JOHN SKLAVENITIS

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JOHN SKLAVENITIS John Sklavenitis, August 16, 1935 - December 2, 2014, peacefully passed away after a short illness surrounded by his family. Original John or Psaras as he was known to close friends, spent over twenty-five years feeding Winnipeg's hungry out of the Original Food Bar Restaurant, whether it was the visiting prime minister of Greece or one of many regulars. From humble beginnings in the small island of Meganisi, Greece, he travelled to Winnipeg in the 1950s with a few dollars in his pocket and ambition to make something of himself. In a few short years he established a hotspot in the North End, serving home-cooked meals along with his charismatic personality. An active member of the Greek community, he helped many immigrants start their own businesses and acclimatize to life in a new country. John, along with his loving wife Cathy, spent the final chapter of his life back in the village he left years ago. In retirement, he continued to serve as mentor to new business owners and to the many youth who turned to him for support and encouragement. John is survived by his wife, Cathy, children Marina and Constantino, grandchildren Anthony, Katerina and Yanno, brother Jerry and family, and sister Georgia and family.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 17, 2015