Steve (Stavros) Panagiotis Kletas

Stavros (Steve) Kletas passed away peacefully the early morning of Friday, May 8, 2026 in Vancouver, BC, Canada. He is survived by his wife, Georgia, his son, Peter (Luby), his daughter, Petroula (Nicholas), his four grandchildren, Menelaos, Lourdes, Stephanie and Georgia, his siblings Pantelis (Sofia), John (Anastasia), and Margarita, plus many nephews and nieces both in Vancouver and in Greece.

Stavros was born in Sofikon, Korinthias, Greece on April 13, 1933.

The fifth of ten children, he spent his early years in the humble embrace of village life.

Born into a climate of instability, Stavros’ early years were defined by war, civil unrest and financial uncertainty. By the time he reached 21, he made the hard decision to leave Greece in search of a better life. In November of 1954, he left for Brazil and travelled through South America and Panama, living and working along the way. He eventually made his way to Vancouver, Canada in April of 1956.

Once settled in Vancouver, four of his siblings and several cousins joined him; Stavros then, became the unofficial patriarch of the large extended family he was creating in Canada.

In 1964, he met and married his wife, Georgia, and soon he would become a father, in 1965 to son Peter and in 1968 to daughter Petroula.

He offered his support and guidance to everyone. His and Georgia’s home was the meeting place in times of sadness and in celebration. Stavros had an open-door policy, and everyone knew they could stop by anytime.

Determined and persistent, Stavros always worked hard to make life in his new home easier. He initially found work in construction, then went into the food wholesale business selling eggs door to door in Vancouver and finally in 1968, he became co-owner of Bert’s Restaurant with his brother John.

Stavros loved his work. It brought him close to others every day. He had a natural curiosity about the world and about people. He would strike up conversations with everyone he came across and would create friendships under the most interesting circumstances. Even his customers would become his friends, and they would eventually be included into the large extended circle he called “family”.

Stavros had a work hard, play hard attitude. He would take every opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of his labor. He had a passion for cars, road trips and the great outdoors. Stavros routinely travelled with one of his many vehicles throughout Western Canda and the U.S. He enjoyed the open road so much that he once took his family on a trip to Europe by flying to Germany and driving the long way to Greece, taking detours and making stops in various countries along the way.

A very generous man, Stavros always took care of those in need. He would routinely donate to a variety of charities, especially any charity related to children’s health and well-being, the Food Bank, and the Heart Foundation which took such good care of him over the years.

His greatest joy came from his four grandchildren. He participated heavily in their upbringing, always being present for holidays, school drop offs, pick-ups and events.

Stavros was deeply committed to family. He remained close with his relatives in Greece and visited often.

His connection to his village was never severed. Until his last day, his thoughts were on the distant sound of the town’s church bells.

Stavros’ achievements were many, but his proudest moments were being included in the Royal BC Museum’s Immigrant Stories exhibit in 2008 and a book about his journey to Canada written in 2022.

A larger-than-life presence, Stavros’ zest and enthusiasm for life was contagious. Everyone was welcome to come along on his incredible journey.

Stavros enjoyed life to the fullest and took every opportunity to learn or experience something new every day.

He will always be remembered for his quick wit, his warm smile, his generosity and his curiosity.

Stavros will forever remain in our hearts; never to be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to: https://www.redcross.ca/donatetoHELP?form=help-bc and click box dedicating your donation to Steve Kletas