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.
P…
Paikos, Afrodite (Effie)
1935 – 2019
With her family by her side, Afrodite “Effie” Paikos passed away peacefully on October 21, 2019, at the age of 84 years. Born in Kastri, Greece, on June 14, 1935, Effie was the youngest of nine siblings and the last surviving. She bravely immigrated to Canada at the young age of 16 arriving in Saskatoon and eventually settling in Calgary where she worked as a hairdresser while she attended classes to learn English. After meeting Tom in Saskatoon at a Greek Convention in the spring of 1958, they were married in Calgary in December 1959. She tirelessly supported Tom working in the restaurants, raising their two children, and became an integral part of the Greek community in Calgary.
She had a loving, compassionate heart and was involved with many charitable organizations. Effie served as president of the Daughters of Penelope, was an active member of the Philoptohos Society, and volunteered for decades driving and delivering food for Meals on Wheels. She was a marvelous cook and was known for amazing meals including her comforting avgolemono and mouth-watering baklava. Effie was also known for her quick wit and dry sense of humor which guaranteed that those around her always had a smile on their face. Effie was faithfully committed to her Church and sincerely cared for people in need, spending countless hours visiting the sick, offering support, and consoling love. Our Afrodite was truly a Goddess of beauty and love.
Effie is survived by Tom, her husband of 59 years; their children, Youla and John (Ursula); and her grandchildren, Maria, Athan, Tasia, and Christos. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church (1 Tamarac Crescent SW) today, Wednesday, October 23, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church (1 Tamarac Crescent SW) on Thursday, October 24, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Peter Rougas presiding. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Parkinson’s Society of Southern Alberta, the Philoptochos Society, or reach out to someone in need.
A special thanks to Effie’s caregivers, genuine angels Myra and Evelyn, who provided compassionate care for Effie as she acceptingly and courageously lived her final 14 years with Parkinson’s disease. We also wish to thank Dr. Pashniak and all the staff at the Scarce Hospice for the comforting, loving care they provided Effie. Arrangements in care of Evan J. Strong Funeral Services.
Source: Calgary Herald, October 23, 2019.
Palyvos, Constantin Gus
1927 – 2007
Constantin passed away peacefully with the love of his life at his bedside, Sonia, at Royal University Hospital on Saturday, August 11, 2007. He was born on September 7, 1927, in his beloved village of Karifaina, Greece by his parents, Toannis and Stamatia (Tsarbopoulou) Palyvos.
He was a very adventurous, happy person that loved singing, dancing, and swimming. But his lifetime passion was cooking. After learning and practicing his craft at many famous spots in Athens for four decades, he immigrated along with his family to Saskatoon in 1977.
He worked at many notable restaurants of the time (John’s Prime Rib. Cousin Nick’s, Olympia, Commodore, etc). He also opened and operated several restaurants in town. He was especially proud to be the first to open an authentic Greek bakery (Palyvo’s Palace) and the first totally authentic Greek cuisine restaurant (Spartako’s) in Saskatoon.
He met Sonia in 1989 and in 1990 he started several moves that took him to Dawson Creek, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary. He worked at and operated many restaurants. In 2000 , Constantin and Sonia returned to Saskatoon, where he owned and operated “Ella to Oreo Souvlaki”.
He was fiercely proud of his craft and his only aims were being true to his cuisine and satisfaction of his customers. That earned him a lot of loyal, satisfied customers. So, it was not surprising a lot of them were saddened when in 2003 he sold his restaurant and retired.
He will be sadly missed by all his family and many friends and especially by Sonia, his wife of 17 years who, throughout their time together and especially during his battle with cancer, gave him her support, love, comfort and care that he needed. He is also survived by his daughter, Stamatia (llia) Younikha; son, John (Wendy), both of Saskatoon, SK; mother of his children, Paraskevi; grandchildren, Dustin, Nolan, Zaia, Vivian, all of Saskatoon; brothers, Dimitris (Dorothea) Prokopis (Panagiota), Ilias, Panagiotis (Politimi); sister, Efthimia Pitira, all of Greece; his wife’s children and grandchildren, Ferdie (Janet), lan, Janyne, and Janelle, who were very close to Gus. He was predeceased by his parents; sister-in-law, Eleni; and brother-in- law, Vasilis Pitira, all of Greece.
Sonia wishes to send her heartfelt gratitude to all the staff and doctors on 6th Floor at Royal University Hospital, who helped comfort and care for Gus during his stay at the hospital, and for their wonderful support to her during this difficult time.
Visitation and Prayers will be held on Friday, August 17, 2007, from 6:00 p.m. to 12 O’clock mid-night, and the Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Park Funeral Chapel, 311 Third Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK. The interment service will take place at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, August 14, 2007, p. 26.
Panagiotou (née Peters), Pagoula Michas
1902 – 1990
Pagoula Peters/Panagiotou was born on May 2, 1902, in Levadia, Attica, Greece. She immigrated to the United States with her family in 1916.
On July 31, 1921, she married Thomas Lucas Michas, operator of the Paris Café in Saskatoon. She had siblings who lived in Saskatchewan, including a sister who was married to Aristotle Geatros in Weyburn and a brother Thomas in Prince Albert.
