GEORGE LOURIDAS

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GEORGE LOURIDAS 1953 - 2007 George bid farewell to this life on April 2, 2007, just short of his 54th birthday. He was at home surrounded by his loving family who had cared for him so tenderly during a prolonged illness. George Louridas leaves behind his loving wife Katy, married for 30 years; and daughters, Georgia and Marisa; parents Garifalia and Demitrios; mother-in-law Mary Sfetsios; brother Theo (Tassie); nieces, Vicky (Michael) and Elena; brothers-in-law, Spiro (Anna), Sotiri and families all of Johannesburg, South Africa, and family and friends, who will hold him dear in their hearts forever. Dr. George Louridas was a dedicated physician and surgeon, an outstanding scientific mind, an award-winning professor, a deeply caring individual, a great friend, a very proud Greek and above all an attentive and loving husband, father and son. George dedicated his life to caring for everyone around him. He was considerate and selfless, which filtered into all aspects of his life. He was well known as a world-class vascular surgeon, who provided both compassionate and skilled surgical care to his patients. He became the head of vascular surgery at the University of Manitoba within two years of relocating to Canada from his native South Africa. He had limitless energy, living each day with strength and passion. His motivation and drive coupled with a strong sense of right and wrong allowed him to effortlessly complete tasks that seemed beyond the capabilities of one person. It was little wonder that he was soon affectionately referred to as Tigger and Hurricane. George united the vascular community of Canada through the Winnipeg Vascular Symposium. George won teaching awards, and demonstrated his care for the greater community by initiating the Vascular Health Program, one of the first such programs in Canada. He was unwavering in his quests to complete each task to perfection. George outworked everyone at the hospital, arriving earlier than all the surgical staff, and leaving long after his colleagues were home. In spite of these long hours of dedicated service, George was first and foremost a family man. He was an attentive, compassionate, warm and loving husband, father, brother and son. The busiest and most complicated days at work did not deter George from calling his wife and daughters daily. He listened patiently to their stories, and would encourage and motivate them to realize their full potential. He always made time to go on family vacations and cherished these times with his family. His enthusiasm, caring and commitment were infectious. He called his brother and parents in South Africa daily, not allowing the distances between the countries to interfere with their relationships. He kept up to date on the activities of all his family and friends all over the world. George's caring nature was reflected in the outpouring of concern for him and his family from his friends and colleagues in Winnipeg and all over the world during his illness. Another passion of his was his Greek roots. As a proud Greek, he participated in all community activities and generously supported them. He was a member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, the AHEPA fraternal organization and the Greek Professional Association. His lamb on the spit was legendary. He loved listening to Greek music whenever he had a chance: in his car, his office and even occasionally in the operating room. He had a large and diverse Greek music collection which he enjoyed. He never missed an opportunity for Greek dancing. Greek music and dancing made him smile, and enhanced his sense of belonging. The family wishes to thank Dr. A Junaid and other attending physicians, nurse Louise, homecare, Palliative Care staff, Tony Louizos and friends who caringly assisted George and his family at home. Friends and family are welcome to attend a prayer service which will be held on Monday, April 9, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2255 Grant Avenue, with Father Dimitrios Gianniou officiating followed by the funeral service on Tuesday, April 10, 2007, at 1:00 p.m. with interment to follow in Waverley Memorial Gardens, 1501 Waverley Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George's memory to two of George's passions in life: an Education Fund for Vascular Surgery and Medicine at the University of Manitoba in George's memory, University of Manitoba, 290 -727 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, or the Hellenic Cultural Centre, 2255 Grant Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3P 0S2, Tel: 889-8723. THOMSON IN THE PARK Funeral Home Cemetery 925-1120 www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 05, 2007