GEORGE KOSTAKOS -

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GEORGE KOSTAKOS 1949 - 2002 When George severely damaged his lungs as a young child, he tried to cross over only to be sent back to his family by an angel. Sadly, on March 24, 2002, with family and dear friends at his side, he completed his crossing into the waiting arms of his parents, Francesca and Konstantinos. To cherish his memory and be comforted and guided by his loving and strong spirit is his wife Georgia; son Dean; his brother Nikolaos and sister Barbara and George Kotsoni; nephew Dimitri and extended family in Greece; as well as his sisters-in-laws and their families, Evelyne and Teli Macrodimitris; nephews, George and Alex, Vicki and Doug Macfadden; niece Jamie, who was like a daughter to him. George was born in Athens, Greece, and after completing his military service, which he proudly served in the Greek Navy, he immigrated to Winnipeg where he married, had his son and made a good life for his family, working at Standard Aero and currently at New Flyer Industries. He was fiercely proud of his heritage and culture, firstly working tirelessly at Folklorama as a volunteer for both the Greek Islands and Greek Pavilions and as a DJ for the Greek radio program on CKJS. George had a deep passion for music and poetry and loved writing, playing and singing alone or in the company of good friends. His beautiful voice will certainly enhance Heavens choir. He thoroughly enjoyed passing on his musical passion to the youth of the community and to this day was proud the band is still together. Soccer was, of course, his favourite sport. For many years he coached the Hellas and Olympic teams in the M.S.L. When his son Dean was born, George became his personal coach, teaching him all the skills and techniques to be a good soccer player. He later coached through the Crescentwood and Earl Grey Community Clubs, relishing in working with kids that wanted to play soccer. He was so proud when Dean made the S.E.U. Premier Team this past year and was fortunate to make most of the outdoor games, always encouraging the team from the sidelines. Georges greatest pride and joy was his son Dean, whom he absolutely adored and tried so hard to stay for. They had a wonderful relationship and were able to talk openly to each other. George instilled in Dean the principles of achieving your best by trying your best and to be proud of your accomplishments because of the effort you put in them. DAD, I have so many things to say but not enough time to say them all. The first thing I wanted is to thank you for always being there for me when I needed help and for encouraging me to do what I thought was never possible. To me you are the greatest dad in the world and I want to say the three most important things that any son would ever say, I Love You. Dean Services for George will be held on Thursday, March 28 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Grant and Shaftesbury, officiated by Father Gianniou. Interment at Brookside Cemetery. To the family and friends who were always there for us when we needed them or in case we needed them, you will always hold a special place in our hearts. To Dr. B. Shah, your concern and care was deeply appreciated and to the staff on the 5th floor, you were so wonderful during the past few days. The family would like to thank Dr. A. Maksymiuk and the staff at Cancercare for giving us a further chance with a new treatment. Our heartfelt thank you to the Victoria Oncology Department and Dr. Maxwell who headed a team of wonderful people. Throughout Georges illness their compassion, caring and humour kept our hopes and faith strong. Norm will be watching over you to make sure those IVs are inserted right. Donations to the VGH Oncology Department Building Development Fund would be greatly appreciated. Nothing beautiful in this world is ever really lost those we cherish will always live on in memory. In the beautiful memories may you find peace... in the love that surrounds you, may you find strength. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 27, 2002