While in Saskatoon, Pagoula and Thomas had two children – Lucas Thomas Michas and Cleo Nicki Michas/Maletis. A third son, Alexander Thomas Michas, was born after the family moved to Vancouver.
Thomas and Pagoula moved to San Franscico in 1951, after Thomas retired from the restaurant business. They later moved to Palm Springs, California, and then to Portland, Oregon.
Pagoula died on February 8, 1990, in Oregon.
Researched by: Ken Pontikes, September 1, 2023
Research sources: Ancestry.ca, Newspapers.com
Papadopoulos, Kyriakos
Circa 1943 – 1981
The death of Kyriakos Papadopoulos age 38 years of 402 Adelaide Street occurred accidentally at his home on November 18th, 1981. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 20th at 3:30 p.m. from the Greek Orthodox Church “Koimis Tis Theotokou”, 1020 Dufferin Avenue with The Rev. Father John Nikolaou.
Surviving are his wife Helen; one son Simon; 1 brother George Popadopoulos in Greece; and sisters Helen and Alexandra both in Greece. Also surviving are 2 brothers-in-laws Chris Ridis and his wife Ria in Saskatoon, and John Gianopoulos, Swift Current, Sask., and 1 sister-in- law Georgina Gianopoulou, Saskatoon.
Mr. Papadopoulos was born in Loutra Adipsos, Evias, Greece. He came to Canada in June 1971 to make his home in Saskatoon and married Helen Gianopoulou, July 10th, 1971. A chef by profession he had been employed at Mr. Steer’s, Hy’s Restaurant and most recently at Venice House. Mr. Papadopoulos was a member of the Saskatoon Ahepa Club.
Interment will take place in the Greek Section in Woodlawn Cemetery. Funeral Service arrangements in care of the Saskatoon Funeral Home.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, November 20, 1981, p. 36.
Papageorgiou, Christos
1936 – 2021
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Christos Papageorgiou, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all whose lives he touched. He left this life on April 7, 2021, at the age of 84.
Christos was born in Gemna (Akrolimni), Greece in 1936. As the eldest of 7 children, he learned the ultimate meaning of family, sacrifice, and unconditional love at the tender age of 6 when he left school to work alongside his father as a shepherd to help support his family.
As the years passed, and he matured to a fine upstanding man, he began the next chapter of his life when he married his beloved Sophia in the summer of 1962. Later that same year, they immigrated to Canada and settled in Saskatoon where together they set out to work hard and make the very most of their new lives in a foreign country. From dishwasher to prep cook to cook, Christos diligently worked his way up the restaurant ladder until the day he was able to put all his hard work, savings, and business savvy to practice opening a restaurant of his own the Venice House on 33rd.
It wasn’t long before he came to be known for his genuine hospitality, great food, and enviable work ethic. In the mid-80s, he opened his first famous Cheesetoast Restaurant, which he successfully built into a franchise based on the dry ribs and cheesetoast recipes he had created and perfected.
Then in the early 90s, always eager to learn and grow, he opened Di’Angelo’s Italian Restaurant. Nothing short of incredible, with sheer determination, hard work, and the love and support of his wife and friends, a simple shepherd with nearly a grade 1 education and limited ability to speak, read, or write English, had become a great Canadian success story.
Running four very busy restaurants at once, Christos would find himself working seven days a week, day and night, yet he still managed to always have time to spend with his family. Christos would go on to become a firm fixture in Saskatoon’s Greek-owned restaurant scene for many years. Whether he bought you a “Goodbye Brain” or “Crazy Greek” shooter to end the night with, he always did his best to make sure you knew just how thankful and happy he was to see you.
Family was always first for Christos, so when his children had all moved to Calgary, and it was a natural time for him to step back from the restaurants, he too moved there with his Sophia in 2005. And even though he was technically retired, Christos barely slowed down; he just didn’t know the meaning of the word retirement. He needed to keep busy, one way or another, and his heart was always fullest when he was able to help others.
As a devout Christian (Greek Orthodox), he would go to church every week and offer his assistance with any of the church’s needs. Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, he had his share of challenges, but he met them head-on with grace, love, and laughter. Even as the years passed and the diagnosis progressed, he was always happy to say hello to an old or new friend, young and old, and having never lost his near superhuman strength, offering up that firm earth-moving handshake of his, sweetening each greeting with an ouzo candy or two from his seemingly endless supply. His sense of humor never waned, be it with his smart and unexpected one-liners to the casual pranks, he continued to bring smiles and laughter to everyone around him.
Pappou (grandpa), as he was affectionately known, will be deeply and forever missed by everyone who knew him. Christos is survived by his loving family: his wife Sophia, his children Daphne (George), Anthony, and Stavroula/Stephanie, as well as his grandchildren: Anthony (Eleni), Sofia (Kevin), and Gina. S’agapame para para polu.
Due to current health restrictions, the service to lay Christos to rest will be limited and for family only. The family plans to have a gathering in the future so all who knew and loved Christos can celebrate his life and honor his memory.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, April 21, 2021, p. N8.
Papagiannis, Georgios (George)
1916 – 2002
With great sadness the family announces the passing of Georgios Papagiannis on January 1, 2002, at his residence in Saskatoon, SK, at the age of 86 years.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, January 4, 2002, at 2:00 p.m. at Koimissis Greek Orthodox Church, 8th St. and Dufferin Ave., Saskatoon.
