Obituary of TOM (THEMISTOCLES) KARAGANIS

TOM (THEMISTOCLES) KARAGANIS The family of Tom (Themistocles) Karaganis is saddened to announce his unexpected and sudden passing at home on August 29, 2011 in Winnipeg at the age of 82. He leaves to mourn his daughter Nicki (Gabriel), his son George (Ardele) as well as his two cherished grandsons, Themi and Matthew. He also leaves his brother Thothori (Aspacia) in Greece, sisters-in-law Fylia (John) and Chrisouli (Angeli) in Winnipeg, as well as many nieces, nephews, family members and friends in Winnipeg, Edmonton, Ottawa, the US and Greece. He was predeceased by his loving wife Matina and brothers Angeli and John. Tom was born in Logari, Greece and after World War 2 he immigrated to Canada where he eventually settled in Winnipeg. Tom brought his cooking skills to the downtown Mall Hotel where he worked as a short order cook for many years before retiring. Tom and Matina provided a loving home environment in which they raised their children and their strong family values endure today as Nicki and George evolve as parents themselves. As a landlord, Tom was always generous to his tenants going so far as to cook them holiday meals at Easter, Christmas and Thanksgiving. He was a devoted church member, avid vegetable gardener and he truly enjoyed and cherished the time he spent with family and friends in his down town community. Tom was a familiar face at his local McDonalds where he went every evening to share a coffee and conversation or political debate with his neighborhood friends. One of Tom’s greatest joys during his retirement years was the opportunity to be a grandfather. The days that his grandsons were born were by far the happiest days of his life. He spent countless hours with both Themi and Matthew and was a constant in their daily lives. All of the moments that he spent with the boys were precious to him be it sharing a family meal, a short telephone call or a weekend visit. No request from the boys was too big or small for Papou to accommodate. His sense of humor, sparkle in his eye when telling a story and generous spirit will be sorely missed. Prayers will be held Friday, September 2nd at 7:00 pm. at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2255 Grant Avenue. Funeral Service will be held Saturday, September 3rd, at 9:30 a.m. at the same location, followed by interment at Brookside Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers that donations be made in his memory to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.