November 27, 1936 – February 1, 2023
It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of a true legend and a hero among all. On February 1, 2023, Nick passed at the age of 86. He will be profoundly missed by his wife Helen of 61 years; his children Kathy Manussos (predeceased by John), Diane (Duane Ryan), and Marina (Kyle Smith); his grandson Petros Manussos (Kim) and his great grandson Ioannis. He will be deeply mourned by his sister Manto Caldis (Steve); brothers-in-law Nick (Ritza), George (predeceased by Vasiliki); Peter, sister-in-law Nikki (John) and all their families; nephews George, Gus (Jill), nieces Pat, Nancy (John), Rana (Peter), Mary (Morris) and all their families, along with numerous other relatives and countless friends in Winnipeg, Toronto, Calgary, Chicago, Greece, and Australia. Nick was predeceased by his parents Ekaterini and Panagioti; his sister Georgia; brother-in-law Peter and son-in-law John.
Nick was born in Pikerni (Tripoli), Greece on November 27, 1936, married Helen on August 26, 1961, shortly after immigrating to Winnipeg on July 31, 1961. He dedicated his life to his family and was a very hard-working husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. From Greece, Nick brought tenacity, perseverance, and a talent for shoemaking with him to Winnipeg and started working at Hudson’s Bay only 2 weeks after arriving in Winnipeg, until he walked away from the industry 10 years later. In 1972, he opened the legendary Dionysos Restaurant, which was the epicenter of Greek food for 30 years. Nick will be remembered for his extraordinary generosity and kindness on a grand scale.
He was a member of the Order of the AHEPA for an astounding 50+ years, part of which he served as Chairman of the Board of Governors and as Vice-President. During his time with the Order of the AHEPA, as a true philanthropist, he assisted in many charity events and his favourite charity events always involved golf. Nick loved golfing and made it a part of his life every year for decades. In the 80’s, he organized and hosted a charity dinner for the Big Brothers Association with the Winnipeg Jets and established lifelong friendships with some of the Winnipeg Jets. In 1980, he took his love for fishing to his first fishing derby for the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg and continued this annual tradition until 2018. He was given the honor of presenting the Dionysos Sportsman Award recognizing individual Winnipeg Fire Fighters in the community, which he did from 1980–2022. After Dionysos was sold, he brought his love and passion for cooking to the Greek Pavilion at Folklorama, which he volunteered for over 15 years. Nick was a true sports fan, whether it was the Winnipeg Jets, Blue Bombers or even getting up every Saturday morning to watch Asteras Tripolis in Super League Greece, whom he played for back in the 1950’s.
Many were privileged to have experienced Nick’s gardening skills and the apples from his tree. Above all else, Nick always loved to barbecue for his family at every major holiday, however, family dinners on Sunday meant everything to him.
We would like to thank Dr. MacKinnon, Dr. Shepertycki and all the nurses and staff on E-6 medicine at St. Boniface Hospital for all their compassion and care.
The loss of this one-of-a-kind man will be felt around the world. Prayer services will be held Wednesday, February 8th at 7:00 p.m. at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2255 Grant Ave. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 9th at 11:00 am at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. Interment will be held at Chapel Lawn Cemetery following the service. In his true giving nature, Nick wished that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.
We love you dad, and we thank you for your unconditional love, overreaching generosity and protection. May your life-long compassion for others, teaching ways and shining spirit live with us all for eternity. Rest In Peace our hero.
MAY HIS MEMORY BE ETERNAL
30 thoughts on “Nicolaos “Nick” Boutroucas”
So sorry for your loss Boutroucas family.
My first job was a dishwasher and then cook for the Dionysos and Many memories made.
Rest in peace
Our deepest condolences to the family. Nick was an amazing person and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Regards, Brad and Leah Kryschuk
Mr Boutroukas was a very warm and generous man. His daughters spoke highly of him and his life. He left a legacy of faith and he adored his family. He will be deeply missed but not forgotten. ‘Well done good and faithful servant,” as Jesus would say.
Sincerely,
Bill Vassilopoulos and family
So sorry for your loss. May his memory be eternal. He was a true gentleman and advocate for the community.
Nick was truly a kind, caring and generous man. One of the really good ones. I am happy to have known him as a fellow Ahepan and friend. He will be missed. Our condolences to the family. Αιωνία του ή μνήμη.
The best neighbour anyone could ever ask for. Nick and I on our many projects, will live on with me forever. Cutting trees, building fences, garage sales, Kijiji sales, it never ended. Or how about just sitting and having a beer . Will never forget him. My pal
Condolences to the family. Fond memories as Dionysos Restaurant was our go to place for many years When myself and many friends who worked at Gambles on Nairn and 59
I’m very sorry to hear of Nick’s passing. My first job at 15 was at Dionysus in 1980 and I have very fond memories of Nick and the team there.
Condolences to the family.
So sorry Diane and family. He was a sweet man with a generous spirit. God bless you all and may he rest in peace! Nicki Gardos and Bill Gardos and family
Winnipeg AHEPA Chapter Polikos Aster CJ8 and the AHEPA Family express deepest sympathy and offer our prayers to the family of Nick Boutroucas.
Nick’s strong lifelong work ethic, dedication to family/community, hospitality (philoxenia), and positive attitude extended to the AHEPA Family with a passion of commitment to philanthropy and Hellenism.
After joining the Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic and Progressive Association) in 1968, he served actively for over 54 years in various capacities including Chapter Governor, Chapter Vice President, District 24 Convention Officer, and chairman of numerous chapter committees. He contributed with enthusiasm, generosity, and tireless commitment to many cultural/charitable activities of the Order in the community. Currently, he served as the chapter’s Chairman of the Board of Governors. Many a time, he made the extra effort to ensure the success of these endeavours; whether it was the Folklorama, Greek Fest., the OXI Day Celebration, AHEPA Golf Tournament, District 24 Convention, AHEPA Picnic, many sporting events, or other Hellenic educational/cultural/charitable community events. His effort at organizing the chapter’s yearly donation to the Winnipeg Firefighters’ Burn Fund was also dear to him and our members.
