elevated dD2sq Obituary

elevated dD2sq GOUTZIOULIS, GEORGE 1940-2020.

elevated dD2sq May his memory be eternal.

elevated dD2sq 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 dD2sq 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 dD2sq 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 dD2sq 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 dD2sq 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 dD2sq While at Le Baron in 1961, he met Irene Mary Germain, the love of his life, and they married.

elevated dD2sq 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 dD2sq 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 dD2sq 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 dD2sq 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 dD2sq 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 dD2sq 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 dD2sq 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 dD2sq 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 dD2sq 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 dD2sq 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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