Diamond Harry Reinholds Almas

February 18, 1939 - November 5, 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved father, Diamond Almas.

Diamond spent his childhood in the West End neighbourhood of Vancouver, swimming in English Bay, exploring Stanley Park, and playing ball with his buddies. Many of the friends he made at both Lord Robert's Elementary and King Edward High would stay with him his entire life. His circle of lifetime friends grew even more when he transferred to University Hill High School after his family moved to Point Grey.

Diamond had a talent for drawing people in. He was tall, handsome, and athletic but it was his kindness that connected him to people and animals.

His gentle, artistic soul, expressed through his love of music and art seemed in stark contrast to the fierce competitor and loyal teammate he proved to be while playing with the Vancouver Maralomas football club.

As a child, Diamond enjoyed helping his hardworking immigrant parents (father from Greece, mother from Sweden) with the family take-out restaurant "The Hippocampus" on Denman Street. At the tender age of 20, he and his parents began what would become the world-renowned floating "Seven Seas Seafood Restaurant" situated in the old North Vancouver Ferry Number 5, anchored at the foot of Lonsdale in North Vancouver.

Diamond's sweet nature endeared him to his employees, once again drawing loyal, lifetime friends into his orbit.

He loved animals; cats, dogs, birds, hedgehogs, spiders, and all other sentient creatures. They were drawn to him as he to them. Diamond delighted in meeting new animal friends; a walk to the corner store would likely turn into an hour-long event as he had to visit with each dog or creature he encountered.

Completely devoted to his family, Diamond loved his six children and two grandchildren with unconditional support and pride. He was overjoyed when his great-granddaughter, Maeve was born, as it meant there was another baby to dote upon. He did so love the little ones.

Diamond reinvented himself after his restaurant of 42 years closed, taking a job at Starlight Casino in New West as the Security Supervisor. He used his gracious manner with his endless compassion to greet customers or diffuse any tensions that arose. Once again, Diamond earned friendships and the enduring respect of his workmates.

He also supported many people within AA, sponsoring those struggling thrugh their addictions.

Diamond was inducted into the Vancouver Restaurant Hall of Fame in 2008, but his true legacy continues to be the scores of people touched by his kindness, love, and courageous heart as well as the example he set - treating everyone he met with dignity, humanity, and compassion.

Diamond leaves behind children Joy, Gregory (Melissa), Matt (Resho), Mairzee (Tara), Diamond Jr. (Kodee), and Nicholas, as well as grandchildren Emily (Owen) and Skylar, and of course his great-granddaughter Maeve.

Celebration of Life will be held at Mountain View Cemetery Celebration Hall - 5445 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC on Saturday, December 9th, 2023 - From noon to 2:30 pm.

All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the animal charity of your choice.