Chris Kourkafas

May 18, 1931 – May 23, 2024 

It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Chris Kourkafas, 93 years old, passed away peacefully at home in the loving arms of his wife Sofia. He was born on May 18, 1931, and passed away on May 23, 2024.

He is survived by his devoted wife Sofia, who selflessly cared for him until the moment God called him home. He leaves behind his son Paul (Lisa); daughter Athena (Gilles); grandchildren Jordan (Michelle) and Tiffany (Alex); daughter Sevasti; and grandchildren Riley and Rhiannon.

Chris was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He had a heart for God that showed up in the way he cared for others. Chris was a humble, honest, hardworking family man who was so funny; always cracking jokes or singing a Greek song out of tune.

Chris was born in Trikala Greece, and came to Canada in 1957. Soon after moving here, he had his soon-to-be bride Sofia join him. Over the years he would take his children and grandchildren to Greece to experience the beauty therein, but more importantly, the bragging rights that came with bringing his cherished grandchildren.

Mom and Dad recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary surrounded by family and his 93rd birthday with the Greek community he loved and served for years.

You would never know our dad/papou grew up in hardship as he kept his heart soft, tender, and full-heartedly provided his children and grandchildren the opportunities he was never afforded. Chris encouraged and supported his children and grandchildren in their life ambitions and educational pursuits.
He loved to garden, and his large backyard would slowly be taken over year by year with a larger garden. Dad/papou had everything from grapes, apple trees, herbs and fasolia (beans), tomatoes, beets, celery, onions and spinach. For dad, it was the countless home-cooked meals mom/yiayia would make with the food that made it all priceless.
As the years passed our mom took on more of those responsibilities but dad certainly made himself heard as he supervised her every step. Dad was so proud of the work she did. This was his earthly garden.

Thank you, Father Nick Tambakis and our extended family, at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.

Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2255 Grant Avenue. Interment to follow at Chapel Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, the family is requesting donations be made to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.

May his memory be eternal. I pray we all continue to make you proud dad/papou as you wait for our turn to be called by the Lord. See you on the other side of the garden.