Obituary of John Gianoulis

John, late of Regina, SK, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 29, 2017, at the age of 91 years. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Eva; parents Lambros and Maria; sisters Ioana and Anastasia; and brother Stavros. John is survived by his two daughters Mary and Helen; sons-in-law Paul and Doug; grandchildren Eva and Andraya, Robert and Erin; sister Eleni; as well as loving extended family and many friends. John was a loving, kind, intelligent, thoughtful, generous, witty and gregarious man who touched many lives.  He was born in Eleochori, Greece, in 1926, and came to Canada as a young man, seeking a better life.  After time spent in Calgary, he met and married his beloved Eva and together they continued their journey in Prince George, Moose Jaw, Banff and Edmonton, ultimately settling in Regina in 1965, which he happily called home for the rest of his life.  John came to Regina to become a co-owner of the Golden Plaza Restaurant.  He loved welcoming people, always with a big smile, and quickly became a familiar face to so many. He connected with his customers, showing genuine interest in their lives. He cherished the resulting friendships and the nicknames he collected, including Big Bad John, Tiger, and even You Old Banana Peel. He was a committed member of the Greek Community, volunteering at the church, helping out at Mosaic, and was heavily involved with the Ahepa family. After retiring in 1988 he faithfully and lovingly looked after his wife Eva until her untimely passing in 1990. He then became a dedicated volunteer at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre and the Allan Blair Cancer Centre for many years.  John had a strong moral and ethical code which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. He highly valued education. He was an incredibly supportive and loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be greatly missed. Prayers will be held at St Paul's Greek Orthodox Church, 3000 Argyle Road, Regina, SK on Sunday, July 2, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at St Paul's Greek Orthodox Church on Monday, July 3, 2017 at 10:30 am. In Fr Spyridon Vandoros' absence, Frs Cristian Frunzulica and John Kaoukakis presiding. Interment in Riverside Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John, may be made to St Paul's Greek Orthodox Church.