Table of Contents
Navigate to another page from here by clicking on a letter. Each letter is the first letter in a person’s LAST name.
S…
Saks, Chris
Circa 1888 – 1951
Chris Saks (Chrisostomou Sakas) was born in Greece in 1888 (or 1890). He immigrated to Canada in 1910 and became a Canadian citizen in 1913. In 1914, he married Julia Ganske.
Chris operated the Royal Palace Café near Cooking Lake (Alberta). He later moved to Edmonton. Gregory Pappas (Papagregoriou) and Chris managed the Victoria Lunch/Cafe on Jasper Avenue for approximately twenty-one years.
In 1942, financial difficulties forced George and Chris to close their business in Edmonton. Chris then moved to Saskatoon, where he joined Paul Kortes and Arthur Kranias in 1944 to purchase the Paris Café. This partnership continued until 1947. Chris then became the proprietor of Club Lunch located at 123 Twentieth Street East in Saskatoon, which he operated until his death.
Chris died in Saskatoon in 1951. The circumstances of his death were reported in the the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix: “Chris Sakes, long-time proprietor of the Club Lunch, 123 Twentieth Street East, was found dead by an employee Thursday night in his suite in the Stewart Block, 117 Twentieth Street East . . . Mary Tamski, waitress at the Club Lunch, reported to police that Mr. Saks had said at work Thursday that he did not feel well and was going home. He was visited by two different persons during the afternoon who found him sleeping” (Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, March 9, 1951, p. 3). A subsequent autopsy determined that Chris died from heart failure.
At the time of his death, Chris was survived by his wife and two sons, James and Athan (Arthur), as well as a brother, George. A third son, Paul Maurice, predeceased his father in 1947.
Chris’ funeral was held at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in Edmonton. Interment was at the Edmonton Municipal Cemetery.
Sources: Edmonton Bulletin, Edmonton Journal, and Saskatoon Star-Phoenix (various editions); Henderson Directory Saskatoon (various editions); Ancestry.ca.
Researched by Ken Pontikes, March 14, 2025.
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 are her loving husband, Nick; four daughters: Maria, Diana, Patricia, and Helen; her father: Nick Katres, Saskatoon; one sister: Mrs. Alexanda Kosmos, Kastri, Greece; and 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.
Source: Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, August 23, 1967, p. 17
Serif, George Samuel
1928 – 2009
Dr. George Samuel Serif, Ph.D., age 80, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2009.
George was born on April 5, 1928, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada to Sam and Mary Serif and had two older sisters, Edna and Ellen. He was raised in southern Ontario, where he met and married Marylou Flumerfelt, his high school sweetheart. They were married 60 years while raising 3 sons, Samuel George Christopher, Lawrence William, and Cary Michael Serif.
George pursued his dreams as an educator, receiving his Ph.D. in 1956 from the McMaster University in Biochemistry. His career flourished as a professor, becoming chairman of the Biochemistry Department at the Ohio State University from 1968-1980 in his 43-year tenure. He was recognized in Who’s Who in America for his thyroid research. His unique approach to learning was shared with thousands of fortunate students.
His wisdom was offered to many family members and colleagues. He was a determined devoted family man whose presence made each one’s life richer.
George battled Parkinson’s disease for 5 years and Leukemia for the last year of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters. He leaves in sorrow his loving wife, Marylou; 3 sons: Samuel, Laurie, and Cary; 7 grandchildren: Christal, Esther, Charity, Jamin, Carlie, Bryan, and Austin; and his 6 great-grandchildren: Jamie, Cody, Isaac, Noah, Natalie, and Alaira; 2 daughters-in-law: Kathie and Cathy; and step-grandchildren: Jamie, and Angelica. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, that donations be directed to the Kobacker House which was instrumental in comforting George in his final days. Family will receive friends to honor George’s life on Sunday, January 18, 2009, from 5-7 p.m. at Schoedinger Northwest Chapel, 1740 Zollinger Rd.
Source: The Columbus Dispatch, January 16, 2009.
Serif, Samuel George
1882 – 1972
Sam Serif was born on August 15, 1882, in Skopelos, Larrissa, Greece. His father was George Serif and his mother was N. K. Kyritso.
Sam emigrated to the United States in 1900 and then to Canada in the fall of 1911, crossing the border by CPR train at Coutts, Alberta. He lived in Moose Jaw (where he established the Maple Leaf Café) and Regina, before moving to Saskatoon in the spring of 1914. During the spring and summer of 1915, he lived in Kamsack, Saskatchewan. He returned to Saskatoon in the fall of 1915.
In 1917, he took out a long-term lease in the Kerr Block on Second Avenue and commenced renovations to establish a new restaurant, known as the Elite Café at 246 Second Avenue South. In 1919, this café was sold to the Savoy Café Co. Ltd., a partnership consisting of William K. Shourounes, Tony Varves, and James Gourgoules (Girgulis).
In 1919, Sam and his brothers, John and Nestor, purchased the Zenith Building (originally called the Dominion Block when it was built in 1913) at 128 Second Avenue North. The second floor of the building consisted of suites for rent (which were called the Elite Rooms); the Zenith Café was established on the ground floor. The new owners of the Elite Café launched a legal suit, arguing that at the time of their purchase of their café, the Serif brothers had agreed they would not open another café south of Second Avenue and Twenty-third Street. The court ruled against the Elite’s owners.
The Zenith Café continued to operate in the Zenith Building until 1924 when the building was sold to Robert McGowan. Serif constructed a new building at 136 Second Avenue North where the restaurant was relocated. The restaurant (dining room and lunch counter) operated from the main floor; a dance hall was located on the second floor.
In 1927, Sam, John, and Nestor dissolved their partnership in the Zenth Café and Sam became the sole owner. In 1928, Sam converted the second-floor ballroom into a bowling alley. In 1929, Sam Serif constructed a 27-lane five-pin bowling academy and billiard hall on the corner of Third Avenue and Twenty-third Street.
Despite the rapid growth in bowling’s popularity, Sam Serif faced financial difficulties in operating his Bowling Academy. In the spring of 1932, he was forced to sell the facility. Mike Fingard purchased and renamed the facility as Fingard’s Bowladrome.
Meanwhile, the Zenith Café continued to operate, but the financial pressures of the 1930s’ depression forced Sam to close the Zenith Café. The Serif family then moved to Ontario.
Sam operated several businesses (such as the Victory Coffee Shope and the Cottage Inn) in St. Catherines. In the early 1950s, he moved to Edmonton where one of his daughters was living. In 1952, he opened the Lido Restaurant on Jasper Avenue.
Sam and Mary Anna Mack were married in Montana in September 1924. Together, they had three children (all born in Saskatoon): Athena (Edna), Ellen, and George Samuel.
Sam died on February 26, 1972, in Victoria, B.C. His remains are buried in Royal Oak Burial Park Cemetery in Victoria, British Columbia.
Researched by Ken Pontikes, December 21, 2023
Sources: Data files of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada; Saskatoon Daily Star, April 18, 1917, p. 3, March 3, 1919, p. 9, June 16, 1919, p. 10, and June 10, 1924, p. 3; Saskatoon Phoenix, April 15, 1920, p. 3 and August 21, 1928, p. 3; Edmonton Journal, November 3, 1954; The (St. Catharines) Standard, June 26, 1942, p. 2 and February 29, 1972, p. 2; Province of British Columbia, Registration of Death, March 1, 1972; City of Saskatoon, Heritage Register, https://www.saskatoon.ca/community-culture-heritage/heritage-properties-programs/heritage-register
Shnorhavorian, (née Pontikes), Helen
1939 – 2007
Helen Shnorhavorian, 67, of San Diego was born in Kastri, Greece. She arrived in Saskatoon, Canada, in 1959, where she worked as a seamstress for Walman and Paul Limited. Helen 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 on Sunday, February 11th at 5 p.m. at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, 3655 Park Blvd., San Diego. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 12th at 11 a.m. at St. Spyridon, with a 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
Shourounes, William K.
Circa 1887 -?
Willam K. Shourounes was born in Kastri, Kynourias, Greece around 1887. He arrived in New York in June of 1907. He came to Canada in 1912.