George is survived by his loving family: his wife, Katerina; three sons, Angelo (Catherine), Constantin (Erin) and John (Terry); grandchildren, Jason, Katie, Alexis, Mikel, and Tom.
George came to embrace Canada as his chosen home from Kandila, Greece in 1960. George worked hard to raise his family and to instill in them love and respect for everyone.
Interment will follow in the Woodlawn Greek Orthodox Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Saskatoon Funeral Home.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, January 4, 2002, p. 41
Papagiannis, Katerina (Catherina)
1926 – 2016
Catherina Papagiannis passed away peacefully at Fosterbrooke Nursing Home. She was the beloved wife of the late George Papagianis; loving mother of Angelo (Catherine), Constantine “Gus” and John (Terry); and devoted Yaya (grandmother) of Jason, Mikel (Kristy), Tommy (Janna), Katie, and Alexis.
A special thank you goes to all the staff at Fosterbrooke Nursing Home for their amazing love and care.
Visitation will be held at the Oshawa Funeral Home, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Sunday, October 16th, from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8 p.m. Funeral Service and Interment will take place in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to join her beloved husband George at his resting place.
Source: Dignity Memorial Website
Pappas, Angelos
Circa 1891 – 1929
Angelos Pappas died in 1929. According to the November 29, 1929, Star-Phoenix, Angelos was “a café employee, who after 22 years in [Saskatoon], died this week of tuberculosis”. His funeral service was held in McKague’s chapel and jointly with the funeral for George Chronis, proprietor of the Princess Confectionery on Second Avenue.
Researched by Ken Pontikes, August 23, 2023.
Pappas, Nicholas (Jr.)
1926 – 2011
Mr. Nicholas Pappas, 84, of Thunder Bay, Ontario, passed away peacefully at Pioneer Ridge on Friday, June 10, 2011. He was born in Saskatoon, Sask., and spent many years living in Thunder Bay.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years Shirley and children Bruce, Christine and husband Michael of Ottawa, and Catherine of Toronto. He is also survived by his younger brother Bruce and wife Florence of Ottawa and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Minnie and Nicholas, his brother John, and sister-in-law Barbara.
He retired from Great Lakes Forest Products (Bowater) in 1991.
He was a proud Mason and member of the Lakehead Shrine Club. He especially loved his time in the Lakehead Shrine Motor Patrol. He was Past Patron of Eastern Star, Connaught Chapter No. 9 and a long-time member of St. Thomas Anglican Church.
Funeral services for the late Mr. Nicholas Pappas will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, June 15 in St. Thomas Anglican Church, 1400 Edward St. South, with the Archdeacon Andrew Hoskin officiating. Interment will follow in Mountainview Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday evening from 6:00pm until 8:00pm in the Westfort Chapel, 420 W. Gore Street at James. Donations made in the memory of Nicholas to the Canadian Diabetes Association, or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Source: Thunder Bay Chronical Journal, June 13, 2011
Pappas/Papageorgkopoulos, Andy
1938 – 1993
Andy Pappas was born in Amaliada, Greece, in 1938. He emigrated to Canada in 1959. He lived in Moose Jaw, where for seven months he worked as a dishwasher in a restaurant. He described his feelings at the time of his arrival in Moose Jaw in an April 5, 1977, article in the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix: “The man sent by my relatives to pick me up at the [train] station couldn’t speak Greek, and since we couldn’t communicate, I wouldn’t let him take my luggage. I ended up walking all the way to the restaurant where I was to work”.
In 1960, he moved to Saskatoon where he was employed as a barber, while also working at various restaurants: “I’d work all day cutting hair, then go to work in the restaurant at 5 p.m., putting in 16 hours a day while I learned the language” (Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, April 5, 1977).
In 1970, he established his own barber shop, Andy’s Barber Shop in Midtown Plaza. In 1974, with men wearing their hair longer and not wanting it cut as often, Andy changed careers and operated the Venice House Restaurant (8th Street East), the Crate Restaurant (Idylwyld Drive and 33rd Street), and Venice House (22nd Street).
Andy Pappas: Owner and Chef at the Crate Restaurant (1977)
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, April 5, 1977, p. 13.
Andy died in 1993 in Saskatoon. At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife Maria and three children (Evangelos, Zois, and Eftyhia) in Saskatoon, four brothers (Nikos and George [Sophia] in Greece, Bill [Helen] in Florida and Chris [Fotini] in Toronto), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Researched by Ken Pontikes, May 29, 2023
Sources: Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, June 19, 1977, p. 13 and June 19, 1993, p. 47.
Pappas/Papageorgkopoulos, Anastasios (Tasos)
Circa 1940 – 1984
The death of Tasos Pappas (Anastasios Papageorgakopoulos) age 44 years of 215 Avenue V North, occurred in a local hospital on October 27th, 1984. A Prayer Service will be held on Tuesday, October 30th at 3:00 p.m. from the Chapel of the Saskatoon Funeral Home conducted by The Rev. Father John Nikolaou. The Funeral Service and interment will take place in Greece at a later date.
Surviving are his wife, Niki, and five brothers Nick and George (both in Greece), Andy Pappas (Saskatoon), Bill Pappas (Chicago), and Chris Pappas (Toronto).
