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GEORGE SPIRIDAKOS With great sadness the family announces the passing of George Spiridakos on August 10, 2013 surrounded by his family at the Grace Hospital at 62 years of age. He was predeceased by his father Haralambos, mother Panayota and brother Thymios. George will be missed and forever remembered by his loving wife of 35 years Anastasia, sons Haralambos and Andrew and daughter Tracy. He is also survived by his sisters Yiannoula (Jimmy), Demetra (Paul), Matoula (John), Yvonne (Peter), Angela (Leo), and sister-in-law Hrissanthy, along with numerous nieces and nephews. George emigrated from Greece in 1969 and met his wife in 1978. He started his career as a hair stylist at Gerry Greco's Hair Salon, before pursuing his passion of cooking, opening up Olympia Diner in 2000. Special thank you to all the doctors and nurses for their care and compassion during this difficult time. Prayers will be held at the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2255 Grant Avenue on Thursday, August 15 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held Friday, August 16 at 10:00 a.m. at the same location with interment to follow at Chapel Lawn Cemetery. Rev. Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos. In lieu of flowers, donations in George's memory can be made to CancerCare, MB.

Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 13, 2013

Condolences & Memories (25 entries)

  • We were so sorry to hear about George passing Cia, but we know it was a blessing, he is now at peace. He will be truly missed, we have known you both for such a long time and you were so kind to my parents you will always be remembered. Love and thoughts to you all - Posted by: Babs and Jeff Jones (Friend) on: Sep 01, 2013

  • My deepest sympathies Sia, Bobby , Andrew and Tracy as well as all other family and friends. George was a force in our lives. His passions, accomplishments and struggles punctuated our lives. George helped me clear the land for our cottage and showed me how to cook an entire lamb on an outdoor spit with a fire he built in a pit at 6 in the a.m. We laughed cried and shared a great deal in those early years of raising our families. I have wonderful memories, George. Thank you for them. You won't be forgotten Paul McGeachie - Posted by: Paul McGeachie (friend) on: Aug 19, 2013

  • George captured our hearts and tastebuds when our daughter began working at Olympia. His spirit and generosity will remain with us always. We pray for all of you at this sad time but know you will find peace in remembering his love and strength. - Posted by: Monique & Reg Graboski (Friends) on: Aug 17, 2013

  • Our deepest sympathy to the family. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Konstantopoulos Family (customer/friend) on: Aug 16, 2013

  • I learned so much from George Spiridakos not only through his stories but through his generosity and openness with others. It was a great pleasure to work at the diner because of his family and the people that were attracted to their delicious food and friendly, family-oriented atmosphere. I have the fondest memories of the people I served and the people I worked with, and it was all because of how much George, Sia, Bobby, Andrew, and Tracy made all of us feel like family. - Posted by: Allison (Former employee) on: Aug 16, 2013

  • Life's journey brings many friends and acquaintances. We are proud to say that your entire family have been true friends for many years. George was that special person that could make you smile, make you angry and make you smile again within minutes. Our lives have been much richer by meeting all of you and our memories of George will be eternal. Playing golf, fishing and just sitting at "his table" telling stories and life experiences. To the terrible disease that took him from us....I will use one of Georges most "famous quotes"...."Why don't you do me a favour"!!! - Posted by: Lee' Anne and Boris Kolisnyk (Friends) on: Aug 16, 2013

  • Oh George!! You welcomed into your restaurant and into your family! I have never forgotten all the traditional foods you taught me to cook, even the ones that don't appear on the menu. Or helping me puff my homemade afro so I could go out after work. Sia, Bobby, Andrew and Tracy - my heart is with you. I know that the strength and love of your family will bring you through this difficult time. Love to all of you. Xoxoxoxo - Posted by: Shannon Williamson (former employee at Olympia Diner) on: Aug 15, 2013

  • I will always ......always remember the great times we had together!!!!!!!! Music and songs of Mikis Theodorakis, Savopoulos and Papakostantinou still sound in my ears when I think of George. I will remember him forever. Our deepest sympathies to you Sia, Bobby, Andrew and Tracy! - Posted by: Kostas Vailas (Friend) on: Aug 15, 2013

  • My heart and thoughts go out to you Sia, Andrew, Bobby, Tracy, and all who knew and loved George. I feel so fortunate to have been welcomed into the Olympia Diner family and to have been a part of the premium qualify of people you all are; hard working, dedicated, GENEROUS...oh my gosh generous, considerate, and kind toward all who visited; friends, family, patrons.... I hope that fond memories of the many years of love, good times, and laughter and the fact that George is now at peace, is able to bring you some comfort in this very sad and difficult time. George! I raise my glass to you and say, "Thank you for being such a great boss, but more importantly an amazing friend. I'll never forget you. xo - Posted by: Dawn Brown (Friend) on: Aug 15, 2013