In 1917, William Shourounes, Tony Varves (Varvistsoitis), and James Gourgoules (Girgulis) moved to Saskatoon from Regina to operate the Savoy Café (previously known as the Main Café) at 118 – 21st Street East. In 1919, the partnership also took over the operation of the Elite Café at 246 Second Avenue South. In 1922, the ownership of the two cafes was split, with William, Tony Varves, and Athanacies (Tom) Varves being responsible for the Savoy Café. William sold his interest in the Savoy to Tony and Athanacies in 1924, indicating in an article in the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix that his plans included “hunting in the north for a time and after then. . . winter in Vancouver” (Saskatoon Daily Star, September 13, 1924, p. 7).
In 1926, William and his wife, Helen (née Sawchuk) emigrated to Detroit in the United States.
No further information has been found to complete this biography.
Researched by Ken Pontikes, April 30, 2024
Source: ancestry.ca
Simnos, Eugene (Evyenios)
1938 – 2025
Eugene Simnos passed away peacefully at Grand River Hospital on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the age of 86.
He was the beloved husband of Jeanee, loving father of Georgios Simnos and Vivian Kourvetaris (John), and proud Pappou (grandfather) of Georgio (Jasmine), Evan, Alexander and Costa. Eugene was the son of the late Paraskevi and George Simnos and dear brother of Agelikoula, John, Despina, Dimitrios and the late Vasilios, Tasos and Eleni.
Eugene left Greece at the age of 17, travelling to Canada by boat. From Halifax, he took the train to Saskatoon to meet his family. Eugene lived with his aunt and uncle, where he had his beginning in the restaurant business. In 1975 he moved to the Kitchener area and 1976 opened Golf’s Steakhouse and Seafood with his partner Mike Kanellis. In 1994 he retired from Golf’s, although if you knew him well, you know that he never retired.
Eugene was a very handy man and was always willing to help a person in need. He was well loved by his family and the Greek Community and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Trisagion for Eugene took place on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Henry Walser Funeral Home in Kitchener, Ontario. The funeral was held at Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, April 28, 2025 at 11 a.m. Interment occurred at the Parkview Cemetery.
Sources: Henry Walser Funeral Home, Kitchener (with additional information).
Memories of Eugene Simnos
As a boy, Eugene Simnos was used to the hard life of migrant farmers, moving to three different towns depending on the crops: potatoes in one town, olives in another. And still, despite how hard his parents worked, they couldn’t lift themselves from poverty.
Eugene’s daughter, Vivian Kourvetaris, said “they were so poor with nothing to build on or work for. Several of his seven siblings left Greece, scattering around the world.”
At 17, it seemed there were no options for Eugene but to leave for Canada. It was a good move, as he would start off in the restaurant business, becoming a founding partner of Golf’s Steak House and Seafood and, finally, a commercial real estate owner. He was successful in a profound way but Eugene never lost his humble nature or his kindness.
Eugene was born May 5, 1938, in a Greek village, the son of farmers Paraskevi and George Simnos.
He left high school after Grade 11 when his aunt in Saskatoon offered him a place to start a new life. She and her husband were working in restaurants and knew that a determined boy like Eugene would do well. She was right. “He was a fast learner,” said Kourvetaris.
Sailing across the Atlantic followed by an endlessly long train trip to Western Canada (without enough money to buy food), Eugene finally arrived at his new home. The landscape and the weather were vastly different than Greece but all Eugene could visualize was the future.
Eugene began as a restaurant busboy then graduated to waiter at a high-end restaurant, where he sported a tuxedo jacket and bow tie. It was a look, an elegance that stayed with Eugene and became the foundation he strove for when opening the Golf’s restaurant in 1976 with business partner and brother-in-law, Mike Kanellis.
Eugene was on the road to success but he was missing one element: a wife. That would change on a 1966 trip back to Greece to visit family and his ailing father. As he was getting ready to return to Canada, his aunties stopped him. As Kourvetaris remembers her parents’ love story, “One of his aunts said, ‘You can’t leave Greece to go back to Canada without a wife.’”
Jeanee Varvitsioti was 16 and ready for adventure. She had dreamed of going to Canada but this girl from a poor Greek village couldn’t imagine how that could happen. “All of a sudden my father came home, without telling me where we were going, he took my hand,” recalled Jeanee. The teen had no idea why her father was leading her to the town square and she was even more confused after being introduced to the visiting Eugene.
