April 30, 1931 – November 9, 2023
Christos Balaktsis, 92 years old, of Winnipeg, Manitoba passed away on November 9, 2023, in his home surrounded by his loving family. The Lord gently laid him down to rest. He got his wish and died peacefully in his own bedroom being lavished with kisses and blessings until his final breath.
He was born in Greece on April 30, 1931, to Demetre and Costantina. Christos (Pappou) is survived by his devoted wife Maria (Yiayia), his two sons Demetre and George, his daughter-in-laws Joelle and Sherry, and his granddaughters Joselyne, Nassia, Bethany and Jeneya. He joins his siblings Zoe, Tasia and Apostoli in heaven. He is survived by his sisters Sophia and Maria. He was proud to be Greek and loved his Canadian family.
Pappou arrived in Canada on October 6, 1967, and began working with Princess Auto and Reimer Express using his limited English. They quickly recognized his talents as a highly trained diesel specialist. Later he applied his mechanical skills as a machinist and train engine assembler for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and the Canadian National Railway (CNR). A Jack of all trades, he often lent a helping hand to others needing renovations, car repairs and/or the wisdom of his advice. He often tinkered in his garage and was a mentor to countless people that God brought across his path.
Christos loved God. He genuinely followed Jesus Christ. He invested his entire life studying and obeying the Word of God. Growing up under him, dad shamelessly announced the message about Christ to anyone who had ears to hear it. We frequently heard him ask people, “Do you believe in God?” This was followed by witnessing people willingly engage in spiritual conversations with him. He certainly had a way with people. People felt at ease around him and enjoyed his company. He was always willing to apologize for his wrongs and was quick to forgive. Our father was an awesome role model. Even though he has left us to be with the Lord, the good things he graciously planted in multitudes of people will continue to bear good fruit abundantly for generations to come. He was truly a “golden man” (hrisos anthropos).
The funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2023 starting 11:00 AM at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church (2255 Grant Avenue). Christos will be laid to rest at Waverley Memorial Gardens. There will be a time with family afterwards in the church basement where food items and coffee will be served.
Christos Balaktsis will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. Our beloved Pappou fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. May he rest in peace until we meet him again in the afterlife.
6 thoughts on “Christos Balaktsis”
May his memory be eternal. Our condolences to the family. Kyriacos and Kathy Hatzipanayis
Maria our deepest condolences in your loss of Christos. He was a wonderful man.
Demetre, Joelle, George and Sherry we are so sad for your loss of your father.
Joselyne, Nassia, Bethany and Jen. You had a wonderful grandfather and he will always be part of your life in your memories of him. We are sorry for your loss.
We love you all. Lawrence, Katharina, Victor, Kalen, and Michael (Jenna) Arendt.
Love and condolences from the Sdrolias Family. We always had fond memories of Christos. He was a respected and caring person and we know that his entire family was very proud of him and loved him deeply.
Love, Peter, Heather, Alexandra, Stefan, Tessa, Mike, George and Alice.
My dearest Balakaisis
Words can’t express how deeply sorry I am to hear about Papa he had an amazing smile from ear to ear
I first met him on the weekend of Joelle and Demetres wedding and even danced with you .
I again hsd the privilege to see you a year and s half ago giving you a big hug
Fly high to the heavens above
“Philoxenos” is a compound Greek word, combining “philo” (loving) and “xenos” (stranger or guest). Together, it generally translates to “hospitality” or “love of strangers/guests.”
Our home was a revolving door of people welcomed into our home. Many times they would stay awhile, until they could find their way again or get back onto their feet. This life lesson was not lost on us. I was lucky to marry a beautiful woman (Joelle) who had the same type of heart as my father. We installed a metaphorical revolving door into our home as well.
People remember this type love. They honour it and are honoured by it. They recognize the heart of Christ — even if they don’t know him — yet.
Dad was bold and overt with the Good News. “Do you know Jesus Christ?” he would ask. And as challenging as that question was, there was something about the way he asked that put people at ease.
He passed that trait down to my little brother, pastor George. His passion for putting other people first he gave to me.; and in turn, down to our children; and with the seeds that he planted into everyone he met. That is his legacy.
My mom say, “We open our home to everyone.” My parents should have trademarked the word “inclusion”. Everyone from all walks of life, all geographies and all faiths were always welcome.
Demetre
When I think of my wonderful uncle Christos the Bible verses that come to mind are from the gospel of Matthew 25:35-40, “For I was hungry, and you gave Me to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You to drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, the least , you did it to Me.’
My uncle was like Jesus to me, and too many others.
With much love,
Billy Vassilopoulos & family