Alkiviadis (Arkis) Mallis

Alkiviadis (Arkis) Mallis

With broken hearts we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father. Age 91 of Dartmouth, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2023, at the QEII Halifax Infirmary surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Pera Triovasalos, Milos, Greece on March 10, 1932. He was the son of Nicholas and Moscoula Mallis. Growing up in a family of 6, Arkis always talked about their respect and devotion for each other, and how he and his brothers helped their father, with the family windmill to put food on the table. A special donkey named Costa was Dad’s devoted pal, that helped haul the flour and was always by his side.

A devoted son and baby brother, Arkis had his older brothers to look up to and they always looked after him. We always heard about the strong bond and respect the brothers had for each other.

After serving in the Navy, Arkis married his loving wife Maria Xidos in 1957 and several years later, in 1962 they boarded the vessel “Frethericki” to begin their new life in Nova Scotia. Stories of their hardships during their new beginnings were often shared, as difficult as those hardships were, they persevered and several years later, together with his brother-in-law, Ship Shape Laundry and Dry Cleaners was established.

Hard work was always a constant in Arkis’s life. He was no stranger to hard work and sacrifice. Eventually this became a want versus a need, and realized keeping busy was the secret to keeping young. Arkis could be found at the shop up until his illness, at the young age of 83.

Arkis enjoyed his wine and made his own back in the day. Everyday he enjoyed a glass or two. He loved taking day trips to the valley and earlier days enjoyed fishing and periwinkle picking. Later in life, he enjoyed his trips to the Caribbean and of course his home in Milos.

Arkis (or Ari) as the family lovingly called him, was very modest and his life revolved around his family. He was a wonderful father that never denied his kids and continued to provide his support up until his death. Most importantly, his undeniable devotion to his wife Maria could not be matched. His loyalty, love and compassion for her was always at the forefront. Very rarely would they be apart.

Arkis loved his treasured homeland Milos, and our house was always filled with talks of memories of his upbringing, his village, and his good friends, and one friend in particular “O Sakoulakis”. He was athletic in his youth and loved to play soccer, as well as being known as a prankster. His children fell in love with his stories and share the same love of Milos, and even more so, his family he left behind.

He was a beautiful person who was kind and gentle. He was very witty and funny, and always had a one-liner that had everyone laughing. We can proudly say everyone loved him, and even to his last days, he was adored by the nurses, that took care of him in the hospital for these past few months.

Arkis left behind a legacy that reflects his beautiful personality, the qualities of respect and kindness. Words cannot express how we will miss his presence, his smile and gentle way.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Maria; son; Nicholas, daughter, Moscoula (Paul); brother, Antonis, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Nicholas; mother, Moscoula, and brothers, Argiris and George. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 11, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Cruikshank’s Halifax Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor St, Halifax. Funeral service will be held in St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church, 1146 Purcell's Cove Rd, Halifax, Wednesday, July 12th at 11 a.m. with burial in Fairview Cemetery, 3720 Windsor St., Halifax, and reception to follow at the church hall. Special thanks to Leah Kennedy and her team at Cruikshank’s Funeral Home for their overwhelming kindness and support.