William Vlahos

It is with sadness that the Vlahos family announces the passing of our family patriarch, William, on June 30, 2024. He died peacefully at the QEII Infirmary.

William immigrated to Halifax from his village of Anavriti (located in the region of Sparta, Greece). He arrived at Pier 21 via the steamship Olympia when he was 18 years old without any command of the English language, and with just one very small piece of luggage.

After visiting his Uncle Dino Vlahos' famous Candy Kitchen in Springhill, NS, and his Uncle George Sarantopoulos in New York City, William decided to settle, and make his way forward in Halifax, where he would meet and marry Jean, and raise a family of four children.

Working in kitchens and hotels until he had enough language skills and capital of his own, he established himself as a hard working and creative food business owner/ operator. His passion was to find a good location, establish a new business and sell it after a few years, before moving on to do it all over again. Along the way, William endeavoured to assist many within his family and within the wider Greek Canadian community of Halifax get established in businesses with his advice, help in arranging financing, or both.

William is survived by his spouse Jean (nee Hawboldt) of Halifax, his sister Freda (Spero) Apostolides of Halifax and his children: Susan (Jeff) of Kamloops, BC, Peter (Bette) of Kelowna, Michael (Donna) of Dartmouth, and Christina of Bedford as well as his grandchildren Sara, Kate and Lindsay and many cousins, nephews and nieces. He is predeceased by his parents Peter and Voula Vlahos and his sister Nancy (and Paul) Alexiadis.

Cremation has taken place. The internment of his ashes will take place at St. John's Cemetery, 6 Bedford Hwy, Halifax at 10:15 AM on July 20, 2024. Following the internment, a memorial service and reception will take place at the J.A. Snow Funeral home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax at 11:00 AM with Rev Michael Vlahos officiating. As William loved all aspects of food, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to FeedNovaScotia.ca