Kyriakos "Charlie" Tsuluhas

Charlie had many roles, but was always consistent in character — simply put, he walked the talk. He was a self-taught man of integrity: honest, courageous, and hardworking beyond comparison. Charlie held firmly to the belief that there was a solution to every problem. True to this belief, his battle with cancer was a fight to the very end (“I’m not going anywhere”).

Born in Kastri, Arcadia, Greece, in 1936 to Panagiotis and Konstantina Tsuluhas, Charlie lost his father at a very young age. That, together with the poverty of post-war Greece, left him with no alternative but to abandon a promising academic future to immigrate to Canada in 1951 at the age of 15. He had few family connections and no resources to speak of, other than an unbreakable spirit and work ethic, which remained until his last breath. Immensely proud of his Greek heritage and familial roots, he was equally grateful for his adoptive homeland and the life and opportunities it offered. He worked hard from a young age, trading in the remnants of an interrupted childhood to help family back home, and also aiding numerous relatives in their efforts to come to, and subsequently build, a life in Canada. It was during his early years in Halifax that he met and courted (for SEVEN years!) his future wife, Maria, who stayed by his side until his very last moment on earth.

He leaves behind a legacy of determination and resilience. He was a successful restaurateur and businessman who, like many newcomers, turned humble beginnings into a life of accomplishment. Together with his younger brother, lifelong business partner, and best friend George, he began his career operating the canteens at the Dingle and Public Gardens. They then went on to spend over 35 years as owners of the Starlite Restaurant, and five decades as owners of the Armview Restaurant, employing, among others, countless new Canadians. Together with his wife Maria, he also owned the Westcliffe Grocery for 35 years. During his “retirement,” he focused mostly on managing real estate, working full time until the weeks before his passing — something he would not have wanted any other way. He remained a student at heart throughout, embracing any opportunity to learn, study, or discuss something new.

Charlie was a pivotal member of the local Greek community council for over ten years, proudly serving as president for six of them, during which many lifelong friendships were forged. He later served on the building committee, which oversaw the construction of the current Greek Church, located on property acquired during his tenure on council.

Charlie and his wife Maria’s greatest adventure, however, was raising their family of seven children. Despite his many obligations and commitments, he was always there, and he always showed up when it mattered. Our father’s passing leaves an unfillable void, a permanent echo in the silence of his absence. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family with a big and innocent heart. He loved discussions at the kitchen table, where he shared his knowledge of history, politics, Greek culture, and, of course, his opinion. Loud discussions and joyous laughter were the soundtrack of our childhood. Daddy, we recognize the sacrifices you have made. Without question, we have not met a man with a greater sense of loyalty, honesty, fairness, and integrity. We will miss you, our North Star, and will continue to strive to make you proud.

He was predeceased by his sisters, Georgia Panagakos and Matina Tsiknias, and his brother, George Tsuluhas.

He is survived by his cherished wife of 60 years, Maria, as well as his children: Dina, Litsa (Rami), Pitsa (Mike), Georgia (Adam), Anna (Nick), Sophia (Michael), and Peter (Stephanie); his ten grandchildren: Sofia, Isaiah, Eli, Gavriel, Anna-Maria, Matias, Kyriakos, Aaran, Charlie, and George; his beloved sister, Koula; and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and godchildren. There are not enough words to capture what Charlie meant to those whose lives he touched. Nothing is lost, only changed, as we will always feel his presence everywhere.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 5–8 p.m. at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive. The funeral service will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 1 p.m. at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church.