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CHRYS PAPPAS
Date of Passing: Dec 11, 2022
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
CHRYS PAPPAS, K.C.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Chrys, on December 11, 2022, at 79 years of age.
Chrys is survived by the love of his life, Kaye Dunlop, his children, Geoff (Mandy), Todd, Jon (Alanna) and Elizabeth, and grandchildren, Presley and Sterling.
Chrys was born and raised in Winnipeg which he called his home for his entire life. He grew up surrounded by a large and loving family who impacted his early years in many ways. Chrys's mother and father, Isobel (Kelekis) and Bill instilled in him and his brother, Jimmy, a strong work ethic at an early age and it was working in their Dad's restaurant, Willy's, and alongside their aunties at Kelekis Restaurant that they honed their love for conversation and meeting people.
Chrys knew everyone. Everywhere he went, whether it be quickly heading to Midtown Car Wash or Metro Cleaners, he would spend hours visiting with those he encountered. Those he considered a friend were numerous and will remember his joyous nature coupled with his booming laugh, which was always at the center of every occasion.
When visiting Alice Springs, Australia, with Kaye in 1989, Kaye bet Chrys that this might be the only place on earth that he wouldn't know a soul. A few minutes later, Chrys was tapped on the shoulder by a long-time Winnipeg Squash Club friend.
Chrys was an enthusiastic athlete from a young age with a passion for football and hockey. He was a star athlete at Kelvin High School, and through sports made lifelong friends. Chrys's athletic pursuits extended to his years at United College and law school, where he enjoyed his time as a member of Delta Upsilon. His fraternity brothers were his brothers for life.
Chrys loved telling stories, which were often long-winded and typically improved with his elegant touch of exaggeration. If you ever had the pleasure of hearing one of his classic tales, the stories were never told the same twice, which added to their excitement. He was an exceptional conversationalist and truly made those he spent time with feel genuinely important.
Almost more than anything, Chrys loved being a lawyer and practising law, which he enjoyed doing for 54 years. He joined Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP in 1989, by which time he had developed a reputation as being one of Manitoba's most distinguished corporate commercial lawyers. During his career he was repeatedly recognized nationally in the areas of banking and finance law, and commercial real estate. He was a Life Bencher of the Law Society of Manitoba, a Life Member and President of the Manitoba Bar Association, and served as the President of the Canadian Bar Insurance Association for many years, during which he made lifelong friendships with lawyers from across the country.
Chrys led by example and giving back to his community was no exception. He served as the Chair of the Board of Governors of Balmoral Hall School, was a director of Special Olympics Manitoba, a long-time season ticket holder and director of the Winnipeg Football Club, and a Regent of the University of Winnipeg. He cherished all of the relationships he made along the way in both his professional and volunteer commitments, and made everyone he interacted with feel valued.
Chrys fought his long and challenging battle with cancer with a positive attitude and unparalleled spirit. Throughout his journey he was supported by many wonderful healthcare professionals, including Dr. Darrell Drachenberg, Dr. Joel Gingerich and his trusted nurse Cheryl. We will be forever grateful to Palliative Care Manitoba for their compassionate attention to Chrys over his last several months. Thank you to Lisa, Andre and Erin and the staff at 3E wing at Riverview Health Centre, especially the care of Dr. Hiebert in Chrys's final weeks.
Most of all, Chrys loved his family. In the end, it was his love for those closest to him that kept him going. He just didn't want to leave.
