Obituary of Peter Perdicaris

Knowing that to everything there is a season and with wholehearted gratitude for a life well lived Panayioti (Peter) Perdicaris passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Friday, May 7, 2021.  He was loving and kind.  His unwavering Faith guided him and gave him the courage he needed to face life’s challenges.

Predeceased by his parents Vasili and Margarita Perdicaris, Peter is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Sophie Perdicaris (Karymbakas); his children Margaret (Nick) Kourles, Bill Perdicaris and Cathy (Kevin) Bekar; grandchildren:  Demitri, Sofia Eirini, Sofia Corinne, Anastasia, Pano K, Zoe and Pano B.  He is also survived by his siblings Demitrios (Metaxia), Kanella (Albert), John (Dina), and Tony (Toula); along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.  

Peter was born on March 26, 1939 in the tiny village of Foudoma in the Peloponnese region of Greece.  Growing up in Greece in the early 1940’s presented many challenges including limited opportunities for education and prosperity.  Still, he often recalled many wonderful memories from his childhood.  Being raised in a loving family served as his foundation in life and he often told of the way his father cared for his mother.  

At 26, Peter married the love of his life, Sophie, and within one month of their wedding day, they embarked on their first journey ever, one that would take them across the ocean to their much loved new home in Regina, Canada where they joined family and made their new life.  Peter was a family man, a community man, a businessman, and a modern man.  

Hard-working, he started his career as a dishwasher, eventually becoming the owner and manager of Peter’s Cafeteria in the historic McCallum Hill building (now Twin Tower #1) on Scarth street mall.  He spent 12 years there before joining his brothers at the Town and Country restaurant for a few years and then moving Peter’s Cafeteria to its new home at the CBC Broadcast Center where he spent another 23 years. For the past 15 years, you could find him at Theo Bill’s, his son’s restaurant, extending the same welcome to customers. Peter took pride in serving his ‘regulars’ and creating jobs for staff who he adopted as his own family.  He made many friends along the way with his good nature and sense of humour.  He was warm, welcoming, and genuinely interested in every person he met. 

Peter was a founding member of St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church and Regina’s AHEPA chapter, serving proudly on Church council for years and tirelessly volunteering wherever he was needed.  At home, he shared the housework and cooking with Sophie, surprising many of his more traditional family and friends.  Peter was faithful and dedicated to his family and God, while also finding time for the odd casino visit.  He stayed connected to family and friends across North America, Greece, and Australia.  Peter enjoyed travelling back to Greece, to beautiful B.C. and took a millennium year Australian trip he treasured.  He loved and cared for his children and grandchildren and often gathered them for delicious, home-cooked meals. 

Peter faced his health challenges with faith, courage, and dignity that was admired and served as an inspiration.  He loved traditional Greek poems from his childhood and proudly enjoyed reciting them, never forgetting a poem he ever heard.  Peter also loved to sing to Sophie especially in the recent years as her Alzheimer’s progressed.  He knew he could get a smile and maybe a dance out of her if he sang her a song.  Watching Peter care for Sophie showed us the true meaning of love and dedication.  

Though sad to lose him from this life, we cherished the time we had with him.  We would like to thank many people, from the doctors whose skills saved Peter’s life so many times to the family and friends who were there for us throughout his health challenges.  

Don’t worry Dad, we’ll take care of Mom now.  It’s your time to rest in God’s warm embrace.  

In Lieu of flowers, those so wishing may make donations in memory of Peter to St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, 3000 Argyle Road, Regina, SK, S4S 2B2 or to Soul’s Harbour Rescue Mission, 1632 Angus Street, Regina, SK, S4T 1Z2.

Public Viewing:

We are blessed to be able to offer visitation for all of Peter’s family and friends at the following times and places:

Monday, May 10, 2021:  Speers Funeral Chapel; 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Tuesday, May 11, 2021:  St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church 10:00 am – 10:30 am

Funeral Service:

The funeral service will be live streamed from St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church - Facebook page.

With COVID limitations, the funeral service is limited to invited family members only (those invited will be personally contacted)

Interment to follow at Regina Memorial Gardens with all COVID protocols in place (spacing, limits on outdoor gathering sizes).