Gus James Boutsinis

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gus James Boutsinis. A man that was loved deeply for his hard work, kind heart, devotion to his family and his Greek community, and his fun-loving spirit. After a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, he passed away on June 22, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Konstantinos Dimitris Boutsinis was born in Kriekouki (Erythres) Greece on November 7, 1939 to Dimitris Boutsinis and Irene Stephas. Kostaki (Gus) was just 3 years old when his father died suddenly of a ruptured appendix. Little Kostaki and his mom were taken in by his grandfather, whom he remembers fondly for his love and support. Soon after, they moved to Villia, Greece with Irene’s sister, Sofoula, and her 5 children. Although times were very hard and food was scarce during the war, Kostaki loved living with his cousins, as they treated him like a brother.

In search of a better life for her and her son, in 1948 Irene traveled to the Bahamas where she married Aristides Dimitriou and settled in Seattle, Washington. Kostaki stayed behind in Greece with his aunt and cousins until 1950 when he went on the trip of a lifetime! At 10 years old, Kostaki traveled alone on an airplane from Athens to Seattle, knowing no English and with only his name and destination pinned to the front of his shirt. Kostaki was very scared at the New York airport, but a Greek stewardess saw his name, spoke to him in Greek, and made sure he boarded his flight to Seattle.

After a long and scary journey, Kostaki arrived in Seattle and was instantly greeted by his mother, his new step-father, his new baby brother, John, and about 2 dozen Greek friends and relatives. They welcomed him with love and became his new family, as he started his new life in America.

In 1957 he graduated from Queen Anne High School and in 1960 he joined the United States Army. He often talked about his fond memories of being stationed in Orleans, France and his time spent in Paris, enjoying his 20’s and hanging out with friends.

Gus worked hard his entire life. Starting as a dishwasher at the Washington Athletic Club, a waiter at the Edgewater Hotel, and then on to Kim’s Broiler. Finding his niche in the restaurant business, Gus went on to manage the Ocean Shores Inn in 1969. Three years later, Gus endeavored into his greatest restaurant adventure, the opening of the Pioneer Banque in Pioneer Square. This was his hey-day. He would work many long hours, but also enjoyed being the host and sharing his love for food, drink, and music with his customers and his friends. Gus stayed in the restaurant business until 1987, when he finally grew tired of the long hours and made a career shift to commercial real estate. A few years later, with his partner and friend Roy Thorsen, Gus successfully developed several properties in south Snohomish County. In 1999, he brought in his son-in-law, Panagiotis Biros, to help manage the properties and the company is still thriving today.

Although Gus spent much of his life devoted to his work, his true happiness and the center of his world was his family. While working at Kim’s Broiler, Gus met Joan Martin and, once again, his world changed forever. He married Joan and opened his heart to her 3 daughters, Catherine, Julie, and Barbara. Soon after was the birth of his daughter, Demetra Irene. Gus had to work hard to support his instant family of 6 and missed a lot of milestones when his kids were young, but he was determined to make a good life for them. He taught them the value of hard work, to never give up, to keep moving forward, to forgive, and to love.

The love that Gus exuded showed the most when he was with his grandchildren. They brought out all the best in him. They turned to him for comfort, for laughter, for hugs, for life lessons, and for support. His face would light up each and every time they walked into the room. He absolutely adored them and they adored him, and they will carry his love with them forever.

Gus was also loved and admired in our Greek community. Although he had to pause the time spent with his Greek community for a few years while he raised his family, he made up for it a thousand times. Gus served on the Saint Demetrios parish council for many years, including as parish council president during the most tragic time of our community, the death of our beloved Priest, Father Homer. His leadership helped to keep our community strong and held us together in our grief. Gus also served as the president of the St. Ds dance program and in 1990 served as a chairman of the first Greek Folk Dance Festival that was held in Seattle. He took pride in his Greek heritage, valued the traditions, had a strong faith in our Lord, and loved being part of the Saint Demetrios community.

Gus was a beloved husband, the best dad ever, the proudest grandpa/popou, a devoted son, a loving big brother, a favorite uncle and cousin, and a pillar of our Greek community. We will all miss him terribly, but we know that he is at peace with the Lord and that his memory, his love, and his legacy will live forever.

Gus is preceded in death by his loving daughter, Barbara. He is survived by his life partner, Joan, daughters Catherine (Kevin), Julie (Ken), and Demetra (Panagiotis); his grandchildren Jennifer, Seth (Aimee), Leanne, Riley, Ryan, Nikolas, and Kosta (his namesake) and his great grandchildren Gabriel, Nathan, Zach, Penelope, Chancellor, and Zoe; his brother John Dimitriou (Carla), step-brother Stavros (Colleen) Anastasiou and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

May his loving memory be eternal.

In lieu of flowers,

donations in the memory of Gus Boutsinis

can be made to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church or St. Demetrios Philoptochos Society

or the St. Demetrios Greek Dance program.