She is survived by her beloved children Katherine, Steve, James, and Anastasia; sons-in-law Samuel Chinakos and loannis Douzenis; and daughter-in-law Othonia. She leaves behind 9 grandchildren George, Anastasia, Maria, John, and Sam Jr. Chinakos; Maria, John and Peter Mirras and Demitrios Douzenis; and nieces and nephews throughout Canada, the U.S.A. and Greece.
The family offers their thank-you and appreciation to Dr. Judith Hornung for her tender loving care of their mother over several years.
A Trisagion will be offered Monday, December 18 at 7pm in the Mount Pleasant Funeral Chapel, 306 East 11th at Kingsway, Vancouver.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 19 at 12 noon at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 4500 Arbutus Street, with Bishop Soterios of Canada, the very Rev. Father Demitrios Partsafas, and Rev. Father Dorotheos Tryfonopoulos officiating.
Interment will take place on Thursday, December 21 at Rose City Cemetery, Portland, Oregon, preceded by a Trisagion at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 3131 N.E. Glisan St., Portland, Oregon at 11 am. The Rev. Father Elias Stephanopoulos and Rev. Father Michael Courey will be officiating at the Portland services.
In Vancouver, in lieu of flowers, please donate to either St. George’s Chair Loft Fund and/or Library Fund or Sts. Nicholas and Demitrios Funds or in Portland, to A.H.E.C. for the future chapel at the Sandy River Property.
Vancouver Province, December 19, 1989, p. 57
Editorial note: Mary Mirras resided in Saskatoon from 1935 to 1940.
Mirras, Stavros (Steve) John
1925 – 2003
Steve John Mirras passed away peacefully at home after a lengthy illness. He was born in Paralion Astros, Arcadia, Greece and emigrated to Canada in 1935.
He was predeceased by his parents: John 1953 and Maria 1989. “Uncle Steve” will be missed by his loving family: Anastasia (Ioannis), James (Othonia), and Katherine (Sam) and his nine nieces and nephews with their spouses: Demitrios, Maria (Daniel), John, Peter, George, Anastasia (Dennis), Maria (John), John (Maureen), and Sam; his two grand nephews: Dimitrios and Steven John; and numerous cousins and friends throughout the world.
The family would like to acknowledge the support and care “Uncle Steve” received from Ioannis; the Home Makers; the Home Care Nurses, especially Ann; his family doctor (Dr. S. Howard); and Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist (Melissa Carr).
Steve came to Vancouver from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1940. Following high school (King George), he attended the University of British Columbia.
Steve was a long-time member of the Hellenic Community of Vancouver – Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral. He was a gentleman of the old school, full of kindness with a heart made of gold that was loved, appreciated, and respected by numerous young people, especially his long-time protege Demitri. His passing will leave a void that will not easily be filled.
The evening prayer service (Trisagion) will be held at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 4500 Arbutus St., Vancouver at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2003, where the funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 18 with Rev. Demetrios Partsafas and Rev. Panagiotis Pavlakos officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to a scholarship fund being established at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in his memory.
Source: Vancouver Sun, August 16, 2003