George Steve Taraviras

, known to many as

"Chef. g"

, was born inJamaica, Queens, New York.

George's family moved to Canada in 1969 and settled in EastVancouver where he grew up. George attended KillarneySecondary School then went on to Dubrulle Culinary Schoolwhere he honed his passion, skill and love of cooking.

George spent many summers growing up in Greece. His favouriteplace to vacation was in our parents' hometown, Nafpaktos,Greece, where he visited regularly. It was in this town where hespent his last summer days before passing on 21 October 2021.

George is survived by his parents, Speros and Eleftheria (Steve &Ria Viras), brother, Chris (Kim), sister, Helen (Demetri) andnieces, Sofia & Athena.

George had many talents - acting, writing music, singing,recording a song, and authoring a book. What people loved most,and what he did best, was cooking, which he did with great prideand enthusiasm!

We will all remember George with his witty sense of humour, hiscomical jokes, and all his crazy videos that not only put smiles onour faces but often threw us into gut-wrenched laughing fits aswell!

A chef with a passion for the culinary arts, George took greatpleasure in sharing his recipes with a wide audience. He oftencooked and entertained guests at our family's restaurant, Top's 24on Kingsway, where he started working at age 12.

He enjoyed sharing his talent by volunteering at St. George'sGreek Orthodox Cathedral and St. Nicholas & Demetrios Churchat their many events including their annual food festivals.

*For any who wish, In lieu of flowers

George eventually founded,

"Chef. g and the Foodies"

, an onlinegroup where he showcased his many creations. It is here where heinspired so many to try new recipes, post and exchange theserecipes, and most of all, to have fun in the kitchen!

George also loved urban farming and created his own backyard'Garden Oasis'.

Growing herbs and vegetables, and taking his freshproduce straight to the pan, brought Chef. g so much joy.

With his inspiring creativity, enormous heart, and generous nature,it's no surprise that Chef. g had a special way of bringing those heloved together by cooking up a storm and saying: "Ok, Let's Eat!"

Of all the things George loved, what he loved the most, was hisfamily.

He was happiest hanging out with his nieces, taking themto the park, and teaching them how to cook.

What brought ourChef. g even greater joy, was gathering us all together to cook, eat,drink, laugh, play, and simply be together.

We love you and miss you so much, George!

You are always in ourthoughts, forever in our hearts, and in every dish you inspire us tocreate!

Until we meet again.....Mom, Dad, Chris, Kim, Helen, Demetri,Sofia & Athena.

Funeral & Interment Services

Monday, 22 November 2021

11:00am

-

St. George's Greek Orthodox Cathedral

4500 Arbutus Street, Vancouver, BC

12:30pm

-

Forest Lawn Memorial Park

3789 Royal Oak Avenue, Burnaby, BC

Donations to Covenant House*

Remember by Christina Rosetti

Remember me when I am gone away,

Gone far away into the silent land;

When you can no more hold me by the hand,

Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.

Remember me when no more day by day

You tell me of our future that you planned:

Only remember me; you understand

It will be late to counsel then or pray.

Yet if you should forget me for a while

And afterwards remember, do not grieve:

For if the darkness and corruption leave

A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,

Better by far you should forget and smile

Than that you should remember and be sad.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MountPleasantFuneral.com for the Taraviras family.