Tasos Pappas was born in Amalias, Greece. He came to Canada to make his home in Saskatoon in 1960 and had resided in Calgary and Toronto for several years prior to returning to Saskatoon in 1981. Mr. Pappas had been employed as manager of the Venice House Restaurant at 2107 22nd Street West.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, October 29, 1984, p. 7.
Paraskevopoulos/Paras, Stavros (“Steve”)
1946 – 2024
It is with sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Stavros (Steve) Paraskevopoulos announce his passing at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Monday, April 1, 2024.
Stavros was born on September 1, 1946, in the city of Kalamata in the southern Peloponnese region of Greece. During his childhood years in Greece, Stavros along with his siblings grew up in the service industry where he witnessed first-hand the hard work and determination of his parents who ran their own coffee-shop (Kafenion O Kanaris, named after his father) in Kalamata.
After serving in the Greek military and working for a time in the merchant marine industry, Stavros emigrated to Canada in 1969 to rejoin his older brother Bobby and several of his other relatives in Saskatoon in search of a better life and economic prosperity. During his first few years in Canada, Stavros worked in several well-known Greek-owned establishments in Saskatoon.
In 1971, he and his brother set out for Brandon, Manitoba where they purchased and operated the Brandon Esso Restaurant located along the Trans-Canada Highway. In the years that followed, Stavros and Bob (and their families) would operate many popular and successful restaurants in and around Brandon including several Trifon’s Pizza franchises and the famous Astoria Pizza. After Stavros and Barb retired from the restaurant industry in 2008, they spent many of their retirement years travelling to their winter home in Arizona.
Stavros was a very dynamic person who had a witty sense of humour, an infectious laugh, and an inviting nature that drew others to him. The spirited manner which Stavros told (and retold) his repertoire of funny stories made everyone laugh (even if they had heard them more than once). Stavros also had a passion for the finer things in life and could often be seen driving the latest model cars, was always impeccably dressed, and likely had one of the largest collection of men’s shoes in all of Manitoba.
Stavros held great affection for his adopted hometown of Brandon. He was also passionate about the restaurant industry and was immensely proud of the thousands of satisfied customers that he served over the decades as a restaurateur. Throughout his life, he and Barb thoroughly enjoyed the many trips they undertook throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe. Over the years, Stavros enjoyed trips back to his hometown of Kalamata where he would delight in visits with his sister Militsa and her husband George and other family and friends, as well to Saskatoon and Regina where he enjoyed visits with his extended family and old acquaintances. Stavros had a deep and abiding love of his Greek heritage and culture, but above all else he was deeply devoted and committed to his family and was a constant and steady presence in their lives.
Left to mourn his passing are his loving wife of 49 years, Barb; his children: Robb (Kanaris) and his wife Rachel, his daughter Toula (Dimitra) and her husband Brad and their children Vance, Hunter and Jax and his son Man (Dimitrios) and his wife Cheryl; his sister Militsa and her husband George; and many relatives, in-laws, and countless other cousins, nieces and nephews throughout Canada and Greece. Stavros was predeceased by his parents Kanaris and Dimitra, as well as by his older brother Charalambos (Bobby) Paraskevopoulos and his wife Effie.
A celebration of Stavros’ life will take place on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at the Monterey Estates Recreation Hall, 400 Mockingbird Drive. In lieu of flowers, the family politely requests charitable donations be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice in Stavros’s name.
Source: Brockie Donovan Funeral and Cremation Services, Brandon
Ackerman/Pelehos, Katherine (Kay) Patricia
Circa 1923 – 1982
The death of Mrs. Katherine Patricia Ackerman, age 59 years of 700 5th Avenue North, Saskatoon, occurred in a local hospital on March 23rd, 1982. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 26th at 1:30 p.m. from the Chapel of McKague’s Funeral Home conducted by Rev. Alexander Gaspar.
Surviving are her husband, Vern; one daughter, Mrs. Doug (Donna) Coates, of Saskatoon; one son, Dale Wayne Ackerman of Calgary; four grandchildren, Heather, Brenda, Debbie, and Sheri; and one brother, James L. Pelehos, of Edmonton. Mrs. Ackerman was predeceased by her parents, Tony and Sophia Pelehos.
Mrs. Ackerman was a member of Queen Esther Chapter #5, Rebekah Lodge, and Order of Eastern Star Chapter #4, Saskatoon. Mrs. Ackerman worked at Saskatoon City Hospital as a hairdresser for 25 years, and as a volunteer worker of the Canadian Red Cross in Saskatoon.
The family would appreciate donations to the Heart Fund, 279 Third Avenue North. Interment will be made in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Source: Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, March 25, 1982, p. 27
Pelehos, James Jay
(Circa 1921 – 2011)
On January 1, 2011, James Jay Pelehos of Wetaskiwin, AB passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at his daughter’s home in Hawaii, at the age of 90 years.
Jim is survived by his first wife, Joan Hekelaar, mother of their six children: Lee Edwards; twins, Joy Altman and June Stetar; James Pelehos Jr.; twins, Debra Sheffield and Dawn Jefferd; grandchildren, Reya, Andreanna, Tana. Melissa, Rachael, Guy, Monica, and Grace; two great-grandchildren, Kaden, Micha and Ava and Andrew on the way; niece, Donna Coates; and nephew Dale Ackerman and their families. Jim was predeceased by his second wife, Verna Pelehos, sister of Dr. Leavert Johnson and their families.
