Athanase Tsonis

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle on May 5, 2015 at the age of 79 years. Athanasios is survived by his wife of 50 years, Stavroula, his daughter, Georgia (Peter) and son Fotis (Marissa), his grandchildren Nicole, Gracie and Athanasios. His brothers Dino and Dennis (Fofo), his sister Vaso (George), sister-in-law Georgia and his many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brothers, Angelo, Jimmy and Andreas.

Athanasios was born in Perivolakia, Greece in 1935 and immigrated to Canada in 1957. He returned to Greece for a holiday in 1964 where he met and married Stavroula. He worked for 35 years at the UBC campus as a utility man and retired in 1995 at the age of 59.

Athanasios was an active member of the Greek Community in Vancouver. He served on the Board of Trustees of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral for 14 years between the years 1986 and 2000, completing terms as Vice President and as Treasurer. He also served many years on the Executive Board of the Greek Senior’s Society of Vancouver in the role of President, Vice President and Treasurer.

Athanasios was a devoted grandfather, passionate gardener and a lover of history and geography. He could give you a current population of any country in the world at any given time.

Athanasios fought his long battle with pancreatic cancer valiantly and ferociously. The family wishes to thank the staff of the palliative Home Care Program for their care and attention to Athanasios as they worked hard to ensure that he was able to pass away at home surrounded by his loved ones as was his request. Prayers will be held on Sunday, May 10th at 7:30 pm at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 4500 Arbutus Street, Vancouver where a funeral service will be held on Monday, May 11th at 10:00 am. Father Constantinos Economos officiating. Burial to follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Burnaby.

Condolences and tributes may be sent to the family by visiting www.mountpleasantfuneral.com. Flowers greatfully accepted or donations to the BC Cancer Foundation would be appreciated.