At an aunt’s house, Eugene and Jeanee noticed everyone had disappeared from the room. It was just the two of them. Eugene asked her many questions about her life, her desires. He was kind and he was handsome and he asked, “would you like to go to Canada?” recalled Jeanee. “We were engaged right then and there,” she said. “My life was running ahead of me and I was trying to catch up.”
Eugene and Jeanee met Oct. 11, married Nov. 13 then left for Vancouver. In 1967, they moved to Saskatoon where their children, Vivian and Georgios, were born.
Jeanee, a trained seamstress, got a job tailoring at a boutique while Eugene worked in restaurants, then another opportunity came.
Jeanee’s sister in Cambridge enticed the couple to come to Waterloo Region, where Eugene and his brother-in-law opened Golf’s Steakhouse in 1976.
Kourvetaris remembered her dad as a handyman, someone who would watch tradesmen, learn how they did things. “He absorbed everything,” she said.
Eugene left the restaurant in 1994, turning his business acumen to purchasing commercial properties, including medical buildings.
Dr. Jon Langridge set up a practice in 2005 and was always impressed by his landlord, Eugene. “He was the greatest building manager and owner,” said Langridge, noting Eugene or his son were quick to fix any problem. Eugene also refused to put in paid parking and he hadn’t raised the rents in years. For Eugene, it wasn’t about making money; it was about relationships. He also helped friends start businesses.
“He was a helpful guy, he helped many people,” said his daughter. And for all these successes, Eugene was grateful. His catchphrase, “Good life in Canada,” reflected that sentiment.
The last few years Eugene suffered from multiple health issues. “He had at least 10 operations and he kept bouncing back, always positive,” said Langridge, who had taken Eugene on as a patient after he sold the medical building.
Eventually, Eugene could fight no longer. He died April 24, age 86.
Source: Valerie Hill, Waterloo Region Record, August 14, 2025.
Editorial Note: Golf’s Steakhouse and Tavern in Kitchener is not affiliated with restaurants of the same name in Saskatoon and Regina. However, when Eugene lived in Saskatoon, he worked for 12 years for Golf’s Steakhouse in this city.
Sinis, Sam
Circa 1898 – 1995
Sam Sinis, late of Regina, Sask., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 31, 1995, at the age of 97 years.
Born in Kaparelli, Thebes, Greece, Sam emigrated to Regina in 1911. He owned and operated restaurants in Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, and Regina. After many years at the Novia Cafe, he retired in 1967.
Throughout his long life, he was very active in the Greek Community of Regina and served as its first president. He was a life member and past president of the Order of Ahepa, Regina Chapter No. 13 CJ. He enjoyed the outdoors and looked forward to the summers at his Regina Beach cottage.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Hazel; and daughters: Santhy Dahlen and Mary Hafner. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 37 years, Domnicky; son-in-law, Ray Dahlen; daughter, Helen (Stan) Korkie; nine grandchildren; and many great grandchildren.
Prayers will be held on Thursday, February 2, 1995, at 7:30 p.m. in the Helmsing Funeral Chapel, 2210 College Avenue, Regina, Sask. The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 3, 1995 at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, 3000 Argyle Road, Regina, Sask. at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Fr. Spyridion Vandoros officiating.
Interment will follow in Riverside Memorial Park. Flowers are most gratefully declined. Friends so wishing may make donations, in memoriam, to St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, 3000 Argyle Road, S4S 2B2, or to the charity of their choice. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Helmsing Funeral Chapel.
Regina Leader-Post, February 2, 1995, p. 25.
Sirounis, John
1934 – 2018
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Sirounis on Sunday, June 17, 2018, Father’s Day. John was born in Kastri, Greece on September 5, 1934, to Demetrios and Aggeliki.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Anne; his adoring children, Angie (Harry) Constantinides, Jim, and Maria (Danny) Sirmis; and beloved grandchildren, Evangelos, Stelios, John, Chrissy, Odysseas, and Anastasia. He was a loyal brother to Andrew (Evangelia), Georgia (John), Voula (Jim) Giannoulis, Yiota (George) Nikolaou, and Perry (Maria). John was a dear son-in-law to Panayioti and Maria Makris; loving brother-in-law to Kelly (Michael) Makropoulos, John (Voula) Makris, Nick (Marina) Makris, and Eugenia (Marinos) Tsioros; and beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews in Canada and Greece.