Jim had many friends in Wetaskiwin, surrounding communities, Edmonton, and Saskatoon. His immediate family would like to thank all his extended family and wonderful friends for their help, love, and support throughout the years.
A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at the Memorial Arts Centre, next to the Legion, 5206-50 Street, Wetaskiwin on Friday, January 14, 2011, at 4:00 p.m., Reverend Ruth Lumax officiating. Cremation has taken place and Jim will be buried alongside his dad, Tony Pelehos, in Saskatoon.
Memorial tributes are gratefully accepted to the Wetaskiwin First United Church greatest needs fund, to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #86 or to the Wetaskiwin Iceman Hockey Club.
Source: Edmonton Journal, January 9, 2011, p. 30
Pelehos (neé Bozyko), Sophie
Circa 1901 – 1975
The death of Mrs. Sophle Pelehos, age 74 years of 700 5th Ave. N., Saskatoon, occurred in a local hospital on March 5th. 1975. Prayers will be offered in St. Paul’s Cathedral at 9 p.m. Sunday. The funeral mass will be held on Monday, March 10 at 10 a.m. from St. Paul’s Cathedral, conducted by the Very Rev. R. Senger.
Surviving is one daughter, Mrs. V. (Katherine) Ackerman of Saskatoon: one son, Jimmy Pelehos of Edmonton; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Mrs. Mary Caarta of Edmonton, Mrs. Annette Swityk of Calgary and Mrs. Irene Clancy of Ottawa. Mrs. Pelehos was predeceased by her husband Anthony (Tony) in 1954; by two sisters, Anne and Katherine; and by two brothers, Emil and John. Internment will be made in the Roman Catholic Cemetery. MeKague’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix March 8, 1975, p. 29.
Pelehos, Tony
1895 – 1955
Tony Pelehos was born on November 5, 1895, in Aliveri Harkes, Evvia, Greece. He came to Canada through Halifax from Greece in October 1910 when he was 14 years old. He worked in restaurants in Glace Bay (Nova Scotia) from 1910 to 1912 and Calgary from 1912 to 1917. From August 1915 to January 1916, he served in the 56th Overseas Battalion and was discharged for medical reasons. He arrived in Saskatoon in August 1917.
While he had operated a cafe (the Golden Gate Café in Watrous) and hotel in rural areas, Tony is best known for operating Tony’s Popcorn Stand at the corner of Second Avenue South and 21st Street East in Saskatoon. The sign on his cart said, “Tony’s Here to Please You”. In the late 1940s, he replaced his movable cart with a more permanent structure at 337 Second Avenue South, which he called the Tony Pelehos Palace. He sold popcorn and peanuts from his cart and his stand from 1927 until the 1950s – almost a quarter of a century!
Tony was a very generous man. Each year, he would donate one day’s receipts from his stand to a charity. The Anti-Tuberculosis League, City Hospital, the Children’s Aid Society, and Red Cross benefited from this initiative. Each Christmas, he gave gifts to children from low-income families.
Tony was married to Sophia Bozyko who was born in Rosthern, Saskatchewan. Tony and Sophia had two children – James (born in Vonda on November 9, 1920) and Katerina (born in Saskatoon on January 1, 1921). Tony died in Saskatoon on June 8, 1955.
Researched by Ken Pontikes, June 1, 2023
Petroutsakos, Sophia
1976 – 2011
It is with profound sadness and deep regret that we announce the tragic loss of our daughter, sister, aunt, niece and cousin Sophia Petroutsakos on Monday, January 3, 2011, in Saskatoon. Sophia is survived by her parents Napoleon and Chryssoula; twin brother Constantine (Tara); eldest brother Demetre (Tara); older sister Maria (Aristidis) Leventis; four nephews; and two nieces. She is also lovingly remembered by numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. Sophia is predeceased by paternal grandparents Demetre and Sophia Petroutsakos; her maternal grandparents Constantine and Dimitra Katsiris; her uncles Gregory, Christos and Odyseus; her cousin Katerina; and her godparents, Gus and Maria. Sophia was born at Saskatoon City Hospital, second to her twin brother Constantine.
She was a tenacious fighter from an early age. By the age of 18 months, she was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in her brain. Her family was told she had no more than two additional years of life. She fought through seven surgeries over the next year, including several rounds of radiation. Over the years, she survived several more traumas and illnesses that should have taken her life, as if just to say to the world — don’t ever count me out.
She was raised in her family home on Park Avenue and was schooled at Holliston School in her early years and she later graduated from Walter Murray Collegiate. After high school she held several parttime jobs including working with the Sask. Abilities Council. Through a work program, she found full time employment at Sobeys. Sobeys was a place she loved to work. She never complained about having to work in even the most frigid of conditions; in fact, she looked forward to every shift. She considered the staff and management of Sobeys to be an extension of her family. She was popular with staff and customers alike for her smiling face and positive attitude.