  • My sincerest sympathy to Sia, Tracy and the boys. I have such fond memories of my times spent at Olympia. Rest in peace George! - Posted by: Brenda Ford previously Tibble (Friend) on: Aug 15, 2013

  • To George's Family, It is with profound sadness that I read the passing of this extraordinary man. He was a Renaissance man. He was a talented hairdresser, wonderful restaurantor and good guy. He will be missed by all who knew him personally and who knew of him. All of his pain and suffering has ended. He is now soaring with the angels. - Posted by: Donna Ansell (Friend ) on: Aug 15, 2013

  • We met George & Sia through Gage Perth at Olympia and enjoyed the company and the food on numerous occasions. George will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sia and the family. Sincerely, Laurie & Carl - Posted by: Laurie & Carl Thibodeau (Brother & sister-in-law of Gage Perth) on: Aug 15, 2013

  • My very deepest condolences to my dear friend Sia and family for their heartfelt loss. There are no words that I can say that will help during this very sad time but please know you are all in my thoughts, prayers and my heart. We can all be grateful and comforted in the thought that even though he will be terribly missed, George is now pain free and awaiting the day when he will see you all again. With much love, Dianne - Posted by: Dianne Watson (Friend) on: Aug 15, 2013

  • My deepest sympathies to Sia & family for your loss. I'll always remember going to Olympia for a delicious greek salad & enjoying a glass of red wine with George. My thoughts are with you at this time. - Posted by: Marie Perth (Friend) on: Aug 14, 2013

  • Sending thoughts and prayers to your beautiful family during this time of sadness. Working with Tracy and enjoying your delicious food at Olympia on many a lunch hour fills me with great memories of George's jokes, smile and generosity. You will be forever remembered fondly! With sadness I am thankful that you are now at peace. You will be missed! - Posted by: Jessica Anseeuw (Friend of the Family) on: Aug 14, 2013

  • Our deepest sympathy to Sia and the kids. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have been "picked" as George's friend. Our trip to Arizona together bonded us for life. Your pain and suffering have now ended. Rest in peace dear friend. - Posted by: Dwayne and Lucille (Friend) on: Aug 14, 2013

  • I met George when visiting Gage 5 years ago of course at the Olympia. I travel through Winnipeg once or twice a year and always looked forward to and enjoyed the visits and the incredible foods. I will miss those visits. My thoughts and condolences to all George's family and good friends as I know he had many! Dennis. - Posted by: Dennis Landstrom (A friend thanks to Gage.) on: Aug 13, 2013

  • Condolences to the Spiridakos family from myself, my brother and sisters, and all of my other friends that had the opportunity to meet him. George was one of a kind, a true friend, like a brother to me, and I will always cherish all the good times we had. There were so many, I can't even begin to start. RIP my friend. - Posted by: Gage Perth (Friend) on: Aug 13, 2013

  • George was a very special friend. we looked forward to his company and conversation every week at the Olympia Diner, George you will be missed - Posted by: Tammy and Mac (fiends) on: Aug 13, 2013

  • My deepest sympathies to the family...my thoughts and prayers are with you all.... - Posted by: Filitsa Kontzamanis (friend) on: Aug 13, 2013

  • We are very sorry to hear about your loss. Our sympathy goes out to your family. May you feel God's Peace and strength. We always loved to eat and talk at the restaurant about experiences from past and present. We will miss you George. Dale & Fern Hunt - Posted by: Dale & Fern Hunt (Friend) on: Aug 13, 2013

  • Very saddened to read of George's passing. I am a regular to the Olympia and will miss seeing George in the back corner under the TV holding court with his friends. My sincere condolences to the Spiridakos family. - Posted by: Jaime Clilne (Friend / Customer) on: Aug 13, 2013

  • My deepest sympathies to you and your family. You are all in my prayers. Anna-Maria - Posted by: Anna-Maria Colman (friend) on: Aug 13, 2013

  • The one and only time I ever made it to a lake was with the Spiridakos family! George took us out on the lake for a boat ride and we had such a fun time!! You will be missed George!! - Posted by: M Vailas (Family friend) on: Aug 13, 2013

  • I remember George coming over to our house or to the Red Boot sharing stories with us and fun times. I remember the home made sausage he would grill with my dad. Also, I remember George styling my hair at his home town in Greece. Always hospitable, and a great friend to us all. May his memory be eternal. - Posted by: Nick Karvelas (Family friend) on: Aug 13, 2013

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