Chris Harry Tomasides

If ever there were a symbol for the phrase “In a world where you can be anything, be kind” it would be Dad. Not only did his work take him to live in countries such as Greece, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Cambodia, most times he was serving in under-developed areas to build sustainable programs that would thrive long after his involvement. More than anything, though, he was the kindest, gentlest, not exactly tallest, giant we have ever known. His smile drew people toward him in a way that invited life-long, genuine friendship.

His life has been an extraordinary example to us of what it means to work for God’s glory and use your time, talent and treasure to help others. As a man of great faith, God and the church were central to his life, and no one knew that more than his children and grandchildren.

The one-on-one time he prioritized with each grandchild throughout their lives was inspirational and transformational. Often it helped them to form their worldviews and career choices. Whether discussing world health, politics, living abroad, the church, community service organizations, a shared Fantasy Football team, TikTok, or the merits of Broncos vs. Texans, he listened with a thrilled sparkle in his eyes as he challenged and was challenged. Even the most competitive conversations devolved into laughter.

He was a man who understood how to get a return on his investment. Some of his greatest: “Mandating” a 25-cent limit at Marble Slab with a 6-year-old... Engaging in a YouTube cosmetics challenge with an 11-year-old… Going out for a long breakfast at “Le PeepS” with an 18-year-old… These are the investments that grew into trusted, generationally blind friendships. Our one-on-one times with Papou will forever be etched in our hearts as some of the most important memories we have. However, none so funny as the release of Harry Potter 3 when his grandchild’s excitement was too much to bear. After five trips to the bathroom, before the movie even started, Papou finally looked at him and said, “You’re going to have to calm down.”

He was a golden gem.

And if he heard us say it, he would have made a pun about collecting gems as a hobby in Sri Lanka. Those puns! And the dad jokes…and the bald-headed humor… even in his last hours, as he felt a hand caressing his head, he managed to whisper, “Don’t mess up my hair.”

Our dear Papou inspired in us the desire to spend time with him and with each other, to respect differences around the world, and to cultivate a passion to serve others, especially those who are underserved. We are so grateful for this example, but the greatest illustration he has given us after his love for God, is his love for Mary and their family.

Our parents were married for 59 years before Mom passed away in December 2014. Their faith in God, the service they gave to their communities around the world, and the way they raised their children worked in harmony because of the love and respect they shared with each other.

It has been a long ten years without Mary beside Chris, and we have great joy in picturing their reunion. However, the even greater joy we share is knowing they are hand-in-hand with our beloved Christine. Because not all time spent with Papou was about discussion and debate. His favorite things were baseball, Colgate University, Chick Fil-A Oreo shakes, watching movies, listening to Greek music, drinking good wine, eating good food and standing side by side together in church. And there was no one who stood side-by-side together in church better than Christine.

We have no greater comfort than knowing the three are together, alive in Christ’s resurrection. And we remember our loved ones who came before them, especially Dad’s parents Harry and Beatrice Tomasides and his “kid” sister Mary Tomasides Linkas.

We thank our family and friends from New York to Denver to Houston. They made each place home. We thank all our cousins and all our extended family for the love you have given our parents. We thank Wanda, Laura, and Michelle for your gentle care. And mostly, we thank Dad’s dear friend Bill, cousin Jim and Fr. Demetri for your friendship and visits.

We love you, Dad.

We love you, Papou.

May your memory be eternal.

Pamela and Jim Gaspar, Andrea Gaspar and Sam Bishop, + Christine Gaspar, Memory Eternal

Presvytera Valerie and Fr. Dean Kouldukis, Christopher, Constantine and Elissa

Harry and Christine Tomasides, Demitra and Marika

The day before Dad passed away, he wanted to ensure his 2024 stewardship to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church had been fulfilled. He was especially excited to support the iconography project. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation toward the iconography, which would mean a great deal to him. There is a donation link located below.