John Sirounis and Family (1970s)
Source: Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
John’s father sent him to Canada, at the young age of 16 years old, to work and help his family during the difficult post-World War II years in Greece. He arrived in Canada at the historic Pier 21 in Halifax and travelled for four days by train to Saskatchewan. Eventually, John brought his family to Canada. He valued the opportunities that Canada offered. For three years, John worked at his relative’s restaurant, the Elite Café in Saskatoon. He then moved to Regina to settle and receive his family from Greece. John then began a wonderful 55-year business partnership with Bill Perentes and Arthur Pontikes, whereby they owned and operated several establishments, including The Champs Cafe, The Ehrle Coffee Shop, The Dog ‘n Suds Drive In, The Red Ox Steak House, and The Paddock Theatre Restaurant.
John retired briefly for a year, until Anne convinced him to open a Houston Pizza on Albert Street. We had lots of Boxing Day family reunions in the party room there.
John was a devoted founding member of St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church. He was a loyal member and officer of the American Hellenic Educational and Progressive Association (AHEPA) for over 60 years. John was a voracious reader of books, newspapers, and business texts. He enjoyed listening to music, ranging from Greek folk music to classical. John particularly loved Donna Summers and Maria Callas. He became a rock and roll music fan, listening to the American and Canadian bands that performed at The Paddock.
John first delved into computers in the late eighties. He enjoyed reading varied English and Greek newspapers online. Anne and John loved gardening, aspiring each year to grow a quintessential Greek/Prairie fusion garden. He had fond childhood memories of his Greek garden in Kastri which saved his family from starvation during hard post-war times. He would often say “Your home is only truly complete with a garden.”
John and Anne enjoyed their retirement years in Arizona, spending lots of time hiking and socializing with their friends in Superstition Springs. He also loved walking with Anne around Wascana Lake in Regina, working out at the gym, and having afternoon coffee at all his family and friends’ various restaurants. He loved taking family road trips to the Rockies and California and travelling to Greece.
John was a man of honour, who loved to help others and was the ultimate optimist. He was a mentor to many aspiring restaurateurs/entrepreneurs. John always freely offered advice (often unsolicited) to young people about the importance of education.
In his final years, John moved to Ontario to be closer to his children and grandchildren, whom he enjoyed very much. For the last 6 months, he resided at Sheridan Villa in Mississauga, where he received exceptional care!
Our family will always be indebted to John’s exemplary health care team. Prayers will be held at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, 3000 Argyle Road, Regina, SK on Sunday, June 24, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will take place at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church on Monday, June 25, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at the Riverside Cemetery. We offer our thanks to Father Spyridon Vandoros for his support. In lieu of flowers, if desired, a donation may be made to St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church or the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, 304-2550 12th Avenue, Regina, SK S4P 3X1.
Source: Regina Leader-Post, June 21, 2018.
Tribute to John Sirounis
John Sirounis was born in Kastri, Greece, on September 5th, 1934, the 5th child of Demetrios and Aggeliki. Demetrios was a successful, hard-working shoemaker, putting in 12-hour shifts. Aggeliki was busy at home, raising 6 children, with a huge garden that supplied healthy food all year around plus [she raised] chickens and goats.
Then war erupoted and he could not find leather and other supplies to make shoes. Everything stopped. The schools closed and John loved to learn. Demetrios was frustrated; [not knowing] what to do, he tried farming — which didn’t work.
He asked John, “Would you like me to write to our relatives in Canada to sponsor you there, [to] give you a job — they have [busimesses] there — [and] to help us out. [But] I am afraid you are too young”. John got excited and said “Dad, I am not young any more. I am 16 already.”
On May 19, 1951, his dad took him to Athens with other young and older people, to board the ship to take them to Halifax and then [by train] to Regina.
John Sirounis (arrow pointing to him), with his dad, and other passengers prior to boarding their ship for Halifax
Source: Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.
