It is with mixed feelings of deep sorrow, and sincere gratitude for a life well-lived, that we announce the peaceful passing of Constantine Nicholas Vardalos on March 12th, 2020. Constantine is survived by his beloved wife, Doreen (nee Christakos) of 60 years, and his loving children Nancy (Dimos), Nia, Ian, Marianne (Anas) and Niko (Alexandra). Pappou Gus will be profoundly missed by his grandchildren Foti, Paris, Costa, Dominique, Tiahn, Ilaria, Ariana and Aris.
Oldest son of Nicholas and Antonia Vardalos, Constantine was predeceased by his brothers Thanasi and Theodore (Frieda) and his sister, Maria (Yiannis). He will be missed by surviving sisters Angeliki (Constantine) Demacopoulos, Irini (Dimitri) Skoufis, and Akrivoula (Theodore) Papagianniopoulos, by brother Panagiotis (Sophie), and by sister-in-law, Melissa (George) Diacos. He is fondly remembered by cousins, nephews and nieces across Canada, the USA, Greece and Australia.
Constantine, known by most as Gus, was born in the bucolic village of Drymos, Kalavryta, on the Greek Peloponese. Crossing the Atlantic Ocean to Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1954, the 22 year old was processed by Canadian immigration and travelled to Rosetown, Saskatchewan for work. Having trained in the Greek Air force as a mechanic, Gus eventually travelled to Chicago to attend Greer College’s Automechanics Program. He then made his way back to Winnipeg where he temporarily lived with uncle and aunt, Theodore and Ruby Vardalos, and secured an apprenticeship at Inman Motors on Main Street.
Young Gus was a cantor in the city’s only Hellenic Greek Orthodox Church on Furby Street, where he set his sights on a parishioner named Doreen Christakos. They soon married and settled in St. Vital where he and his brothers were growing their businesses and their families. Gus went on to become a successful entrepreneur and land developer owning car dealerships, gas stations and strip malls. Riding out both booms and busts and embracing new opportunities, Gus’ philosophy was to fear regret, not failure.
Committed to preserving Greek heritage for the well-being of the Greek diaspora, Gus served as President of the Greek Orthodox Community from 1972 to 1975, at which time, he presided over the construction of the new church on Grant Avenue. He also sat on the Church Council for several years as both executive and a member at large. Gus was a volunteer at Folklorama for many years, and also acted as Mayor of the Greek Pavilion. He always saw it his duty to preserve the Apostolic Tradition and to exemplify Christian service through faith and humility, and was honoured to be ordained under the Archdiocese to the rank of Anagnostes Reader.
Despite coming from humble beginnings in post-war Greece, Gus lived the North American Dream. He became immortalized on the Big Screen as the iconic, “Gus Portakalos” from My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
Sincere gratitude to the wonderful team of nurses and interns at Grace Hospital and Drs. Bijai Johnson & Hanna Lyubetska who provided compassionate care and prioritized Dad’s comfort and dignity. A special thank you to Dr. Nicholas Hajidiacos whose love and expertise were invaluable to our family
After careful consideration regarding the new Covid-19 crisis, and in the interest of the community’s health, the Family has decided to postpone a memorial service to a later date to be announced. A private family funeral service will be held. Broadcast of the live stream funeral service will be available on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Please visit: tinyurl.com/yx477xxb. Both the livestream and the resulting video will be available at tinyurl.com/yx477xxb, until March 27, 2020.
Because of Gus’ eternal love and commitment to Winnipeg’s Greek Orthodox Community, donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the St. Demetrios Church, 2255 Grant Ave. Winnipeg MB R3P 0S2 Phone: 204-889-8723 Fax: 204-837-4340 Email: greekcom@mymts.net
16 thoughts on “Constantine Nicholas Vardalos (Gus)”
My deepest and sincere condolences to the family and specially to Doreen. He was the nicest and the sweetest person in the Greek community
Dear Thea Doreen and cousins,
It seems fitting to start this “Eulogy” recognizing that the word “eulogy” is a Greek word meaning “a blessing” or “a good word”. Theo Gus was just that, a blessing to all those who knew him. He was kind and caring and always making those around him feel welcome. Our minds are flooded with so many beautiful memories from our times together. Looking back at family photos opens the floodgates of emotions and beautiful thoughts. Although distance has recently set us apart we are comforted knowing that one day we will all be together once again in God’s eternal kingdom. May God give you all strength in the coming days and years as you adjust to life without our Theo Gus.
