Nick Southas

October 26, 1958

It is with great sadness that we share Nick Southas, 64, of Vancouver, passed away suddenly on April 27, 2023 with his family by his side. Nick was a loving son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Nick is preceded in death by his father Spiro. He is survived by his mother Despina, daughters Despina (Michael Hays) and Suzanne Southas (Vincent Cardellini), grandchildren Oden, Nyssa, Arlo, and Felix, siblings Stefan (Jacquie), Julia (Bob Bonofas) and Maria, nieces and nephews Orania, George, Despina and Spiro, former wife Pamela and many extended family and friends.

Nick was born in Prince George, BC on October 26, 1958, the second of four children. His parents worked in various restaurants and cafes in Prince George while raising their young family before moving to Vancouver in 1970. Nick and his family stayed connected to many of their friends from Prince George, especially in the Greek community, and continued to grow their community in Vancouver. He graduated from Kitsilano High School in 1976 where he enjoyed wrestling, football, racquetball, drive-in movies, and being with his friends. From a young age, Nick spent many hours working in his dad’s restaurants and all the cooks loved him. His first job outside the family was at the Kitsilano Petro-Can Gas Station during high school. After graduation, he worked in remote construction camps with his dad and brother for many years, followed by more years in the family-owned restaurants throughout the lower mainland, including Village Family Restaurant, Panagopoulos Pizza, and Spiro’s Greek Taverna.

Nick’s pride and joy were his daughters and their families. He loved Dena and Suzy dearly and proudly taught them how to dance, what good music sounded like, how to swim, what good food tasted like, and how to laugh. He treasured his grandchildren and loved spending time with them, teaching them how to make bread and telling them funny stories. Nick had a close and special relationship with his niece Orania and nephew George, who he spent a lot of time with as they grew up. His big personality and ability to tell a great story drew people to him. Everyone who met him enjoyed being with him.

When Nick wasn’t working, he enjoyed dancing, watching news, movies, and documentaries, cooking, baking, listening to music, making people laugh, and having good conversations.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Dad

Your warmth has left and your heart has stopped

But Dad, you are still here.

Pieces of you live in me and my mind;

These treasures I will hold dear.

Saying goodbye was too soon--

Too young to reach your end.

I am not alone in mourning you,

You were a son, brother, uncle and friend.

A proud grandfather you shared your joy

Everyone knew how much you cared.

You won’t get to see them become adults--

We wish you had been spared.

Who will tell me they love me?

You never forgot that part.

To lose a father at this young age--

I have lost a piece of my heart.

While you are dancing in heaven,

While you have been freed from pain,

I must try to feel your love, hear your voice

and believe that I might see you once again.

You will live on in spirit,

I will dream of you at night.

I will mourn this unfair loss,

Although you have been taken from my sight.

--Suzy Southas