Sophia was a petite woman with a big heart and kind spirit. She was the kind of person who would grant you a favor, and never expected it to be reciprocated. Auntie Sophie will always be loved and missed by her nieces and nephews who adored her, as she seemed to have an easy connection with them. She was loved by everyone who knew her, and her loss is felt deeply by her family and friends. Sophia’s beautiful smile and laughter will always be lovingly remembered in our hearts.
Prayer Services will be held on Monday evening January 10th, 2011, at 7:00 pm at Saskatoon Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday January 11th, 2011, at 11:00 am at Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church (Dufferin Ave. and 8th Steet), with interment to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made to the Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Saskatoon Funeral Home.
Source: Legacy Remembers, January 6, 2011.
Pontikes, Chris (Christos)
1893 – 1958
In 1907, at fourteen years of age, Chris Pontikes walked eighteen miles from his home in Agios Nickolaos (Kastri), Greece to a seaside port from which he sailed to North America. Two weeks later he arrived in Chicago where he joined his sixteen-year-old brother, Panayiotis. Chris told the United States immigration officials that he was 17 years old. He lived in Chicago for 5-1/2 years.
Chris Pontikes
Source: Pontikes Family Photo
In 1912, Chris immigrated to Canada. In 1913, at the age of 20 years, he was a resident of Regina. From there he went to Medicine Hat where the 1916 Canadian census reported he worked as a waiter in a restaurant. In the 1921 census, he was identified as a “hotel keeper” in Maple Creek, but in September 1921, the Regina Morning Leader indicated that he was operating the Victoria Café in that community. He lived in Maple Creek for eight years, after which he lived in Youngstown (Alberta), Lethbridge, Prince Albert, and Saskatoon.
Mrs. Pontikes was the former Pearl Cousins of Ingersol, Ontario. In 1923, Chris and Pearl were married in Maple Creek. In 1929, they moved to Watrous (Saskatchewan) where they operated Chris’ Confectionery and Ice Cream Parlour out of a building that was previously a drug store.. The business was open every day of the week. In a history book published by the Watrous History Book Society, Chris was described has having “a good-natured disposition” and that he “extended almost unlimited credit to many families and individuals”.
Source: Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, July 31, 1930, p. 6.
Chris and Pearl Pontikes standing in front of Chris’ Confectionery, Watrous Saskatchewan
Source: Watrous History Book Society, 1983, p. 111
Chris Pontikes at Chris’ Confectionery
Source: Pontikes Family Photo
Shortly after Mussolini’s forces invaded Greece in 1940, Chris was actively raising money to support the people of Greece. First, he joined in a national campaign to solicit donations to purchase airplanes for Greece. After four days of fund-raising, he sent a certified cheque for $75.47 to the Greek consul in Montreal, along with “a personal letter promising further assistance . . . . “ He sent another cheque for $35 the following January. These efforts earned Chris the appreciation of His Majesty, George II, King of Greece, through a letter from the Greek Consul General in Montreal. He continued for the remainder of World War II to raise money to support the Greek war effort (such as the Soldiers Sweater Fund) and to provide “relief” for the people of Greece; during a tag day in 1943, he raised $90 from the residents and visitors to Watrous.
Chris proudly remembered the struggles of the people of Greece by laying wreaths on their behalf at events, such as Decoration Day sponsored by the Watrous Legion. Even as the only Greek-born resident of the area, he ensured that the Greek flag was included in the memorial décor for these events.
Chris Pontikes was prominent in Greek circles across the country, especially in Regina and Saskatoon. He was personally acquainted with three prime ministers of Canada.
Chris was an avid curler. He was on the executive of the Watrous Curling Club and served as skip for teams during several bonspiels. He was also an enthusiastic follower of boxing.
For 25 years, Chris and Pearl sent floral tributes to almost every bereaved family in this area. According to the Watrous History Book Society, Chris was remembered “. . . as one who never put a person out of his place, who would give a tramp a meal and a package of tobacco. He would complain if you left anything on your plate, as he said the kids in Greece were starving. It was the end of an era when the doors of Chris’ Confectionery closed.”
Chris and Pearl Pontikes
Source: Pontikes Family Photo
Pearl died in 1954, following a long illness. Chris died exactly four years to the day, later. Chris and Pearl are buried in the Greek Section of Woodlawn Cemetery.
Researched by Ken Pontikes, October 20, 2023
Source: Watrous History Book Society, Prairie Reflections, 1983; Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, November 6, 1940 (p. 4), July 31, 1941 (p. 17), September 5, 1942 (p. 17), April 26, 1943 (p. 11), and August 31, 1943 (p. 12).
The death of Chris B. Pontikes, age 65 years, of Watrous, Sask., occurred suddenly at Watrous on March 22, 1958. The funeral service was held on Wednesday, March 26 at 3:00, from the Chapel of the Saskatoon Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. M. Bodnarchuk.
Surviving were one brother Peter Pontikes, and one sister Mrs. Helen Christopoulos, both in Greece; two nephews, John Pontikes, Edmonton, Alta., and Peter K. Pontikes, Saskatoon; and three nieces, Mrs. Sophia Vlass, Edmonton, Kiki Pontikes, Montreal, and Mrs. William Geatros, Saskatoon.
The late Mr. Pontikes was born in Greece and came to Canada in 1907. He had made his home at Watrous for the past 40 years where he operated Chris’s Confectionery. He was predeceased by his wife Pearl in 1954. Interment will take place in the Greek plot in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Source: Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, March 25, 1958, p 17.