May his memory be Eternal. Θεός σχωρέστον. Christ is Risen! Love and kisses from us all.
Dearest Doreen and family,
My deepest and most sincere condolences to you and the family on the passing of Gus. Our loved ones never truly leave us for they are always in our hearts and minds and through us they are forever eternal. They live on in the kindness they have shared and the love they brought into our lives. It is truly an honor to have known such a kind and great man. I have such fond memories of Gus growing up that I will cherish. May the constant love of caring family and friends soften your sadness and may your cherished memories bring you moments of comfort and lasting peace surround all your grieving hearts. Lots of hugs, kisses and love to you all!
Our deepest condolences to the family. Mr. Vardalos will be deeply missed; his smile always lit up every Sunday at church or community event. Memory eternal.
Extending our most heartfelt sympathy to Doreen and the entire family during this difficult time.
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Gus. A life well lived. May his memory be eternal.
Dearest Thea Doreen & family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies on the passing of Theo Gus. Our thoughts & prayers are with all of your family at this difficult time. We will always remember Theo Gus with great affection for his warmth, his friendly manner, his knowledge & his great sense of humour. Above all he was a true gentleman who will be greatly missed. May Gus Rest in Peace kai Zoi se sas. With love from Spiro, Maria, Erica & William xxx
On behalf of the AHEPA Family and Winnipeg Chapter Polikos Aster CJ8, I express our deepest sympathy to the family of Constantine (Gus) Vardalos and offer our prayers to you.
As an extension of Brother Vardalos’s strong commitment to the Greek community and Hellenism, he was a devoted member of the Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic and Progressive Association) for many years after joining in 1962. His participation in many chapter cultural and philanthropic endeavors was made with an enthusiasm for life and desire for excellence. Gus’s kindness and generosity was only matched by his candid sense of humour which brought much light and inspiration to us all.
His contribution to life fulfilled the ideals of family/excellence, education, civic responsibly, philanthropy, and Hellenism.
Eonia Eimnemi (May his memory be eternal).
Nick and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Losing parents is extremely difficult, I’ve lost both of mine, but they never ever leave your heart and mind. You will continue to be guided by them, and comforted. God bless you and your family.
Nick I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing parents is extremely hard, but they never are gone from your heart and mind.
Kyria Vardalos, Marianne and the entire Vardalos Family,
My family and I send you our deepest sympathy and love on the passing of Kyrie Vardalos. I have never forgotten the warm hospitality your family showed me when I visited your home three separate times in the dead of winter many years ago. Kindness is never forgotten! May his beautiful memory live in your hearts and may he be at peace by God’s side as he now prays for your well-being. ZOE SE ESAS.
Sending you much love,
James, Dena, Spiro, Penny and Vasili Deligiannis
Aurora, IL USA
We always enjoyed Gus’ company, he was a great neighbor!! Edgar & Val.
Dear Ms. Vardalos & Family:
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of Mr. Vardalos.
May the many beautiful memories you all have of your loving husband, father and grandfather “Gus” assuage your your grief and bring you comfort in this time of grief and sorrow. Zoe Se Mas!
A prayer for our Ahepa Brother Constantinos:
“ As it has pleased You Lord to take from our presence – one dear to us in our hearts, we beseech You to bless the soul of our departed Brother Costantinos – inspire our hearts with wisdom from above – that we may glorify You Lord in all our ways. … We pray for the soul of our departed Brother Constantinos and invoke Your peace and favor upon him. Amen.”
Constantine D. Buzunis, Past President and Board of Director, Order of Ahepa Chapter 223, San Diego, California
Much peace, love, and my sympathy to the family; Gus – thank you for the joy, laughter, and love that you and your family have brought to the world <3
My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Mrs. (Doreen) Vardalos.
Peace