Larry (Lazaros) Constan

October 30, 1934 – August 15, 2024 

It is with deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Larry (Lazaros) Constan on Thursday, August 15, 2024. A beloved dedicated husband, father, and strong hardworking family figure, dad took pride in his profession (carpentry) and projected much kindness and philoxenia/hospitality to whomever he met.
Larry was predeceased by his father Stravros Konstantinidis; mother Elizabeth (nee Potiriadou) Konstantinidou; siblings, Vasili Konstantinidis, Eleni Konstantinidou, Panayioti (Maria) Constantinidis, Prodromos (Eleni) Constantinides, and Sophia Paraskeva; nephew Stavros Constantinides; koumbaros/koumbara, Kosta Konstantinidis, Anesti Foulidis, Vicky Foulidis, Angelo Tsapralis, and Maria Tsapralis; mother-in-law Triantafyllia Angelidou; and many beloved cousins, friends, and extended family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64+ years Evlambia (Evelyn) Constan; sons, William Constan and Simon Constan (Tonette Datul and son Anthony Carter); in-laws, Vasili (Maria) Angelidis, Iannoula (Themi) Tahmatsidou, Mary (Andoni) Savoudi), and Violetta (Panayioti) Orphanidou; sister Kyriaki Theodosiou; koumbara Emily Tsapralis; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, friends, and extended family.

Dad was born on October 30, 1934, in the small town of Vathylakkos in the Macedonian region of Greece in the prefecture of Kozani. Born into a caring and self-reliant family (5th of 7 children), dad learned independence and the responsibilities of life including farming at an early age as Greece faced challenges during and after the Second World War.

On September 21, 1950, after saving up some money through odd jobs and through the support of his uncle Theodore, Dad left home at the age of 16 to attend one of the technical schools (St. George’s) sponsored by Queen Frederiki on the island of Leros via Athens. Dad spent 14 months learning the trade of carpentry/cabinet making at St. George’s while also attending regular school.

After graduating he was offered the position of trainer but declined it and went back to the village where he took up odd carpentry jobs to make income, as well as helping many family members with building infrastructure, and assisting with town security.

As dad became noted for this work, he was selected by town officials to run a leg of the Olympic torch relay that was travelling through his town on its way to the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games.

In 1955 dad was drafted into the army in Athens and trained as a machine gunner. However, the army applied his trade skills in their public works programs where they built schools, town halls, and churches in many places through various regions of Greece including: the Peloponnese, Macedonia, and Thrace. He also became very talented in masonry and learned the plumbing trade during this period through practice. This was in keeping with Dad’s motto” “practice makes perfect”

After serving the army he went back to the Vathylakkos to take up his trade and help with the family farm. In 1959 he met the love of his life Evelyn and soon afterwards they were married.

In 1962 Dad and Mom took a chance for a better life and followed his brother Prodromos to Canada after an 8-day journey by ship to Halifax on the Queen Frederiki.

Because of Dad’s skill he quickly found employment at a mattress and furniture company (Builder Furniture) and briefly worked for the Eaton’s Company Warehouse.

He started a family in 1965 and was a proud father who always made the extra effort for the family’s needs. In 1968, the family moved to a home in the Kitsilano area of Vancouver briefly where a second son was born. Many fond memories of family and friends remained with dad during this time. However, due to the humid climate, dad decided to move back to Winnipeg in 1969 where he spent his remaining years raising his family, supporting the Greek Community, including family and friends.

Dad spent his career at Brown and Rutherford Lumber Millworks (Silpit Industries) and Keystone Millworks as a finishing carpenter where he worked closely with many coworkers and also custom-built kitchen cabinets for family and friends. His work (cabinets, mouldings, doors, wood finished walls, etc.) could be seen in many places such as shopping malls, offices, clinics, restaurants, office buildings, homes, and his church. Dad always took pride when he saw his work still in place after many years.

His passion for the tomato garden, which was meticulously maintained, would yield huge juicy tomatoes. We also have many fond memories of many family gatherings and restaurant outings where Dad’s dry wit, hospitably and philoxenia made you feel at ease. His passion extended to sports and ensuring his family had the opportunity for the best education. Dad was actively involved in many of his son’s hockey games and tournaments which are fondly remembered.

In his later years when mom became sick, he used the same initiative from his youth in learning a new skill. This time he undertook cooking by carefully following many cooking shows. Dad would whip up huge Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas dinners for many more people than were coming. More was better in Dad’s mind. You always had a full selection of food.

An old Greek proverb once stated: “It is not what they profess but what they practice that makes them good.” Dad led a good life, and his experiences were an example for use to live by.

We would like to extend our thanks to all the staff at the Homecare/Palliative Care units, St. Boniface Palliative Care, and the Grace Hospice who assisted with our dad’s care over the past several months. In addition, we thank Dr. Harris and Jhooty for their medical services over the years, and our many friends and family for their support over this challenging time.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2255 Grant Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, with Rev. Fr. Nikolaos Tambakis presiding. Interment to follow at Brookside Cemetery. Online live stream will be available at: https://youtube.com/live/lOSClHXFMlY?feature=share

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so may make donations in Larry’s memory to the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church or the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation.

Eonia Ei Mnemi (May his memory be eternal)