They reached Regina on June 9th. The relatives and friends met them at the train station. [They were] very friendly. They fed and had rooms for [the newcomers] to stay.
It was difficult to find work for [the newcomers]; some had to wait, but they found work for John in Saskatoon at the Elite Cafe.
John Sirounis and other young Greek newcomers to Saskatoon (1950s)
Source: Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
John was happy to wash dishes and make money to send to the family back home. [He} was too short to reach the huge dishwasher machine, so they built a platform to step on to reach.
After 6 months, his boss, Mr. Sam Girgulis, call John and said, “John, from now on, I will call you Jay because we have 3 boys here called John; so, I won’t mix you up”. “Anyway”, he said, “Jay, you are not a good dishwasher, but you can be a good waiter and I will train you.”
John [was] eager to learn English. [Every] day during his breaks[, he] studied one paragraph, word by word, with the help of a pocket dictionery, called “How to Learn Greek Without a Teacher”, that he bought in Greece. In 6 months, he spoke Engish amd was able to enjoy reading books.
John loved Canada, with all the opportunities it offers. Also, all his life, [he] was appreciative of the people that brought him into Canada , [providing] a great life for him and all the people he brought later.
He sponsored family, cousins, distant relatives, and whoever asked to come to Canada
At 20 years old, he sarted a business with two of his friends, Arthur Pontikes and Bill Perentes, they were getter along well and thrived [in business for] 55 years together. They operated restaurants and a nightclub in the 1980s.
In 1962, he married Anne Makris and they had 3 children and 6 grandchildren. [He was a] very happy, proud husband, father, grandfather.
Unfortunately, after 81 years, he was striken with vascular dimentia, along with Alzheimer’s. [He] decided at age 83 to leave Regina and go to Toronto to be with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed their company and their big hugs.
The last 6 months of his life needed more care and he was lucky to get admitted to the Sheridan Villa. He had ultimate care with the best professionals and compassionate staff.
Sheridan Villa has a green house to vist all year around and gardens with flowers and vegetables in spring and summer. Anne and family enjoyed long strolls with John outside, weather permitting…. John passed peacefully in the morning of June 17, Father’s Day, with his wife and his beloved son holding his hand.
His funeral, as he planned, happened back home in his beloved Regina, on June 25, 2018.
Source: Sobey Virtual Wall of Honour, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, https://pier21.ca/walls/Honour/John-Sirounis.
Solomos (née Shourounis), Panayiota (Nota)
1931 – 2007
Panayota “Nota” of Regina, SK., passed away peacefully at her residence on Thursday, March 29th, 2007. Predeceased by her husband Harry Gabriel and 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; and 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 whose lives she touched teaching ethnic cooking classes and 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 Multicultural Society; she served as Ambassador to the Hellenic pavilion at the Regina Mosaic Festical 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.
Spanos, Albert
1934 – 2014
With love and heavy hearts, we announce that Albert Spanos peacefully passed away on October 3, 2014, at the age of 80 years. He had fought a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease for the last 15 years and had been cared for at home by his devoted wife, Helen.
Albert will be greatly missed by many friends and family members, including his loving wife, Helen; daughter Stella (Rick Hillestad) of Saskatoon, and son John (Christine Hodgins) of Little Current, Ontario.
Thank you to the staff at the Royal University Hospital – Unit 6300 for the excellent care and support that dad and our family received during his last few weeks of life. The family would also like to thank Dr. Ali Rajput for his compassionate care and Doreen of the Convalescent Home for her support.
Prayers will be held on Monday, October 6 at 7:00 p.m. at Saskatoon Funeral Home, 338 Fourth Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, October 7 at 11:00 am at Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, 1020 Dufferin Avenue, Saskatoon, SK. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Albert’s memory to the Parkinson Society of Saskatchewan, 610 Duchess Street, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0R1. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Saskatoon Funeral Home (306) 244-5577.
Source: Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, October 4, 2014
Spanos, Helen
1936 – 2019
We are sad to announce the passing of Helen Spanos at the age of 82 years. She will be greatly missed by many friends and family members, including daughter Stella (Rick) and son John (Christine).
Helen was an avid baker, enjoyed spending time in her verandah with neighbours, and was a dedicated San Diego Chargers fan. She was a devoted wife, mother and friend who had a heart of gold and boundless energy.