Pontikes (nee Diamand), Lola
(1924 – 2014)
The family of Lola Pontikes announces the passing of a loved and respected wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and godmother. Lola’s death on January 17, 2014 occurred at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon after a short illness.
Lola was born on July 16th, 1924 in Regina, where she received her schooling at Victoria School and Central Collegiate. She grew up in the active Greek community of Regina, helping her father and uncle operate their restaurant (Le Monaco on Scarth Street). She also studied violin and was a member of the Regina Symphony Orchestra.
She married Peter in 1946 and then moved to Saskatoon. She had a special commitment to the Greek community in Saskatoon. She was a member of the Daughters of Penelope (Telemachus Chapter) and an active member of the Greek community that eventually resulted in the establishment of a Greek Orthodox parish in the city.
Peter and Lola sponsored many young Greek men and women who settled across Western Canada. She supported Peter, operating the Barry Cafe on 20th Street West and the Suburban Restaurant located north of the city’s airport. Lola never forgot that the real support to her community came from the volunteers who worked physically and often without recognition in the kitchens and behind the scenes to make organizations successful. For every year beginning in 1980, Lola was at the Greek Pavilion at Saskatoon Folkfest, stamping and selling passports at the entrance and most recently selling desserts.
She was very supportive of her children’s and granddaughter’s activities including attending performances and competitions, fund-raising, and organizing banquets. Most recently, Lola was a resident of Preston Park I Retirement Residence.
The family would like to thank the medical staff of City Hospital, Royal University Hospital, and the Palliative Care Unit at St. Paul’s Hospital for their compassionate care. Lola was predeceased by her parents, Tony and Maria Diamand; by her husband Peter; and by her sister Sophia Pantel. Lola is survived by her children Ken (Darlene Bessey) of Saskatoon, Diane (Daniel Adam) of Montreal, her granddaughter Zoë Pontikes of Saskatoon, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and their families in Canada, United States and Europe.
Prayers for Lola will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday January 19 at the Saskatoon Funeral Home. The funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. at Koimissis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, 1020 Dufferin Avenue, Saskatoon, and will be conducted by Reverend Father George Tolias. Burial will occur at the Greek Section of Woodlawn Cemetery in Saskatoon. Floral tributes are gratefully declined.
Memorial donations may be made to the Pontikes Family Fund for Children and Youth of the Saskatoon Community Foundation (101-308 Fourth Avenue North, Saskatoon S7K 2L7) or to the Meewasin Valley Authority (402 Third Avenue South, Saskatoon S7K 2G5).
Source: Saskatoon Funeral Home
Pontikes, Pearl (née Cousins)
1893 – 1954
The death of Mrs. Chris Pontikes, 60, occurred at the Watrous Union Hospital on March 22, 1954, following an illness of some two years’ duration. The funeral, under the direction of Fotheringham’s Funeral Service, was held at All Saints’ Anglican church, Watrous, Thursday at 1:00 p.m. The service was conducted by the Rev. D. A. Gregory. Burial was made in the Greek plot in Woodlawn Cemetery, Saskatoon, where a graveside service took place at 4:30 p.m.
Mrs. Pontikes, the former Pearl Cousins, was born on Aug. 12, 1893, in Ingersoll, Ont. She was united in marriage to Mr. Pontikes 31 years ago at Maple Creek. Twenty-five years ago, they moved to Watrous where they conducted a store business under the name of Chris’ Confectionery.
A patient in a Saskatoon hospital for seven months, Mrs. Pontikes was able to return to her home for a time, and for the past five months, she has been a patient in Watrous Hospital for various periods, spending about half the time at her home.
Mrs. Pontikes is survived by her husband, four brothers, and one sister. An adopted son, through an earlier marriage, Charles Mooney, resides in Winnipeg.
Source: Regina Leader-Post, March 27, 1954, p.4.
Pontikes, Peter
(1914 – 2000)
The family of Peter Kyriakos Pontikes announces the passing of a loved and respected husband, father, grandfather and uncle. Peter’s death on September 4, 2000 occurred in hospital with his wife and children at his side. This has brought him peace following a battle with Parkinson’s disease and the challenges of his advanced years.
Peter was born on August 14, 1914 in Kastri, Kynourias, Greece, where he received his schooling and worked, along with his seven brothers and sisters, to maintain the family’s small farm properties. After his father’s death and at the age of nineteen, his family decided that he could better support his mother and siblings in Greece by emigrating to America. An older brother and sister in the United States and a sister in Canada had preceded him for the same purpose.
A family decision was made that he would join his sister and brother-in- law who operated the Ritz Hotel in Saskatoon. Together, Peter and his brother and sisters supported the family in Greece through difficult economic and political times. This included sponsoring numerous nieces and nephews, and their friends, to emigrate to Canada during the period following the Second World War and the Greek Civil War. Many families of Greek descent in Western Canada can trace their immigration as a result of the sponsorship or initial support of Peter and his wife, Lola, whom he married in 1946.
In the early 1950’s, Peter and his cousin, John Pontikes, operated Johnny’s Lunch in Second Avenue South in Saskatoon. In 1954, Peter formed a partnership with Peter Bezbes and James Kosmas to operate the Barry Café in Saskatoon. Later, this partnership would result in the construction and operation of the Suburban Restaurant, located north of the city’s airport. A recreation centre was subsequently added.
