IONNIS (JOHN) MAKRYGIANNIS

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IONNIS (JOHN) MAKRYGIANNIS It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Ionnis (John) Makrygiannis on January 15, 2003 at age 64. John was born in 1938 and spent his youth in Domnista, Greece. As a young man he learned the trade of welding in Germany, and eventually moved to Winnipeg in 1967. He married Chrissoula (Chris) in 1967 and together they had two children, Katerina, and Konstandinos (Gus). He was employed for years as a welder (many with the railroad) and took pride in his talent. He could often be found in his shop designing, repairing and creating. John was a devoted father and instilled excellent values on his family. He also took pride in his gardening ability and his skill with the grill. Some of our most joyous memories of him are watching the pride in his face as he prepared his famous souvlaki, knowing full well that he had that special something, that cannot be taught but had to be learned from years of experience. In 1988, John received a liver transplant that forced him to relocate to Toronto for health care and treatment. Being the strong willed, determined, life-loving person that he was, John beat the odds and enjoyed his second chance at life. The blessing allowed him the joy of witnessing the birth of three granddaughters, Kylie, Victoria and Gabriella. He also enjoyed his annual trips to his homeland visiting with friends and relatives in Greece for many months on end. John will also be missed by his brother Gerasimos (Mike) of Winnipeg; two sisters, Vasiliki and Maria of Greece; nieces, Peggy (Greece), Katerina (Winnipeg) and nephew Gus (Winnipeg). Prayer services were held in Toronto on January 17, and funeral will take place in Greece. The family would like to thank the staff of Toronto General Hospital for the kind and professional care he received, and to all friends for the support they have shown over the years.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 18, 2003