Thank you to the staff at Luther Heights Intermediate Care Home and Day Program for the excellent care and support that Helen received during her last few months of life. The family would also like to thank Dr. Ivan Teofilov for his compassionate care.
Prayers will be held on Friday, July 19, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. at the Saskatoon Funeral Home, 338 Fourth Avenue North. Funeral Service will be held Saturday, July 20, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, 1020 Dufferin Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, 301 – 2550 12th Avenue, Regina SK. S4P 3X1. Condolences may be left for the family at www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Saskatoon Funeral Home (306) 244-5577.
Sperounis, née Merkouris, Athina
1914 – 2005
Athina Sperounis passed away on Sunday January 23, 2005, at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Saskatoon. She was predeceased by her husband John in 1982. Athina will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her two sons, Spero and Nick (Linda); granddaughters, Tina (lan) Coutts and Lisa (Rob) Nutley, and great-grandchildren, Matthew, Jesse. Camryn and Rylan.
Athina was born in Thiva, Greece in 1914. She came to Canada in 1946 and settled in Moose Jaw, SK. It was here she married John Sperounis in 1947. Athina loved the time with her granddaughters, Tina, and Lisa, spending every Sunday at YaYa’s (Grandma).
The Prayer Service will be held at the Saskatoon Funeral Home on Wednesday. January 26, 2005, at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, January 27th at 10:00 a.m. at Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, 1020 Dufferin Ave; the services will be conducted by Father John Nikolaou. Interment will be in Rosedale Cemetery, Moose Jaw, SK. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Athina’s family would like to extend their gratitude and thanks to the many friends at Lutheran Sunset Home Special Needs for the many kindnesses and care given to Athina. Arrangements entrusted to the Saskatoon Funeral Home.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, January 26, 2005, p. 23.
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. The Saskatoon Funeral Home oversees arrangements.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, November 22, 1978, p. 76.
Stavropoulos/Stevenson, Dimitrios/James
1897 – 1952
Dimitrios Stavropoulos (also known as James Stevenson) was born in Tzamouiza, Asia Minor.
He worked as a chef and waiter in numerous cafes in Saskatoon and Calgary. From 1942 to 1948, he was one of the owners (along with the Kelles/Kelesides family) of the Arcade Café (265 Second Avenue South).
He died of a heart ailment on December 31, 1953, in Saskatoon. James is buried in the Greek section of Woodlawn Cemetery.
Stratas (nee Geatros), Diane Rose
1932 – 2007
Diane Rose Geatros was the middle daughter of William (Vasilis/Bill) Leonidas Geatros and Eftyhia (Effie) Pontikes/Geatros. She was born in Saskatoon on December 12, 1932.
She studied hotel resort administration at the Ryerson Institute of in Toronto, where she excelled in her studies, received several scholarships, and graduated at the “top” of her graduating class. In 1954, she returned to Saskatoon to become the manager of the Ritz Hotel and Café.
Diane was actively involved in Saskatoon’s hospitality industry. In 1956, she served as the secretary and regional director for the Canadian Restaurant Association in Saskatchewan. She was also a council member of the Saskatoon Board of Trade.
Diane continued her involvement with the Ritz and the Saskatoon business community until her marriage in July 1957 to William John Stratas. The new couple chose to live in Toronto where William was a veterinarian. Diane continued her association with the Ritz Hotel and Café through Geatros Holdings, which consisted of Effie Geatros and her two sisters. All three Geatros daughters had relocated to Toronto, leaving Effie alone to manage the business in Saskatoon.
In 1979, Diane was elected to the Canadian House of Commons as the Member for Scarborough Centre. She was the first woman of Greek Canadian heritage to be elected to the Commons. As a member of the Progressive Conservative government, she also served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State.
In 1994, Diane received a Lifetime Women’s Achievement Award from the Greek Community of Metropolitan Toronto. In 2021, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada recognized Diane by including her in a list of “outstanding Greek Canadians”.
Diane died on May 4, 2023, at the age of 90.
At the time of her death, Diane was predeceased by her husband, William J. Stratas. He was survived by three sons: Willian, David, and Christopher.
Researched by Ken Pontikes, July 8, 2023