Throughout his life, Peter was an active member of the community. For over forty years, he was a member of the Twin City Masonic Lodge. In his business life, he supported many community organizations and events, including the Riversdale Business Association, Pion-Era, and the Community Chest. Because of his roots, he had a special commitment to the Greek community in Saskatoon. As a young man, he was a charter member of the Progressive Chapter, Sons of Pericles No. 3CJ of the Anglo-Hellenic Educational and Progressive Association (AHEPA). Later, as an adult, he would join and become an active member of Dominion Chapter No. 9CJ of AHEPA. He was the first president of the organization that purchased the first church on Fifth Street East for Saskatoon’s Greek community and that eventually resulted in the establishment of a Greek Orthodox Parish in the city.
Yet, despite these leadership roles. Peter never forgot that the real support came from the volunteers who worked physically and often without recognition, in the kitchens and behind the scenes to make the organizations and events successful. At the Hellenic Pavilion at Folkfest, Peter often took the jobs that no one wanted, but he knew had to be done.
Peter is predeceased by his father, Kyriakos, his mother, Demetro, his brothers, Kosti and Bill Pontikes, his sisters Maria Marinakos and Effie Geatros, and by his nephews Gus Foufas and Kenneth Nicholas Pontikes. Peter is survived by his wife Lola (Diamand) Pontikes, his children Ken Pontikes (Darlene Bessey) of Regina and Diane Pontikes (Daniel Adam) of Montreal, his grand-daughter Zoë Pontikes of Regina, his brother Nick Pontikes of Chicago, his sisters Sophia Foufas of Astros, Greece and Theodoti Pontikes of Kastri, Greece and his sisters-in-law Sophia Pontikes of Kastri and Dina Pontikes of Nafplio. Greece. He has numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and their families in Canada, United States and Europe.
Prayers for Peter will be held at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 7, 2000 at the Saskatoon Funeral Home. The funeral service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 8. 2000 at Koimissis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox church, 1020 Dufferin Avenue, Saskatoon, conducted by Reverend Father John Nikolaou. Burial will occur at the Greek section Woodlawn Cemetery in Saskatoon. Floral Tributes are gratefully declined.
Memorial donations may be made to the Saskatoon Foundation, which manages the Pontikes Fund for Children and Youth (101-308-4th Avenue North, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7K 2L7) or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Source: Saskatoon Funeral Home
Pontikes, Vasillis (Bill)
(Circa 1919 – 1993)
The death of William (Bill) Pontikes, age 74 years, occurred on August 26, 1993, at Tripolis, Greece. Surviving are his wife, Tina; his brothers and sisters; Nick Pontikes and Maria Marinakos of Chicago, Ill., Peter (Lola) Pontikes of Saskatoon, Kosti b (Sophia) Pontikes, Sophia (George) Foufas and Theothoti Pontikes living in Greece; and numerous nephews and nieces in Canada. the United States and Greece. He was predeceased by his parents, Kyriakos and Demetro; his sister, Effie Geatros; his brothers-in- law, Bill Geatros, Constantine Marinakos and John T. Pontikes; and his sister-in-law, Eleni Pontikes.
Bill was born in Kastri, Greece. He immigrated to Saskatoon in 1950 and for 34 years, worked at the Ritz Hotel and Apollo Room, where he became a friend to many customers.
Bill was a member of the Saskatoon Greek Orthodox community and the Saskatchewan Hotel Association. Following the closure of the Ritz, Bill retired and moved to Astros, Greece, where he was married and built a house with a beautiful garden that gave him great pleasure.
The Funeral Service for Bill Pontikes occurred on August 28, 1993, and he was interred near his parents in Kastri, Greece. Memorial donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, 279-3rd Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK S7K 2H8.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, September 1, 1993, p. 19.
Poulgouras , Konstantinos
1947 – 2020
Konstantinos Poulgouras of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan passed away on March 26, 2020, at St. Paul’s Palliative Care. He was born on May 13, 1947, in Athens, Greece.
He will be dearly missed by his loving wife Ria, her granddaughters Eleni and Eleftheria Karoutis, his son Taso Poulgouras (Maria), his son Kosta;,and his daughter Petty Poulgouras-Faria (Ernesto) and their children Aris, Alexandro, and Zoe. He was preceded in death by his parents Anastasios and Panagiota.
Kosta was a brilliant man with a passion for business and invention. Throughout his life he owned multiple successful restaurants and managed to patent two of his own creations. He loved visiting the University of Saskatchewan Food Centre where he would watch his work come to life. He had a love for singing, cooking, and enjoyed quality time with his loved ones. He also spent his spare time expanding his knowledge on current events, history, politics, and various kinds of cultures. His zest for life will be dearly missed.
Kosta was very grateful for the wonderful care he received from his oncologist Dr. Dueck, his palliative home care nurses, and the staff at Saskatoon Cancer Clinic. Due to the current circumstances, a private service will be held on Monday March 30, 2020, at the Saskatoon Funeral Home followed by the burial. Arrangements are entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home (306 244 5577).
Source: Saskatoon Funeral Home
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