Obituary of Andreas John Vasilakos

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Andreas (Andy) John Vasilakos announces his passing on Friday, October 12, 2007. He passed peacefully in the presence of his beloved wife of 44 years, Vasilike, his sons John, Nick and Kosta and his daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Louie Marinakos. Andreas was born in Petrina, Lakonia, Greece on November 24, 1928. Before immigrating to Canada in 1955, he was a pillar of strength and support for his parents, sisters and brother during the tumultuous times of WWII and the Greek Civil War. Andreas came to Calgary in 1958 as one of the original employees of Western Aluminium, where he worked for 30 years. Afterwards he opened his own window company, Bestway Windows in 1990, to which he served as President until 2001. In the years since his retirement he enjoyed many months of travel, olive harvest and time spent with family in Greece each year. He was an active member of the Greek Community of Calgary, where he tirelessly volunteered his time and efforts to build and sustain this community. He served as President for nine years, in addition to countless other terms on Council and Executive Committees. In all of his interactions with colleagues, friends – both new and old – and especially family, Andreas was known and respected for his kind, gentle nature, his high level of integrity, his willingness to help whenever possible and his absolute selflessness. He will be deeply missed and mourned by all who knew him especially his wife, children and grandchildren, Apostolos, Andreas, Stavros and Alexandra; his brother, sisters, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and their families as well as his many Koumbaroi and Godchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church (1 Tamarac Crescent S.W.) on Monday, October 15, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church (1 Tamarac Crescent S.W.) on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service will follow at Queens Park Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers memorial tributes may be made directly to Calgary Health Trust – ICU and Stroke Program, Suite 800, 11012 MacLeod Trail S.E., Calgary, AB T2J 6A5, Telephone: (403)943-0615, www.thetrust.ca . In living memory of Andreas Vasilakos, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.