George Goutzioulis
elevated TjoL2 Obituary
elevated TjoL2 GOUTZIOULIS, GEORGE 1940-2020.
elevated TjoL2 May his memory be eternal.
elevated TjoL2 It is with great sadness that the family of George Frank (Fotis) Goutzioulis announces his passing on May 5, 2020, at the age of 80.
elevated TjoL2 George was born on January 6, 1940, in a beautiful, quaint village called Saga, nestled in a valley in the magnificent mountains of Greece’s Arcadia province.
elevated TjoL2 George was an astute student, with a talent for math and a good rapport with people. He also was very well-known in Saga for his hard work at the family farm, where he helped build trenches and dams, cultivate fields, and maintain olive groves in addition to his studies.
elevated TjoL2 From those humble beginning, he travelled across the ocean with his Father Frank (Fotis) in 1957 to arrive at the pier in Halifax. From there, they made their way to meet his uncle, John Goutzioulis, in Toronto, and there George began his new life in Canada.
elevated TjoL2 George was quick to integrate to his new country, as he started to work right away at Basil’s Restaurant, a well-known establishment at that time. He went on to work at the high-end Le Baron restaurant from 1960 to 1976. At Le Baron Steak House, he was head chef and manager of operations, becoming highly respected for his integrity and work ethic.
elevated TjoL2 While at Le Baron in 1961, he met Irene Mary Germain, the love of his life, and they married.
elevated TjoL2 In 1976, George bought Tom Jones Steakhouse and he and Irene worked together until 1995, when she preceded him in death. The loss of Irene was deeply devastating and traumatic for George.
elevated TjoL2 For the past 25 years since losing Irene, George carried on at Tom Jones in partnership with his son Frank Goutzioulis. George will forever be remembered and immensely missed by his partner and son Frank Goutzioulis, who was constantly by his side through all his struggles, comforting him and caring for him.
elevated TjoL2 George was a true entrepreneur his whole life, always ready to put in the sweat equity. He also was highly intelligent and astute, a giant of a man with class. He was truly elegant and graceful, with a larger-than-life personality and a beaming smile.
elevated TjoL2 He profoundly loved his family, friends and his clients. George cared and loved deeply and intensely, and he taught those around him to always do the same.
elevated TjoL2 George always showed determination, devotion, bravery and a strong spirit, overcoming significant hardship throughout his life with incredible tenacity and a wonderful sense of warmth and humor.
elevated TjoL2 We have been honoured, privileged, and blessed to know him and to call him our Brother, Dad, our Papou, our Theo George, and our Dear Friend.
elevated TjoL2 George is survived by his beloved children Stephan Goutzioulis (Janice), Frank J. Goutzioulis (Georgina) and Cathy G. Lavoy; his grandchildren Genevieve, Kira, Nicholas, Elizabeth, Luc, and Sam; his sister, Christine Letsos (John); and his brother Kostas (Popi) and their families.
elevated TjoL2 The family recognizes and expresses its utmost gratitude to the doctors, nurses, front line staff and all of the team at The Urban Angel, St. Michael’s Hospital for their tremendous care.
elevated TjoL2 Due to the current circumstances, the viewing, service, and burial will be held privately on Saturday May 9th, 2020 at 1:00p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home, 8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON L3T 2C7. The service will be officiated by Archpriest Father Peter Avgeropoulos of Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of Toronto, Ontario Canada.
elevated TjoL2 For online condolence messages athttps://www.catholic-cemeteries.ca/obituary/george-goutzioulis/or to join virtually please contact the Funeral Home at 905-889-7467. The family welcomes flowers as well as donations to The Urban Angel, St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation and The Hellenic Heritage Foundation.
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I am saddened to learn of George’s passing. George was first and foremost a gentleman, a straight shooter and a man with a huge heart. I quickly learned that George took no guff and was loyal to his friends. His love was his family and his business and being able to visit with all his customers, sharing stories. I know George is at peace and sharing a glass of wine with Irene now. God love this man!! I will miss him dearly.
We were privileged to know George as a neighbour on our court in Richmond Hill over many years. George was a gentleman, who always had time to pause on his drive to work at the restaurant to have a friendly word. He had a great sense of humour and a work ethic which is a model for successful businessmen. No doubt about it, George served up the best steak in town!
Our condolences to the family.
George was our neighbour for 50+ years in Richmond Hill, and what fine neighbour he was — George (and Frank) were so special particularly in the latter years of my fathers life — they visited regularly and my father, Charlie was always so proud to know George. He was a great friend to my entire family and a fine man.
My last visit with George was one night after closing at the restaurant last May — we drank a lovely glass of wine and had great chats about everything over the past 50 Years — what a special treat that was.
sincere best wishes to Frank Stephan and Cathy
So sad to hear of George’s passing. He was a man whose presence was felt when he entered a room. I don’t recall when I met George, as I was a young child who played in his house with his daughter Cathy, almost on a daily basis. The Goutzioulis home was my second home. My love and thoughts go out to the family at this most difficult time.
Sending my sincere condolences for the loss of your father George. He was my dear true friend, we worked together for 16 years, best time of my working years.
My thoughts and prayers are with his children Stephan, Frank, Cathy , and his grandchildren .
You will be greatly missed my dear friend.
Stephan Fran and Cathy. I was so sorry to hear of your dear Dads passing from Tracy. Your Dad was a true gentleman and I was so fond of him as were my parents Charlie and Connie Smith. I loved that he called my father Charles and would stop by most mornings on the way to the restaurant to check in on them.
May all the wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.
Kind regards to you all
Susan Harding
My sincerest condolences to the Goutzioulis family. This is the worst part of life we all have to deal with. Words can never fully help with the pain and sorrow you all feel. God bless your Dad and your whole family in this most difficult time.
Our deepest condolences to Cathy,Sam and Luc, a part of our Rennaissance and Air Canada family. Our prayers are with you during this very sad time. With much love from Lisa Ferreira and family
I’m so very sorry, Cathy, for the loss of your dear Dad. I can’t imagine how heartbroken you must be. Please know your AC friends are here for you always. My condolences to you, your sons and the entire family. May he Rest In Peace.
dear Cathy , so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing .. my deepest condolences to you and your family. from Kim Roberts-Coleman (your Air Canada family) xoxo
Koukla Katerina I am so sorry to hear of your loss . Sending your whole family prayers and strength to get threw his time . I wish I could be there at this time but covid 19 is not allowing to .just know that I will be there in spirit . Your Ac sister michelina
A sad day for George’s family. My sincere sympathy. May I say on behalf off his many patrons over the years how much we enjoyed his friendship and personality. We have great memories of our time at Tim Jones.
I am so saddened to hear of George’s passing. For many years, even before moving to the Tom Jones neighbourhood, we frequented his restaurant. It became the choice of my visiting friends as well. We loved every minute, every visit and of course every steak. George will be forever missed here. He was a gentle man, sharing, elegant and a delightful man to visit with.
Sending our warmest condolences to all our family in Canada for the loss of our beloved George. Our grief is deep and we all feel so sad that we could not be there with the rest of our family to comfort each other.We will miss him as a brother and as an uncle.We will miss his smile and integrity, which characterized him in his whole life.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and may you find peace and love in the memories you cherish of your dear dad. My deepest and sincerest condolences go out to all of you.
Love,
Josée Racco
Frank, Georgina and Elizabeth,
We send our sincere condolences to you and the entire family. George was a great man and will be missed by all his loved ones. May the memory of your father and grandfather be eternal.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family during this difficult time.
Ted, Soula and George Tsiakopoulos
While i was in practice, George and Irene were long time patients of mine from the late 70’s into the early 90’s. I always enjoyed a very brief pause in my day when George or Irene presented and we had a chance to catch up. In those days, as proven in the beef restaurant challenges I organized, Tom Jones, had the best rib steak in the city! And, I always enjoyed the best caesar salad in the city as well. Those were the days when I did not need to watch what I ate!
After Irene passed away, George and I would put our heads together and just chat, from time to time. He was such a fine well mannered and dignified man.
May he rest in peace.
Josh Josephson
I and Isabelle are so sorry for your lost. George was a great uncle and I still remember all the summers and Christmas spent at your place. Stephan, frank and Cathy, we offer you and your family our condolences.
Frank – I was terribly saddened to learn of the passing of your father. As a regular patron of Tom Jones George made every visit special. Every meal unforgettable. He was a warm and kind gentleman.
Please know that my deep and profound thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your Dad rest in peace.
I did not have the privilege of knowing george. However i had the opportunity to know his daughter and i must say apple dont fall far from the tree.
My prayer and thought are with all his family.
Hi Frank: I just learned of George’s passing after a friend e-mailed me an article about the sale of the Tom Jones Steakhouse building. Isabel and I are very sad to lose the acquaintance of such a kindly, warm, gentle soul. Your father was a true gentleman and was the perfect ambassador for the restaurant. He always made us feel welcome and always made a point of coming to our table to chat between courses. The restaurant is part of history, but we take many lovely memories from dinners over the past 22 years. I think there were only two meals where your father wasn’t there. We would have been disappointed to not see him. Please accept our sympathy on your family’s behalf. Tim and Isabel Piesley (Barrie)