Brother Nick’s kindness and generosity touched many chapter members and was only matched by his anecdotal sense of humour that brought much laughter with underlining meaning to many of us.
Aristotle once said: “We are what we do. Excellence is not an act, but a habit”. Truly Brother Nick’s habits taught us how to achieve excellence in life.
His contribution in life fulfilled the ideals of Hellenism which include: education, philanthropy, family & individual excellence, education, and civic responsibly through community service and volunteerism.
Eonia Eimnemi (May his memory be eternal).
So very sad to hear of this awesome gentlemans passing. Sending much love and healing hugs to his family. Heaven has gained a true Angel.
Love Bernadette and family (Brandon’s Mom and family)
Dear Boutroukas Family,
We send our heartfelt condolences on the death of such a wonderful man, an Ahepan brother and friend. Nick will be greatly missed and always remembered. Rest in peace, dear friend
Our deepest condolences, Mrs. Boutroucas, Marina, Diane, Kathy, and family.
Your husband and father was such a generous man, with a heart of gold.
He not only loved and took care of his family but your friends too, and often with a delicious dinner made with love.
His philanthropy will always inspire me and playing a small part at his Jets Charity Dinner was an honour.
We pray your beautiful memories bring you comfort.
Peace, love and blessings,
Kristine +Mark Newton
So sorry for your loss. Nick’s friendship started beginning with Schmeckers visits and every week shopping at Real Canadian super store. Often talked about his family and acquaintances. Very kind person as I have known.
Sorry for your loss. Knew Nick at Schmeckers visits and every week visits at Super Store. Talked about family and topics generally related to friends. R I P
My Deepest Sympathy to the Boutroucas family. May the constant love of caring family and friends soften your sadness. May cherished memories of this amazing man bring you all moments of comfort and may lasting peace surround your grieving hearts! Memory Eternal Mr. Boutroucas!
Andrea Buzunis
To the Boutroucas Family,
We would like to convey our deepest sympathy to your wonderful family.
Nick was such a kind, caring and generous man. He was like a dear relative to us and his memory will be with us always.
Please be comforted with the knowledge that Nick is celebrating with the Lord, and friends and family who went before him
Love and prayers,
Doug, Pat and Colin Kapilik
My condolences to all. I didn’t know him personally but I have very fond memories of going to Dionysis, always a special occasion thank you. Beautiful obituary, again my sympathies.
Our deepest sympathy to the whole family. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him. Uncle Nick may you rest in peace and your memory be eternal. Love Konstantopoulos Family.
τα λυπιτυρια μου στη οικογένεια. Ο Νίκος ειταν ο καλύτερος άνθρωπος του κόσμου, τον αγαπούσα πάρα πολλή σαν πατέρας. I was in shock when I heard. I will miss my friend.
Forever remembered, forever missed.
We are very saddened to hear of the loss of Nick. We saw him often while grocery shopping and he always spoke fondly of Helen and his family. We remember his welcoming face at Dionysus and also his enjoyment of golf at Blumberg. He will be greatly missed.
May his memory be eternal.
Sincere condolences.
Freda and Leo Tsouras
Αιωνια η μνήμη του…
Our deepest condolences to the family. May his memory be eternal.. Rest in peace Nick.
To the Boutroucas Family,
We would like to convey our deepest sympathy to your wonderful family.
Nick was such a kind, caring and generous man. He was like a dear relative to us and his memory will be with us always.
Please be comforted with the knowledge that he is celebrating with the Lord, and friends and family who went before him.
Love and prayers,
Doug, Pat and Colin Kapilik
50 years of wonderful memories of Nick and family get togethers, Baptisms, Weddings and celebrations! Weekends where Dionysos would become the playground for us with Kathy, Diane and Marina after big family dinners while our dads would work hard to turn their dream into an amazing restaurant! Nick, our Dad’s Koumbaro and his lifelong friend, was always so kind, warm and welcoming, he was always smiling and full of laughter and loved jokes-that is how I will always remember him. He will be missed by my family and never forgotten. Much love and many hugs to the Boutroucas family💙
We will not forget all our great dinners and memories at Dionysus and great friendship born to a special man and his family. Thank you Nick for all the wonderful years together, you were one of a kind and will be deeply missed. God bless
Lia & Scott Arniel and family.
deepest condolences. such sadness, so many memories. rest easy my special friend
Τα θερμά μας συλλυπητήρια στην οικογένεια. Ο θεός να αναπαύσει τη ψυχούλα του και ελαφρύ το χώμα που θα το σκεπάσει. Δεν θα σε ξεχάσουμε ποτέ Νίκο. Αιώνια η μνήμη σου.
I had the privilege of 1st meeting Nick & Helen at their restaurant. We did not go often, but when we did, we were always greeted as if we were family. They would remember us a welcome us. They made the atmosphere like home and us as extended family.
My deepest condolences. May his happy spirit live on in our memories
I had the pleasure of meeting Nick and being able to spend time with him as a patient at the dental school which led to many fantastic conversations about cooking, Greece and life during our appointments. They always took longer with our chats that I believe we both enjoyed. Staff and students who knew him would always come and say hello, laugh and smile during our few appointments together which is a testament to his character and kindness with all that met him remembered him and wanted to see him when he was in.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing but my interactions with him will have left a lasting memory with me. I will always remember him as an extremely kind and vibrant man and I’m grateful I had the chance to meet him.
My condolences