Christos Photios Dimas (Christos) ended his journey on January 21, 2022. This journey ceased in his beloved city of Toronto, with his wife by his side. Son of Fotis Dimas & Sophia (Sakari) Dimas, he was born in Alexandria, Egypt in June 1937. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Emmanouela Dimas, his 4 children; Mary (husband – Panagiotis), Sophie, Foti (wife – Neri) and Nicholas (wife – Elli); and his sister, Amalia Dima. He was also blessed with 7 grandchildren, Anastasia (2006 – Foti), Anastasia (2009 – Sophie), Theodora (2017 – Foti), Laura (2018 – Mary), Yianni (2019 – Foti), Leon (2020 – Mary) and Emma (2021 – Nicholas).
He married the love of his life on Valentines Day, February 14th 1988. Their love was to last to his last breath. His life was filled with challenges, however, he persevered and raised 4 lovely children, all well educated and successful. A true intellectual, his career was dedicated to teaching Math and Physics, although he often ventured into teaching almost any subject as his knowledge base was vast. He was a very selfless man, always giving, always helping those less fortunate. Despite his kind nature, he was definitely the centre of attention at any gathering or function. If what he said didn’t capture you, his thunderous voice would definitely ring loud and strong, and the sound WAVE would search you out and find you. Most of us will remember him as the “Life” of the party.
Let’s venture into his humble beginnings. Christos was born into a dynastic family, foundational in Alexandria Egypt. His family instilled in young Christos a strong belief that a solid education was the formula for a successful life. He held that powerful conviction throughout his life. In Mansoura (just outside of Alexandria), the family established the Dimas Public School. This is where Christos educational journey began. After public school, he attended the Gregorian High School in Mansoura, after which his university studies took him to his historical homeland – Greece. He received his Physics degree from the University of Athens, and a Masters (equivalent) in Radio-electrology from the same school.
A lifelong goal and dream of moving to Canada finally became reality in 1966. After emigrating to Canada in 1966, he quickly buried himself in his studies once again. He studied Geophysics at Western University (London). He went on to obtain his teaching qualifications at the University of Toronto and an additional Masters degree in Computational Statistics from York University. With his education now complete to his satisfaction, he pursued his true love, TEACHING. And he excelled at it. He taught at numerous High Schools, Lyceums and Collegiate Institutes (both here and in Greece). He was also a T.A. at York University, and a demonstrator in Physics labs at Western, where he also became a Technologist in the Geophysics Department.
He was very proud of his Hellenic heritage and was an avid advocator of Greek language and heritage throughout his life in Toronto. A true LEADER every way; in character, his mannerisms and his life vitality, his infectious nature spilled into his life and work. His love for his heritage and people made him a magnet within his community. He volunteered for many years to the Greek Community of Metropolitan Toronto and the GTA serving various clubs, organizations, and associations. He also taught at many of the Metro Toronto Greek Schools, where he eventually became Supervising Principal and Superintendent. He also participated in countless seminars, lectures and television and radio interviews.
Aside from his scholastic pursuits, Christos was also an author and poet. There was a romantic side to him that flowed into his writing. He published 3 poetry books Poetry Trials (Dokimia) 1978, Poetry Trials 2nd Edition (Dokimia) 1992 and Poetry Trials 3rd Edition (Dokimia) 2009. Several of his works were printed in the Greek Community newspapers. There were times when life’s struggles were concentrated and focused on damaging his family, and this was very apparent in many battles that he fought in the courts to secure his rights as a father. He authored Justice in Canada which was published in 2012. The book is a reflection of his experience with the Canadian Judicial system and his perception of it through his many personal experiences with it.
There is so much to say about this complex, yet simple man. Perhaps that best farewell is to imagine him as he was, the adventurer, the traveler. The happiness in his heart when he was off to Greece or to Florida, or to some sunny destination. Always with his family in tow, he made many journeys throughout his life. One memorable voyage late in life was his visit to the Holy Land, to Jerusalem. He felt complete. That was his last major trip.
Visiting for Christos will be held Thursday, January 27, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 136 Sorauren Ave, Toronto. A funeral service will be held at 6:00 PM at Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church.
Contributions in Christos' memory may be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, www.heartandstroke.ca.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kanejerrettnorthyork.ca for the Dimas family.
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