Panagiotis “Peter” Faclaris

FACLARIS, Panagiotis “Peter” – It is with deep sadness that Peter’s family announces his passing at Freeport Health Centre, Kitchener on Thursday, October 27, 2011, at the age of 79. Beloved husband of Parascevoula “Voula” (nee Gitzia) for 51 years. Loving dad of Nicholas (his wife Kalliopi “Kelly”), Helen “Lina” and Constantinos “Dino”. Papou (grandfather) of George and Panagiotis (little “Peter”). Survived by his brothers, John (Filio) Gettas, George (Triantafili), Aleko of Kitchener/Waterloo and beloved sister Litsa (Gus) of St. Thomas. Remembered by his in-laws, Yianni (the late Dina), Eleni (Aleko). He will also be fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents Nicolaos and Eleni (nee Bouzani). Peter will be missed by his koumbari and best friends Harry (Eugenia) Hontos and Nick (Sandy) Vizirtzoglou.

Peter was born in the village of Psili Vrisi, Arkadia, Peloponnisos, Greece on March 14, 1932. He arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia on November 21, 1952. Throughout the years Peter worked hard and became a well-known Restaurateur. From the late 1950’s Peter owned multiple restaurants, Elgin Restaurant (St. Thomas), Longhorn Inn Steakhouse and Pierre’s Fine Dining (Waterloo), Prime Bar-B-Q (Kitchener). In addition, Peter owned Dandy’s (London & Kitchener) with his long-time partner and good friend Angelo Gikopoulos.

Peter loved the Chicago Blackhawks, playing the accordian, golf and his horses. In the 1980’s and 1990’s, he was the owner of Dorious Ippos Stables with multiple standardbreds. He enjoyed following his horses Laurel Ty, Young Troublemaker, Firebird Seelster, Rustic Nail, Monarch, Cams Georgia, JD Preteen and JD Stamujn which all won multiple circuit races.

Most importantly, Peter was very proud of his Greek heritage, culture and religion. In the 1960’s he was an executive member of the Greek Community of Kitchener/Waterloo. From 1968 -1972, Peter served as President of Sts. Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church. During his Presidency, he played an integral part in raising substantial funds towards the construction of the new church, which is now sited on Bridgeport Road, Kitchener.

Peter’s family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 7–9 p.m. (Trisagion at 8:00 p.m.), Sunday, October 30, 2011, from 2–4 p.m. and 7–9 p.m. (Trisagion at 8:00 pm) at the Schreiter-Sandrock Funeral Home & Chapel, 51 Benton Street, Kitchener, Ont., 519-742-4481. Prayers will be offered at the funeral home on Monday, October 31, 2011 at 9 a.m. following the procession to Sts. Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox, 527 Bridgeport Road, Kitchener, 519-742-8640 for the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. with Father Constantino Chatzis officiating. Burial to follow at Parkview Cemetery, 333 University Ave. Waterloo. Immediately following, a reception (makaria) will take place at Golf’s Steak House and Seafood, 598 Lancaster Street West, Kitchener, 519-579-4050.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Peter’s memory to Sts. Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church, Grand River Regional (Freeport Health Centre UT3 – East Court) www.grhf.org, or the Smoking Prevention & Cessation Programs www.on.lung.ca would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home). Special thanks to koumbara Helen (the late Christo) Droumtsekas who has assisted our family tremendously and all the family and friends who have supported us through these difficult times. A special thank you to Dr. Anne Crowe and Dr. Eric Hentschel, our special Nurses at Freeport Health Centre, 3rd Floor, Union Terrace - East Court and all the Doctors and Nurses in ICU and Cardiac Care at St. Mary’s, KW and Hamilton Health Sciences. Online condolences and information available at www.schreitersandrockfuneralhome.com for Peter’s memorial.