William Angelo Kandas

William Angelo Kandas left his mark in the hearts of so many for us to remember and hold on to forever on January 8, 2021. His life’s journey began on February 20, 1930, in Minot, ND. William “Bill” was born to two immigrant parents from Greece, Angelo and Kostantina Kandas. He had one older brother, Gust, who he looked up to and loved with all his heart. He started his employment at an early age growing up in his father’s pool hall, Minot Billard Parlor, and was known for a hustle or two. He loved learning new things and his curious mind took him to North Dakota State University, Fargo ND, and later to Minot State College where he earned his degree in History and Mathematics. He used this degree to his advantage to achieve various positions of employment. These positions included, a high school history teacher, CLIP - Director, a government program to provide housing for low income families, Eastwood Park Grocery Store, owner and operator, but the one which changed his life and created his legacy was Executive Director at the Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake.

Before moving to Salt Lake City and creating a legacy in the working place, he met his love of 57 years, Andromache Matheou. Together they created his most important and cherished legacy as a father, husband, and grandfather. Andromache and Bill met by mutual family-friends and have been inseparable ever since. They started a family together and had two children, Connie and Angelo. In the summer of 1978, Bill and his family packed up their lives in Minot and moved to Salt Lake City, UT. Little did Bill know that the position he had accepted would be the job that proudly defined him for life. He worked tirelessly in his position as Executive Director, but loved every minute of it. His most memorable times in his position was working as Chairman for the annual Salt Lake City Greek Festival. His favorite part was the three days of operation, watching everyone working in harmony for the common goal of showcasing their faith, Greek culture and heritage. Bill tirelessly and selflessly worked every year to ensure the culture and faith he loved could be shared with all. During his time as chairman and executive director he met many people and built a community with friendship, trust, and compassion for one another. One of his achievements was founding the annual Thanksgiving Dinner to feed those who are homeless and lonely with dignity and respect. Though he was an employee of the Greek Orthodox Church he was also a faithful parishioner and a member of many organizations, Athanasios Diakos, Panhaikos Society, and a founding member of the Hellenic Cultural Association. Although his time as executive director came to an end in 1997 when he retired, his friendships and love for his community stayed with him until he took his last breath. Bill’s life was defined by a desire to serve others and he remained active in his church community after retirement. The second Thursday of every month, Bill would gladly volunteer his time cooking for the Philoptochos Young at Heart luncheon with all of his friends. During retirement, Bill found a love for the small things in life. He developed a new found talent of being a donut connoisseur, an armchair quarterback of every football game, and an appreciation of sunsets and the stars. He loved the enjoyment of riding in style in his Cadillac, the fun of playing with his grandchildren, teaching them to play poker and rummy. He will be most remembered for his unwavering dedication and pure love of his family and everything life had to offer him. Bill was an extraordinary man and will be missed every day. He is proceeded in death by his father Angelo, mother Kostantina, and brother Gust. He is survived by his wife Andromache, children Connie Kandas-Yengich and Angelo (Evonne) Kandas, grandchildren, Alexandra Yengich and Eleni and Marina Kandas. Bill’s private funeral was held on January 14th at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, with his internment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. Bill and all who are departing now deserve more, but he would have wanted to keep everyone safe. Donations in his memory may be made to the Salt Lake Philoptochos, Young at Heart(Senior Citizen) program at 279 So 3rd West, SLC 84111. We celebrate his life as how we will live ours, his example of kindness, compassion and strength. We will never forget your love for us all. May your memory be eternal.