PETER BUZUNIS

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PETER BUZUNIS The Buzunis family sadly announces the passing of Peter Buzunis on April 11, 2007, at the age of 90. Remaining to cherish Peter's memory is his loving wife of 61 years, Anastasia and their children, Theodore (Karen) of Winnipeg, Andrea of Wheaton, MN, Constantine of San Diego, CA, Timothy (Kerry) of Winnipeg, and Antonia (Scott) of Las Vegas, NV and their children, Kyle, Andrea and Eric. Peter is also survived by many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Theodore and Constance and his siblings, Bill, Helen, George, Christina, James and Andrew. Peter was born in Vanguard, Saskatchewan on January 18, 1917. Graduating with honours, Peter received a scholarship to attend college in Regina. During this time, he also farmed with his parents and brothers. He then moved to Chicago where he resided for one year, working in the restaurant business. Upon his return, he opened the Blue Kitchen Restaurant located in the Y.M.C.A. building in Winnipeg. In 1945, Peter married Anastasia Ginakes. They were the first couple to be married at the Greek House on Ellice Avenue by a Greek Orthodox Priest. Over the years, Peter was involved in many restaurants endeavours: Rainbow Lunch on Main Street, Pierre's on Portage Avenue, The Red Balloon, Donahue's, Theodore's and the Bird's Nest Restaurant. Peter served the first soft ice-cream in the province at his Shake-n-Take Ice Cream Parlours, located on Pembina Highway, and at Winnipeg Beach. In 1964, Peter purchased two live steam locomotives. He established one in Assiniboine Park, which to this day is still owned and operated by his son Tim. The Assiniboine Park Railroad has been a favourite destination for many Winnipeggers and tourists from around the world. The other locomotive operated in Edmonton, AB during the Klondike Days. Peter was also involved in the real estate business for several years. He owned River Crest Realty, during which time he was involved in developing both housing and commercial properties. He built the Bird's Hill Plaza, and the Professional Office Building on Portage Avenue. Peter served as a board member of St. Demetrious Greek Orthodox Church. He was also a member of the Masons, a benefactor to the Children's Home of Winnipeg, and a member of the Winnipeg Real Estate Board. Peter was a man of many passions. He enjoyed listening to opera, cooking, entertaining and travelling. His most important passion was his family. The family would like to express their thanks for the many years of compassionate care provided by the Home Care Workers, the Dialysis Unit and the staff of 6A South at St. Boniface General Hospital. The family would also like to extend a special, heartfelt thank you to Dr. Mauro Verrelli for his kindness and concern shown to Peter during his lengthy illness. Services to honour Peter's life will take place at St. Demetrious Greek Orthodox Church, 2255 Grant Ave., Prayers, Monday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral service, Tuesday, April 17 at 1:00 p.m. Interment, at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, with reception to follow. Pallbearers will be his nephews, Ted Effos, Arthur Lamberes, George Buzunis, cousins, Demos Peter Ginakes, John Dovolis, and devoted caregiver, Graham Smith. Honourary Pallbearers, Martin Corne, Neville Shende, Dr. Ben Schwartz, Amedeo (Tony) Capone, Jim Husiak, Jake Rempel, John Ginakes and Perry Ginakes. In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter's name may be made to The Dialysis Patient Comfort Fund, St. Boniface General Hospital, 409 Tache Ave. Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6. Arrangements entrusted to: VOYAGE FUNERAL HOME CREMATORIUM FAMILY OWNED OPERATED 1531 Pembina Hwy. 284-7500

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 14, 2007