A funeral service will be held for Chrys on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 12:30 p.m. at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church located at 2255 Grant Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Chrys's name to CancerCare Manitoba or Riverview Health Centre. Make a donation to
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 14, 2022, Dec 17, 2022
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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I was 19 when I first met Chrys at United College. Through the years we did business together and would run into each other everywhere. My sincere condolences to Kaye and the family for your loss. He was a special man and will be missed by all who knew him. - Posted by: Janne Young (Friend) on: Jan 12, 2023
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On behalf of the HSC Foundation, extending our heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Mr. Pappas. Thank you for sharing this wonderful tribute of this renaissance man and his commitment to his family and the community! It's evident he leaves a remarkable legacy! Sorry for your loss. Lynda Ruban staff & friends at the HSC Foundation - Posted by: Lynda D Ruban (staff at Health Sciences Centre Foundation) on: Jan 06, 2023
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My deepest condolences to Kaye and family. - Posted by: Lois Belluk (Friend of Kaye) on: Dec 23, 2022
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My sincere condolences to the family. Chrys was a very kind and generous person. He was a great support in assisting me with the purchase of a new house. He went above and beyond on many occasions. - Posted by: Joanne Janzen (Client) on: Dec 20, 2022
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Thank you Chris for your support in the early years of the start of MB. Special O you added hard work and commitment Rest in Peace Ted Irvine - Posted by: Ted (Friend) on: Dec 18, 2022
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I got to know Chrys when he was doing all the legal work at our office of GM. He was an excellent corporate lawyer! His personality was contagious, and he liked to engage in devious topics and was a fine gentleman. He also enjoyed a good joke. My condolences to all of his family. Mel Finlayson - Posted by: Mel Finlayson (Friend) on: Dec 15, 2022
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Chrys will definitely be missed, especially at our UC Class of '64 Reunions. We enjoyed some very good times together over the years and he was very helpful to our family over those years as well. Thanks, Chrys, for being a very good friend! Our condolences to all the family. - Posted by: J David & Lynne Shilliday (friend and fellow United College graduate) on: Dec 15, 2022
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Deepest sympathies to all the family. We will miss you brother, and all the old frat stories. Wayne Anderson, Class of 64. - Posted by: wayne anderson (Delta Upsilon) on: Dec 15, 2022
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My heartfelt sympathies to Kaye and the family. I got to know Chrys through our daughters at Balmoral Hall, being on the Board of Governors at the same time and traveling with the BH Blazers Volleyball team as parent chaperones. He was one of the kindest and most engaging people I have had the pleasure to have known. He added light to any room he entered. He will be missed and remembered fondly. May you always feel his love. - Posted by: Barb King (Friend) on: Dec 14, 2022
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So sorry to hear of Chrys' passing. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Chrys was our lawyer for Housing Opportunity Partnership, a not for profit affordable housing initiative, for many years. He handled our legal work for minimum charges; he once told me he had to charge something legally or he would probably not charge at all! A true gentleman, professional and a pleasure to deal with; so sorry for his loss. Lori Thorsteinson President Housing Opportunity Partnership - Posted by: Lori Thorsteinson (client) on: Dec 14, 2022
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My sincerest condolences to you Kaye and your family. Chrys was an amazing person and a true friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. - Posted by: Claire Sumerlus (Froend) on: Dec 14, 2022
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My sincere condolences to Kaye and the family. I have many fond memories of growing up with Chrys and attending family celebrations. It was wonderful being part of a large family. His mom and my mom were first cousins and she was like a second mother to me. I will forever treasure the memories of the good times we had growing up. May his memory be eternal. - Posted by: Evelyne Macrodimitris (Cousin) on: Dec 14, 2022
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Always a good person to be around. - Posted by: Roy A. Kunicky (Student at United College with Chrys) on: Dec 14, 2022
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Kaye and family, My deepest sympathies on Chrys’ passing. I had many business dealings with Chrys over the years and from those we developed a friendship. Any meeting or call with Chrys was not only professional and effective but fun. He exemplified what client service was all about. He was quick to reach out to me when he heard of my older brother John’s illness and passing in 2020. John was a high school buddy of Chrys’. John lived in Atlanta, GA for many years and attended the Kelvin High School 100th Anniversary in 2012 where he and Chrys and other friends had a great reunion, including a memorable lunch at the Vendome. Chrys will be missed. - Posted by: Rob MacDonald (Friend and business associate) on: Dec 14, 2022