Obituary of Demetre Karayannides

Dad died peacefully at home on Saturday, August 28, 2010, surrounded by his family after a lengthy and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Keeping Dad's spirit alive are his heart, soul and love of over 55 years, his wife Anthoula, his loved children George (Yanni) and Pam, Mimi and Angelo, Niko and Kelly, and his cherished grandchildren Elena, Joanna, Alexander, Basil, Christian, Demetre, Zoe and Mia. After serving in the Greek Navy, Dad graduated with Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees from the University of Athens and McGill University. He practiced dentistry, a profession that he loved and strove to advance, for over 55 years in Athens, Montreal and Toronto.Dad lived life to the fullest, with compassion and generosity. He truly enjoyed life, whether it was playing ping pong, squash or backgammon with his friends, listening to or chanting Byzantine music, studying Orthodox theology, or spending every moment of every day with our mom, his children and grandchildren. Dad was fully devoted to his family, his friends and to the church; he truly loved life. Perhaps most of all, Dad, or Papou as he was known to many, loved to play and laugh with his grandchildren and took great pride in every one of their accomplishments. Dad made regular pilgrimages to Mount Athos to study with and be guided by his spiritual father, Father Akakios. His wisdom and kindness enriched, guided and comforted Dad. Dad never feared death as he knew that his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was waiting for him. While we will always miss Dad greatly, the legacy that he has left us with is eternal. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 1 from 2 - 4 p.m. and 7 - 9 p.m., with prayers at 8 p.m. by the Rev. Father Tzaneteas at HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Ave). A service will be held at 11 o'clock on Thursday September 2nd in ALL SAINTS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 222 Burbank Drive, Toronto. Interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, Dad would have appreciated donations to All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, