Remembering Families
(Incredible people from our Greek Community who shall be missed!)
M – Z
Manos, Tom
Circa 1885 – 1957
Restaurant owner dies at 72.
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, Mar23, 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 & 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.Condolences may be sent to mail@saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to SASKATOON FUNERAL HOME (244-5577).
Source: Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, June 2, 2015
Matheos Family
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 Wood- lawn 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. Mark- ley, 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 the 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 (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. (Courtesy parking south of the Chapel on 4th Avenue at 25th Street.)
10-17-c
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 to 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.
Hamilton (Née Matheos), Ceres Mae
1921 – 2002
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of our dear wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother on Saturday, December 29, 2001. Knowing that she is at peace and safe in the arms of Jesus brings us much comfort.
Ceres was born in Humboldt, SK, August 16, 1921, daughter of Thomas and Doris Matheos; married to Clifford Hamilton September 1, 1940. Left to cherish her memories are her husband, Clifford; daughter, Donna (John) Marushak; daughter, Diane (George) Doell; son, Jim (Jeanette) Hamilton; grandchildren, Brian, Jamie and Shelley Marushak: Kevin and Jason Doell; Janelle, Randy and Tracie Hamilton; great-grandchildren, Carla and Ryan Marushak, Landon and Kaitlyn Doell; brother, Jim (Elsie) Matheos; numerous nieces and nephews.
Mom’s love for the Lord from an early age gave her strong inner faith, which sustained her in all her stages of life. She was a great exhorter to her family and friends. She was known for her much wit, good humor in her sayings and participated well in much teasing from everyone who knew her. She enjoyed her daily visits to the 8th St. Co-op where everyone was greeted by her warm, gracious smile. At the apartment block on 10th Street East, she was known as the house Mom.
Her last residence before Sunnyside nursing home was at Elim Lodge where Mom could be found distributing the weekly Sun door to door. She complimented the great friendly homelike atmosphere there.
She was predeceased by her parents, Tom and Doris Matheos, and brother, Bill. A Visitation time will be available on Wednesday, January 2nd, 2002, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at The Acadia Drive Funeral Chapel. By her request a Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, January 3rd, 2002, conducted by her grandson Rev. Kevin Doell, at 1:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in the Garden of the Good Shepherd. (You are invited to meet at the Acadia Drive Funeral Chapel at 12:30 p.m. to proceed to the cemetery.) A Reception will follow at Elim Lodge. Arrangements are entrusted to John Janex, ACADIA DRIVE FUNERAL CHAPEL (955-1600).
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, January 2, 2002, p. 23.
Mavridou Family
Marina Mavridou
1908 – 2000
Marina, 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-grand- children: Tina (Ari) Carastathis, Joanna and Alex of Thunder Bay, ON and Bill (Marija) Go- nari, Theo, Alexei, Christopher, Stefan and Michael of Saskatoon, SK; as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Greece. She was pre- deceased 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 (Dufferin) Ave. & 8th Street E.) with Rev. Father John Nikolaou presiding. Interment to 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 FUNERAL CHAPEL (955-1600).
Source: Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, October 30, 2000, p. 12.
Yani Gonari
1928 – 1987
The death of Mr. Yani Gonari of 202- 235 Lenore Drive, aged 58 years, occurred in a Saskatoon hospital February 5, 1987. Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 9, 1987, at 2:00 p.m. from Koimisis Tis Throtokou Greek Orthodox Church 1020 Dufferin Ave. conducted by Rev. John Nikolau. Prayers will be said Sunday evening at 7:00p.m. from Westwood Funeral Chapel Ave. N. and 20th St.
Surviving are his wife Mary of Saskatoon and one daughter Tina Gonari and a son Laki (Marija) both of Saskatoon, two grandsons; John Theodore and Alexande, one brother Peter (Elizabeth) of Athens, Greece, and his mother-in-law Marina Mavridou of Saskatoon. Interment will take place in the Greek Section of Woodlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are in care of Scharfs Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, Sask. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, February 7, 1987, p. 53.
Gonari, Mary
July 26, 1934 – February 9th, 2006
Mary passed away, February 9th, at the age of 71. She will be sadly missed as mother, grandma, and friend. She was predeceased by her husband. Yani and Mother, Marina Mavridou. Mary is dearly loved and remembered by her daughter. Tina (Aris) Carastathis: son, Laki (Marija) Gonari: grandchildren, Joanna, Alex, Theo, Alexei, Christopher, Stefan and Michael: numerous relatives In Athens, Greece.
Mary was born in Constantinople and later lived in Jerusalem, Cairo, Montreal, and Athens, before moving to Saskatoon. Mary’s family would like to extend a special thank you to all the nurses and doctors at the I.C.U. at City Hospital for their kind care and support.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 11th, 2006, at Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church (1020 Dufferin Ave) with Rev. Father John Nikolaou presiding. Interment to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery-Greek Orthodox Section. Prayers were held Friday evening. February 10th, 2006. In lieu of flowers. donations may be made in Mary’s name to the Sask. Heart & Stroke Foundation (279 3rd. Ave. North Saskatoon, SK S7K 2H8). Condolences may be emailed to www.mourningglory.ca. Arrangements in care of John Schachtel – MOURNING GLORY FUNERAL SERVICES (978-5200).
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, February 11, 2006, p. 24
Mirras Family
Chinakos, (née Mirras), Katherine
1925 – 2010
Obituary/biography is not available.
Mirras, John
1899 – 1953
Dec. 2nd John Mirras, from Vancouver B.C., beloved husband of Mary, father of Katherine Chinakos and Steve, Jim and Anita Mirras. Funeral service Thursday, Dec. 10, 1:30 p.m. at Hennessy, Goetsch & McGee, Portland Oregon.
Vancouver Province, December 8, 1953, p. 28
Note: Resided in Saskatoon from 1935 to 1940.
Mirras (née Petroulias), Mary
1906 – 1989
Mary, reposed in our Lord on Friday, December 15, 1989, in St. Vincent’s Hospital, wife of the late John Mirras who predeceased her on December 3, 1953.
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; numerous 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.
Funeral service will be held Tuesday, December 19 at 12 noon at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 4500 Arbutus Street, 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 officiating at the Portland services.
In Vancouver, in lieu of flowers, please donate to either St. George’s Chair Loit Fund and/or Library Fund or Sts. Nicholas and Demitrios Funds. In Portland, to A.H.E.C. for the future chapel at the Sandy River Property.
Vancouver Province, December 19, 1989, p. 57
Note: 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 and 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
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. (403) 265-1199.
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 they 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; and grandchildren. Dustin, Nolan, Zaia, Vivian, all of Saskatoon; and 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. E-mail condolences may be sent to park@arbormemorial.com Arrangements entrusted to David J. Schurr. 244-2103.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, August 14, 2007, p. 26.
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; 2 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 Ahepha 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. Photos, memories, and condolences may be shared with Christos’ family through www.evanjstrong.com.
EVAN J. STRONG
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, April 21, 2021, p. N8.
Papagiannis Family
Georgios (George) Papagiannis
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 Koi- missis Greek Orthodox Church, 8th St. & 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 SAS- KATOON FUNERAL HOME.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, January 4, 2002, p. 41
Katerina (Catherina) Papagiannis
1926 – 2016
Passed away peacefully at Fosterbrooke Nursing Home. Beloved wife of the late George Papagianis. Loving mother of Angelo (Catherine), Constantine “Gus” and John (Terry). Devoted Yaya (grandmother) of Jason, Mikel (Kristy), Tommy (Janna), Katie, and Alexis.
A special thank you to all the staff at Fosterbrooke Nursing Home for their amazing love and care.
Visitation will be held at 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 (https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/oshawa-on/catherina-papagianis-7127050)
Pappas/Papgeorgkopoulos Family
Pappas/Papagerogakopoulos, 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 ick 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).
He 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; 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.
Courtesy parking area south of the Saskatoon Funeral Chapel on 4th Avenue at 25th Street.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, October 29, 1984, p. 7.
Pelehos Family
Popcorn King taught family value of hard work By Bob Florence, Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, January 5, 2015
Tony Pelehos was priceless with popcorn. He ran a popcorn stand in downtown Saskatoon for years. From the 1920s through the ’50s he stood on the sidewalk at the corner of 21st Street and Second Avenue, near the Elite Cafe and across the street from the United Cigar Store and Pinder’s Drugs. As kernels in his popper were popping, Tony talked and laughed. His smile could melt butter. If people wanted popcorn but didn’t have money, Tony gave them a bag anyway. Even in winter he was busy. The Popcorn King, people called him.
Jim Pelehos was Tony’s son. Like his father, Jim was a mover and shaker. After Jim served in the Canadian navy, he worked in Saskatoon for Kaleta Ticket agency and Harry Lyons advertising, for First Investors Corp. and Athletic Equipment Sales. He was the manager of Doc Landa’s Carlsbad Hotel in Manitou Beach.
For three years in the mid-’60s Jim owned JP James Candy Products, running a warehouse in Riversdale that supplied stores with caramel corn and candied apples. That was Jim the businessman. People appreciated volunteer Jim. He spent time. He gave energy.
In Saskatchewan he was active behind the scenes with the Saskatoon Elks and Humboldt Indians hockey clubs. In B.C. he was a fundraiser for the New Westminster Royals hockey team and Vancouver’s minor lacrosse association. In Alberta he was Bill Hunter’s go-to guy in promoting the Edmonton Oil Kings junior team and the WHA’s Edmonton Oilers.
For 28 years he did a barrel of things in Wetaskiwin, a city in central Alberta where he lived. Jim sold wreaths for a poppy fund. He started an activity club for seniors. He helped launch the Wetaskiwin & County Sports Hall of Fame, being enshrined into the hall as a sports builder four years later.
Jim was 90 when he died on New Year’s in 2011. He is interred beside his dad at Woodlawn Cemetery in Saskatoon. Greece is their homeland, Saskatoon their place.
Tony Pelehos was born and raised in Greece. With Greece’s economy in a bog at the end of the 19th century, Tony left his sheep-herding parents and his brother Peter when he was 14, travelling to Canada with two of his friends.
At first Tony was a busboy in Halifax, then in Winnipeg. When he settled in Saskatoon and was working in a restaurant, he met a young woman who was also working in a restaurant. Her parents, Joseph and Eudocia Boyko, emigrated from Ukraine to a homestead in Prud’homme, a village northeast of Saskatoon. They raised eight children in a three-room house that had clay walls and a straw roof.
Their daughter Sophie moved to Saskatoon when she was 15. She worked in restaurants. She met Tony. Sophie and Tony were married in 1920. That same year, with Sophie at home visiting her parents, son Jim was born in Prud’homme.
Sophie and Tony added a second child, daughter Katherine, three years later.
Tony worked for a few more years in the ’20s as a waiter, including at the Capitol Cafe near the KG Hotel on Second Avenue. By 1927 he was on his own, selling jolly time popcorn and fresh roasted peanuts.
Tony’s Here to Please You, read the sign on his sidewalk cart. Business was his pleasure.
Spero Leakos, whose father Steve owned the New Commodore Cafe a block north of Pelehos on Second Avenue, enjoyed talking with Tony. “When I knew him, he was older, but he was a young old,” Spero said. “He had a smile on his face all the Ɵme.”
Jim Kosmas came to Saskatoon in 1951 from Kastri in southern Greece. “I was 16 years old, a shy boy,” said Kosmas. “The highlight of the day was going for a soda or milkshake at the Commodore, Elite or Shasta Cafe. “Kids at Tech (Collegiate) would walk over for popcorn from Tony. Oh, yes, I remember that.” Kosmas has gone on to own The Cave Restaurant on Eighth Street with his brothers John and Peter.
Tony Pelehos lived a life of giving. He set the record for selling the most tickets to the AHEPA dance and buffet, an annual Greek event in Saskatoon. Every year he donated a day of his pay from selling popcorn to charity, usually to the Red Cross. He had a Christmas tradition, giving holiday gifts to children in poor families. Although he didn’t make much himself, he was big on helping others. “He died when I was four, so I didn’t know him well,” said his granddaughter Joy, one of Jim Pelehos’s six children and in his first of two sets of twins. “What I remember is he always brought us six kids a basket of fruit. “I remember him standing at his popcorn wagon. “I remember the smell of popcorn.”
Jim Pelehos followed his father’s lead. Jim worked the fair circuit in the summer, selling caramel corn and candy apples and cotton candy. He went to the Vancouver PNE and the Calgary Stampede, to Klondike Days in Edmonton and the Red River Ex in Winnipeg. When his children were old enough, they worked with him.
The family travelled in a wood panelled Buick, hauling a trailer throughout Western Canada and to the East, going to Ottawa and Toronto and Hull, Que. They dipped apples and spun floss. They staffed the booth, encouraging fairgoers to get your fresh, hot popcorn. “We were carny girls,” Joy said, laughing. “Actually, Dad was very protective of us. “It was a good experience. We learned to work hard. We learned how to handle money. We travelled.” Added Joy’s twin sister June: “Just don’t talk about the time the trailer tipped over when we were on that mountain pass in B.C.”
Their younger sister Debra remembers the summer she was 12 and joined a Pelehos crew who were already at the exhibition in Prince Albert. “When I went to the bus station the bus had already gone, so I took a cab from Saskatoon to Prince Albert,” she said. “The days at an exhibition were long. We’d be there at 11 in the morning and leave at 11 at night. But there was such electricity on the grounds, such spontaneity. “Because we worked there, we could go on rides for free. The Tilt-a-Whirl was one of my favourites.”
Debra lives in B.C., as does her twin sister Dawn, her brother Jim Jr. and her oldest sister Lee. Joy lives in Hawaii, June in Saskatchewan.
Joy and June both visited Greece in the 1970s. Joy met her grandfather’s brother Peter there.
Their dad drove them to Expo in Montreal in 1967. “Dad was charismatic,” Debra said. “He had a sense of community, a sense of fairness and a good sense of humour.” Said Joy: “He told me ‘If you want to get ahead, do the jobs people don’t want to do.’ People say I have a lot of Dad in me. Go, go, go. Think positive. “For him and my grandfather, their love of Saskatoon never ended. I want people to remember the difference they made in the city.” Said June: “I want people to know just the generosity of their giving.”
(Source: Bob Florence, “Popcorn King taught family value of hard work”, Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, January 5, 2015.
Ackerman/Pelehos, Katherine (Kay) Patricia
Circa 1923 – 1982
ACKERMAN-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 Wood- lawn Cemetery. Guest parking directly south of McKague’s Funeral Home, 3rd Avenue & 20th Street.
Source: Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, March 25, 1982, p. 27
Pelehos, James Jay
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, (bring along a story to share on open mic) 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 gratefully accepted to the Wetaskiwin First United Church greatest needs fund, or 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. Pauls Cathedral at 9p.m. Sunday evening. The funeral mass will be held on Monday, March 10 at 10a.m. from St. Pauls 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: 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 in charge of arrangements.
3-10-c
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. Condolences may be sent to mail@saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to SASKATOON FUNERAL HOME.
Source: Legacy Remembers, January 6, 2011 (https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/sophia-petroutsakos-obituary?id=44904414).
Pontikes (Kyriakos) Family:
- Pontikes Family
- Lola Pontikes
- Peter Pontikes
- Vasillis (Bill) Pontikes
- Helen Shnorhavorian (nee Pontikes)
- (Geatros Family)
Kyriakos Ioannis Pontikes lived in the mountain-side village of Agios Nicholas (Kastri), Kynourias, Greece. With his first wife Panayiota, he had two children – Maria and Nicholas. Panayiota died and Kyriakos married Dimitro Doumos, with whom he had six children who survived to adulthood – Eftyhia, Constantinos, Sophia, Panayoitis (Peter), Vasillis (Bill), and Theodoti.
Eftychia, Panayiotis, and Vasillis emigrated to Saskatoon, Canada. Maria and Nicholas went to Chicago, U.S.A. and Constantinos, Sophia, and Theodoti remained in Greece.
Pontikes (Peter) Family…
Peter Pontikes was 19 years old in 1934 when he emigrated to Saskatoon from Kastri, the village where he was born in Greece. He came to work at the Ritz Hotel on 21st Street East, a business owned by his sister and her husband (Effie and Bill Geatros), and to earn an income that would allow him to send money to support his widowed mother and siblings in Greece. For the next twelve years, his life revolved around his work, the Geatros family, and the Greek community in Saskatoon.
In 1946, Peter married Lola Diamand, daughter of a Regina restaurateur. Peter subsequently established several businesses in Saskatoon in partnership with others: Johnny’s Lunch (on 2nd Avenue South), the Barry Café (on Twentieth Street West), and the Suburban Restaurant and Recreation Centre (on Idylwyld North). Through his business affiliations, Peter supported the Riversdale Business Association and the Community Chest. He was a member of Twin City Masonic Lodge.
Meanwhile, Peter and Lola embarked on a mission to sponsor the emigration of numerous young Greek men and women – many in their late teens — to come to Canada. They were convinced that these young people had few opportunities in post-war Greece and that coming to Canada offered a chance to pursue a better future for themselves and financial support for the families they left.
Lola became an active member of Saskatoon’s Greek community and after the birth of her children, Ken and Diane, of the wider Saskatoon community. She volunteered and provided leadership in many community and local organizations associated with her children’s school and extra-curricular activities.
Peter and Lola were actively engaged as volunteers in community events such as the Greek Pavilion at Saskatoon Folkfest. They were members of the Order of Ahepa and Daughters of Penelope (fraternal organizations serving the Greek diaspora) and were founding members, with Peter serving as the first president, of Koimisis tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church in Saskatoon. Peter and Lola instilled their values of supporting community, philanthropy, and volunteerism in their son and daughter. For example, Ken and Diane both held leadership positions in the early years of Saskatoon Folkfest.
The Pontikes Family Fund for Children and Youth was established by contributions in 1995 from Peter, Lola, Ken, and Diane. The Fund has grown in subsequent years through further contributions and through memorial tributes from friends at the time of Peter’s and Lola’s passing 2000 and 2014.
The Pontikes Family Fund reflects their interests, including the arts, immigrant-support, the natural environment, and community development. It encourages initiatives that build self-esteem, develop skills, and provide opportunities and experiences for children, youth and their families facing financial, physical, or other disadvantages.
Source: Saskatoon Community Foundation – adapted
Pontikes, Lola
The family of Lola Pontikes announces the passing of a loved and respected wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and godmother.
Lola’s death on January 17th, 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 ac- tive 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 Pon- tikes 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 19th 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 con- ducted 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 W2W Campaign of the Meewasin Valley Authority (402 Third Avenue South, Saskatoon S7K 2G5).
Source: Saskatoon Funeral Home
Pontikes, Peter
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 a 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 and Bijou theatre 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, 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. He was a charter member o Progressive Chapter No. 3CJ of the Anglo-Hellenic Educational and Progressive Association (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 anc 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)
The death of William (Bill) Pontikes, age 74 years, occurred on August 26, 1993, at Tripolis, Greece. Surviving is 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.
Shnorhavorian, née Pontikes, Helen
1939 – 2007
Helen Shnorhavorian, 67, of San Diego was born in Kastri, Greece. She arrived in Saskatoon, Canada, in 1959 and moved to Chicago in 1964. With her husband Jack, she moved to San Diego in 1978.
Jack passed away in 1994. She is survived by her son, Misak, a third-year dental student in Los Angeles, her daughter, Dr. Margarett Shnorhavorian and son-in-law, Dr. David Horne of Seattle who are expecting their first child; brothers Kyriakos of Chicago and Theodoros of Greece, sisters Evantheia and Toula of Greece, mother Theodoti of Greece, and many nephews and nieces.
She was a compassionate and generous woman who touched the lives of many people. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother. After her husband’s passing, she made many sacrifices in helping her children achieve their educational goals. She loved children, gardening, home design, travel, and cooking. She was a devoutly religious woman of the Greek Orthodox faith. She will be greatly missed by her many relatives and friends, as well as co-workers and customers at Nordstrom, Fashion Valley.
A viewing service will be held Sunday, February 11th at 5 p.m. at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, 3655 Park Blvd., San Diego. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 12th at 11 a.m. at St. Spyridon with burial service to follow at El Camino Memorial Park, at 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego. Donations may be sent to the Make-a-Wish Foundation in Helen’s name.
Source: San Diego Union-Tribune, February 11, 2007
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; 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. Condolences may be left at www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home (306 244 5577).
Source: Saskatoon Funeral Home
Ramongiannis (Rammos) Family
Ramogiannis (Rammos), Konstantinos (Gus)
1914 – 1991
The death of Gus Rammos (Konstantinos Ramogiannis) age 76 years, of Saskatoon, occurred in St. Paul’s Hospital on Thursday, January 24, 1991.
The Funeral Service will be held on Monday, January 28th at 2:00 p.m. from the Kormissis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, 1020 Dufferin Ave. conducted by Rev. Fr. John Nikolaou. The Prayer Service will be held on Sunday evening at 8:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Saskatoon Funeral Home conducted by Rev. Fr. John Nikolaou.
Memorial donations to the Palliative Care Unit, St. Paul’s hospital, 1702 20th St. W. Saskatoon, Sask. S7M 0Z9 will be appreciated in lieu of flowers.
Surviving is his loving wife, Maria; his brother Nikolaos Rammogiannis of Kastri, Kynourias, Greece and several nieces and nephews. Gus was born on May 15, 1914, in Kastri, Kynourias, Greece. He served in the Greek Army during WW II in Albania. He came to Canada and Regina, Saskatchewan in 1951 and moved to Saskatoon in 1953 where he was joined by his wife Maria from Greece. Gus was employed by many local Greek restaurants until his retirement in 1980.
Gus was a Board Member of the Greek Orthodox Community of Saskatoon for many years. He also was a member and served as Treasurer of the Order of Ahepa.
Interment will follow in the Woodlawn Greek Cemetery. Funeral Service arrangements have been entrusted to the SASKATOON FUNERAL HOME.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, January 26, 1991, p. 41.
Ramogiannis (Rammos), Maria
1914 – 2003
Maria Rammos, born on September 14, 1914, in Greece, passed away at Luther Special Care Home on Wednesday, July 16. 2003.
Beloved aunt of Eugene and his wife. Jeanee, of Waterloo, Ontario, and from Vancouver, BC, John and his wife Tasia, Tasos and his wife Nitsa, Demitrios, and his wife Zaxaroula, Koula and her husband George, and Godson Gus, Despina and her husband Christos, and Vasili and his wife Touls of Australia. Maria had many godchildren, as well as nieces and nephews in Greece and Australia. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Gus, in 1992.
She immigrated to Canada in 1955. Before retirement she was working as a short order cook in a variety of restaurants in Saskatoon. Maria was a faithful member of the Greek Orthodox Community Church. She loved gardening and flowers.
Our sincere appreciation and thanks to the people of the Greek Community and the staff of Luther Special Care Home. Relatives and friends are invited to the Prayer Service to be held on Monday evening July 21, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. at Saskatoon Funeral Home (4th Ave. and 25th St.) and the Funeral Mass to be held at Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church (Dufferin Ave. & 8th St.) on Tuesday morning July 22, 2003, at 10:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Rev. John Nikolaou will preside at both services.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations maybe made to Koimisis Tis Theotokou Green Orthodox Church (1020 Dufferin Ave. Saskatoon S7H IC1) or to the Canadian Cancer Society (438 2nd Ave. N. Saskatoon S7K 2C3). Arrangements have been. entrusted to SASKATOON FUNERAL HOME 244- 5577.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, July 21, 2003, p. 17.
Scourletos, Katrina (Catherine)
1933 – 1967
THE DEATH OF Mrs. Catherine Scourletos, age 32 years of 310 4th Ave., south, Saskatoon occurred on Sunday, August 20th, 1967. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 23rd at 5 p.m. from Westwood Funeral Chapel. Surviving is her loving husband, Nick; four daughters: Maria, Diana, Patricia, and Helen; her father: Nick Katres, Saskatoon; one sister: Mrs. Alexanda Kosmos, Kastrie, Greece; one brother: Basile Katres, Edmonton.
The late Mrs. Scourletos was born in Greece and received her education there. She came to Canada in 1958 and had resided in Saskatoon since that time. Interment will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery, Arrangements are in care of Westwood Funeral Chapel, 8-23-c
Source: Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, August 23, 1967, p. 17
Solomos, Panayiota (Nota) née Shourounis
1931 – 2007
Panayota “Nota” of Regina, SK., passed away peacefully at her residence on Thursday, March 29th, 2007. Predeceased by her husband Harry Gabriel, parents Spero and Smaro Shourounis.
Nota’s memory will always live with her beloved sister Katina “Kat”, her husband Arthur and their family Dr. Leon and Nancy Pontikes and children Andrew, Mitchell and Katlin of Lawton, Oklahoma, and Dr. Georgia Pontikes of Regina. Her cherished children K. Ann Brizolis, husband Demetrios Brizolis and grandson Alexander of Rancho Santa Fe, California, her son Gregory S. Solomos, wife Martha, daughter Gina and son Joseph of Louisville, Kentucky, will never forget their loving and generous mother and grandmother who enriched their lives with joy, compassion and giving.
Nota was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on January 25th, 1931. She attended the University of Manitoba where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics and enjoyed a career as a dietician at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon where she met her future husband Flying Officer Harry G. Solomos a decorated pilot in the Canadian Air force.
She will also be remembered by the many people who’s lives she touched teaching ethnic cooking classes, the many years she spent serving as Governor and President of the Daughter’s of Penelope and their charitable work in the Greek Orthodox community, she enjoyed her friendships and contribution to the Home Economics Association of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, her valuable tireless work on the council of the Regina Multi Cultural Society; she served as Ambassador to the Hellenic pavilion for several years. For many years she directed the Women’s Pavilion at the Agribition for the Regina Fair.
Nota was involved, committed, and dedicated to whatever she undertook. Her children now take great comfort in knowing that she will be fondly remembered by so many for her generous contributions to others, her kind, giving spirit, her devotion to her family and friends and her passion for excellence in everything she did. May her memory remain eternal.
A prayer service will be held on Monday, April 2nd, 2007, at 6:00 P.M. at the Victoria Avenue Funeral home, 2080 Victoria Ave., East, Regina, SK. The funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, April 3rd, 2007, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, 3000 Argyle Rd., Regina, SK., with Rev. Fr. Spyridon Vandoros officiating. Interment to follow in Riverside Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers the family gratefully accepts donations made in Nota’s name to St. Paul’s – Greek Orthodox Church, Regina, SK.
Regina Leader-Post, April 2, 2007, p. 29.
Spyrounis, John
Circa 1900 – 1978
The death of John Spyrounis age 78 years of 611 Ross Block, Saskatoon occurred in hospital on November 20th, 1978. The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, November 23rd at 2:00 p.m. from the Greek Orthodox Church, 1020 Dufferin Ave., Saskatoon conducted by Rev. C. Kakabelakis. A Prayer service will be held on Wednesday, November 22nd at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Saskatoon Funeral Home. Surviving are his wife, Panayiota; a daughter, Helen; three grandchildren; three brothers and one sister.
Mr. Spyrounis was born in Greece and came to Canada 21 years ago. He had lived in Regina, Moose Jaw, Banff, Alberta, and North Battleford prior to coming to Saskatoon 12 years ago. Mr. Spyrounis served with the Allied Armed Forces during the First and Second World Wars. Interment will take place in the Greek section of Woodlawn Cemetery. Saskatoon Funeral Home oversees arrangements.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, November 22, 1978, p. 76.
Tassopoulos Family
Tassopoulos, Elpida (Hope)
1931 – 2012
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Elpida (Hope) Tassopoulos which occurred on Tuesday, July 10, 2012. Elpida was born in Karetena, Arcadia, Greece on February 8, 1931.
Predeceased by her beloved husband Jim (2005), Elpida is survived by her children: Leo, Joanna (Thomas) Kaul, Marina Rendek and her grandchildren: Dean, Amanda, Matthew, James, Louis, Alexa, Dmitri and John. Predeceased by her brothers George and Peter and her sister Christina. Survived by her brothers Nick and Constantine and sisters Kathy and Helen.
Please join us in Prayer at the Saskatoon Funeral Home (4th Ave. & 25th St.) on Sunday evening, July 15th, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. and for Funeral Services to be held on Monday morning, July 16th 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Koimisis Tir Theotokou Greek Orthodox church (8th St. & Dufferin Ave.) Interment will take place in the family plot in the Greek Orthodox section of Woodlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Saint Paul’s Hospital Foundation. Thank you to the staff at Saint Paul’s Hospital and Parkridge Center for your care and kindness. Condolences may be sent to mail@saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home.
Source: Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, July 13, 2012.
Tassopoulos, Dimitri (Jimmy)
1925 – 2005
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Jim Tassopoulos which occurred on Thursday August 18th, 2005, at Royal University Hospital.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife Elpida (Hope), one son Leo (Michele), two dauthers Joanna (Thomas) Kaul and Marina Rendek, and seven grandchildren Dean, Amanda, Mathew, Louis, James, Elexa and John as well as four brothers Nick, Themeos, Peter and Tasos and one sister Helen.
Jim was born May 10th, 1925, in Karetena, Arcadia Greece. He immigrated to Canada in 1967 with his family and located in Saskatoon. Jim will always be remembered for his contributions to dining in Saskatoon with establishments such as Olympia (Gardens), Tiffany’s and later Cousin Nik’s. His passion for food and life was well known to all he touched in his lifetime.
Jim was the constant comic with his sharp sarcastic wit. He always brought entertainment into our lives. He was at his best at his home in the backyard with a lamb on the spit or a gardening hoe in his hand. He was a man of the earth who had adapted to life in a new country. He will be greatly missed by everyone for he was not a man one could easily forget.
A Prayer Vigil will be held on Monday evening August 22nd, 2005, at 8:00 pm at Saskatoon Funeral Home (4th Ave. & 25th St.) Funeral Services will take place on Tuesday afternoon August 23rd 2005 at 3:00 pm at Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church (8th St. & Dufferin Ave) followed by interment in the Greek Orthodox section of Woodlawn Cemetery. Both services will be celebrated by Fr. John Nikolaou.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan (279 3rd Ave. N. Saskatoon, SK S7K 2H7) would be appreciated by the family. Email condolences may be sent to mail@saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to SASKATOON FUNERAL HOME 244-5577.
Source: Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, August 20, 2005
Thanagan Family:
Thanagan, Chris
1888 – 1945
Chris Thanagan Dies at Edmonton
Chris Thanagan, in the restaurant business in this city for about 35 years, died suddenly Saturday morning in Edmonton of a heart attack. He was on his way to Saskatoon from Vancouver.
Born in Tripoli, Greece, he was about 55 years of age. At one time he was proprietor of the old Main, Cafe, situated where the Ritz Hotel is at the present time. He sold out. to the Girgulis Brothers in 1917, and since that time was cook in several cafes throughout the city. He was perhaps better known as an operator of a refreshment stand each year at the Saskatoon Exhibition.
He is survived by his wife and a son, who reside in Eastern Canada, a sister, Mrs. Tony Varves, who now resides in Vancouver, and a brother, Gus, of Saskatoon.
Funeral services will be held at 3 o’clock Wednesday afternoon. from the Saskatoon Funeral Home
(Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, June 18, 1945, p. 3.)
Thanagan, Gus
April 28, 1977
Guss Thanagan aged 90 years of Vancouver B. C. Survived by his daughter, Mrs. Helen Razis, Vancouver; 1 granddaughter; 1 grandson; 1 great-granddaughter also nieces, nephews in Greece and Seattle.
Prayers to be said Monday, May 2nd at 7:30 PM at SIMMONS & MCBRIDE MEMORIAL FUNERAL CENTRE Broadway at Maple St., funeral service Tuesday, May 3rd at 1 PM at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church, 4500 Arbutus St., Rev. D. Partsafas Celebrant. Interment Forest Lawn Memorial Park In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Greek Community Centre Building fund.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, April 30, 1977, p. 39
Thanaghan, Rebecca
? – 1956
DIES IN SEATTLE
Word was received here today of the death in Seattle, Wash., of Mrs. Rebecca Critikos, former resident of Saskatoon for many years prior to 1944. When residing here she was Mrs. Tony Varvis and was well known in the Greek community. Mr. Varvis died in Saskatoon. She is survived by two daughters.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, December 19, 1956, p. 3.
Trakadas Family
Martha Trakadas (née Magdalinou)
1933 – 2022
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Martha Trakadas. She will be greatly missed by her daughter Maria and son James. She was predeceased by her husband John in 1990.
Martha was a quiet and reserved lady. Her family was everything to her and she was proud of her children. They were what she lived for.
Parkinson’s was robbing her of her independence, but she would prevail and still vigorously exercised on her stationary bike every day.
Martha immigrated to Canada from Greece in 1957 with her husband John. They initially settled in Victoria and eventually ended up in Saskatoon.
Mama you will be missed more than you ever could have imagined. You will be in our hearts forever. Rest easy dear one you are now our angel we will love you forever.
She is survived by her brother John Magdalinou and sister Filoula Tasopolous, her beloved pup Otis and daughter Maria and son James.
Martha had a great love of dogs and was hopeful that in lieu of flowers you might donate to the Saskatoon the SPCA.
Prayers will be at 7:00 pm Thursday, December 22, 2022, and the Funeral Service will be at 1:00 pm Friday, December 23, 2022. Both services at Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, 1020 Dufferin Avenue, Saskatoon.
Source: Saskatoon Funeral Home
John Trakadas
1928 – 1990
The death of John Trakadas fondly known as “Papa John” by his friends, age 62 years of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan occurred in a local hospital on Thursday, December 13, 1990.
Prayer Service will be held at the Chapel of the Saskatoon Funeral Home on Sunday, December 16, 1990, at 7:30 p.m. conducted by Rev. Fr. John Nikolaou.
Funeral Service will be held at Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church 1020 Dufferin Ave. conducted by Rev. Fr. John Nikolaou, on Monday, December 17, 1990, at 10:00 a.m. He will be dearly missed and very lovingly remembered by his wife, Martha; daughter, Maria and son, James of Saskatoon; nephew, Peter (Mary) of Saskatoon and nephew, Mike (Marie Ange) of Victoria and sister, Mahi of Vancouver and their families and his many relatives abroad.
John Trakadas was born in Axladia, Greece on October 14, 1928. He served in the Greek Resistance during World War Two. He also served in the Army. In 1955 he married Martha Magdalinou. They both immigrated to Canada in 1957 and made their home in Victoria, B.C.
As a young man in Canada he became interested in cooking and after years of hard work he built a reputation as one of the most well known chefs in Victoria.
In 1976 he moved to Saskatoon, where “Papa John” worked at various establishments. At the time of his death, he was employed at the Blue Diamond Restaurant. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting. He donated a great deal of his time to the Greek Community and Folk- Fest. He was also a member of the Charter of Ahepa.
Papa John was a kind and generous man, who loved people. He will be sadly missed by many. Interment will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery. Courtesy parking south of the Chapel of the SASKATOON FUNERAL HOME on 4th Avenue North at 25th Street.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, December 15, 1990, p. 45.
Tsiaplas, Konstantinos
1947 – 2020
It is with sadness the family announces that the death of Konstaninos Tsiaplas occurred on Saturday, December 19, 2020, at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon. He was born on September 14, 1947, in Kato Melia, Pierias Greece to parents Evangelos and Evdoxia and emigrated to Canada in 1977 with his wife and first child to make Saskatoon their new home.
He is lovingly remembered and missed dearly by his partner Yiota Foufas, his two sons; Evangelos and Tony and two daughters; Eve her husband Mitch Urban and their two children Cassidy and Christina; and Theodora and her partner Cherif as well as his former wife Fani and many family in Greece including three sisters as well as one brother in Germany. He was predeceased by his parents and two sisters.
The family is grateful for the care provided by the palliative home care team and St. Paul’s Hospital staff. The Funeral Service was Celebrated on Monday, December 21, 2020, at 1:00 pm by Fr. John Kaoukakis at Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church with burial and committal rites following at the Greek Orthodox section of Woodlawn Cemetery in Saskatoon.
Source: Prairie View Cremation and Memorial Services, Saskatoon
Maria Voulgaris (née Poulos)
1924 – 2012
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Maria Voulgaris. Born in the small mountain village of Platanos, Arkadias, Greece in 1924 to Michael and Panagiota Poulos, she was the eldest of 5 siblings.
At the age of 23, Maria married George, a hardworking fisherman. Like many others, Maria and George experienced hard times which included poverty and WWII. Maria and George went on to have two sons. Much like others, they struggled through hard times marked by a lack of modern conveniences. While her sons were still young Maria fell ill with typhoid fever but recovered and lived to see many more years.
In 1976, Maria and George made the decision to immigrate to Canada to be closer to their younger son Mike, his wife Cathy, and their children. Upon coming to Canada, Maria and George worked in the family restaurant and helped raise their grandchildren.
Maria experienced the devastating loss of her spouse in 1980, and her eldest son in 1984. Family was very important to Maria and her loved ones, and so she continued to reside with her son Mike and his family until the day of her passing.
Many who knew Maria can attest she had a witty sense of humour and liked to laugh and socialize with others. She was an excellent storyteller with an impressive long-term memory – even down to the small descriptive details which was remarkable given her age. Although her English was limited, she tried to communicate with everyone she met and to understand them.
Maria was always thinking of others and was one of the most empathetic people you could meet. She shared others’ joy and sorrow even when they may not have known it, and always wished the best for others. Daily, she would talk about her loved ones overseas, as they were never far from her mind. For most of her life Maria enjoyed cooking and gardening in the summer; for years she created the most beautiful and fragrant collections, and often admired the gardens of other while taking long walks outdoors.
As she became advanced in age, she struggled with short-term memory loss and although she was no longer able to do all the activities she used to, she continued to enjoy the outdoors, going to Church, visiting with family and friends, as well as reading. She was devout and steadfast in her faith and lived her life well.
Maria is predeceased by her spouse George Voulgaris, son Antonis Voulgaris, brother Takis Poulos, and parents Michael and Panagiota Poulos. She is survived by her son Mike (Cathy); six grandchildren as well as four great-grandchildren of Canada and Greece; two sisters and one brother in Greece; as well as her daughter-in-law and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends both in Greece and Canada.
In lieu of flowers, if you so choose, you may give to the Canadian Cancer Society in honor of Maria. Alternatively, in keeping with Maria’s wish, you can take time to light candles for your loved ones, living and deceased, and attend the sacred resting places of your departed loved ones.
A Prayer Vigil will take place at Saskatoon Funeral Home on Thursday evening August 30th at 8:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday morning August 31st at 10:00 am at Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church (1020 Dufferin Ave) in Saskatoon, with interment following at the Greek Orthodox section of Woodlawn Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home. 244-5577.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, August 29, 2012.
Watson Family:
Watson, Avra Peter Ginieres
1922 – 2014
Avra was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, the daughter of Reverend Panos and Antigone Ginieres. She earned bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degrees in English at the University of Boston in 1945 and 1949 respectively, and her PhD in anthropology at the University of Pittsburgh in 1976.
After completing her bachelor’s degree, she taught at the American Farm School in Salonika, Greece. She has studied at the Sorbonne in Paris and lectured at the University of Puerto Rico. She worked with Head Start, an organization associated with the American War on Poverty, in Pennsylvania’s steel area.
Avra and her husband, Linvill Fielding Watson, were anthropological researchers who arrived at the University of Saskatchewan in 1966. Avra was initially a research associate for the Canadian Centre for Community Studies and then as an assistant professor of cultural anthropology in Educational Foundations. In the mid-1980s, she worked as a sessional lecturer in the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology.
In 1983, Avra Watson and Mike Kindrachuk were credited with negotiating an arrangement with the Saskatoon Catholic School system to provide facilities at Holy Cross High School for the Saskatoon Multilingual School. A similar arrangement was subsequently established with the Saskatoon Public Schools. In 1989, she worked with the College of Education at the University of Saskatchewan to establish a certificate program in teaching heritage languages.
Avra served on the boards of Saskatoon Folkfest Inc., Saskatoon Multicultural Council, and the Saskatchewan Organization for Heritage Languages. In 1992, Avra was awarded the Betty Szuchewycz Leadership Award by the Saskatchewan Multicultural Council.
Following Linvill’s passing in 1996, she returned to Massachusetts. At the time of her death in 2014, she was survived by her son, Alex.
Researched by: Ken Pontikes, May 31, 2023
Sources: USRA Newsletter (University of Saskatchewan), September 2020, No. 110, p. 16; Socrates Ginieres (Obituary), Lowell Sun, June 23, 2004; Past Honours Recipeints, Saskatchewan Multicultural Council; “Saskatchewan Multilingual School”, The Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan, University of Regina; Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, October 15, 1966, p. 8 and October 11, 1986, p. 94.
Watson, Linvill Fielding
1918 – 1996
WATSON-Linvill Fielding, Ph.D., beloved and friend of Avra and Alex (Michelle), passed away peacefully at the Royal University Hospital in his 78th year because of the cumulative effects of a stroke suffered in 1991.
Lin was born in Philadelphia into a family of Quakers and Scots-Irish immigrants and received all his education in that city. He took his doctorate in Anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania where he began a lifelong interest in the native peoples of the Americas, in East African Ethnology and in Acculturation theory. His career began in Pennsylvania and encompassed teaching posts in Minnesota, Boston, Pittsburgh, Virginia, Washington D.C. among others, where he gave classes in Sociology and Anthropology. A five-year stint with the University of Maryland overseas program gave him opportunities to teach and travel in North Africa and Europe.
In 1966 he joined the Department of Sociology, University of Saskatchewan, after which he moved into the Department of Anthropology where he remained until his retirement in 1985.
In Saskatoon, Lin was able to engage his interests in all the above disciplines. He began his research here among the Saskatchewan Cree and was active in the establishment of the Indian Friendship Centre and sustained those interests in studies among Saulteaux, Chipewyan and Haida groups. His supervision of graduate theses in both Sociology and Anthropology underlined his broadly based ethnographic interests as he worked with students of Northern Nigeria, the Hutterite and Doukhobor communities. the Franco-Canadians of
Saskatchewan, comparative ethno-religious groups of Saskatchewan, the Chinese in Malaysia, schooling among the Saulteaux, and a study of the Plains Cree of Little Pine Reserve.
In 1977 he completed his research monograph on the effects of television among the Inuit of Keewatin District for the Institute of Northern Studies. From 1978 on, his academic career was centered on the study of the urbanization of New World Greeks with a focus on the Greeks of Saskatoon. As he developed an interest in the adaptation of Greek culture to Canadian society, he became an active member of the local Parish Community of Koimisis Tis Theotokou. He worked for ten years with the International Fraternal and Educational Organization of AHEPA, viewing it as an aid to social integration of Canadian Greeks.
Throughout his active career Lin maintained an abiding interest in Chess and Japanese Go and was able to continue playing until recently. Upon retirement he had no wish to leave Saskatoon: “All I need is here”, he said and the later endured the six years of disability with grace and determined courage.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan. 279 3rd Avenue North, Saskatoon, S7K 2H6. The Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, October 29 at 2:30 p.m. at Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, 1020 Dufferin Avenue, Saskatoon. Arrangements entrusted to SASKATOON FUNERAL HOME.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, October 29, 1996, p. 17.
Yiannakoulias, Vasilios
1951 – 2019
It is with great sadness that the family of Vasilios Yiannakoulias announces his passing after a long illness on Saturday, June 15, 2019. Vasilios will be forever remembered by his children Dimitra Joy (David), Niko (Katie) and Bobby (Ada) and his five grandchildren, Scarlet, Kaeylarae, Arie, Erasmus and Willow. He will also be dearly missed by his sisters Panagiota (Pascalis) and Sophia, as well as his many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Vasilios immigrated to Canada in the 1960s and worked in the restaurant business for many years. He will be remembered for his love of family, his passion for music and dance and his playful sense of humour.
A Prayer Service in memory of Vasilios will be held at the Saskatoon Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 19 at 7:00 p.m., 2019. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. at the Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church in Saskatoon, with Fr. John S. Kaoukakis officiating. Condolences may be left for the family at www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, Jun 18, 2019, p. C5.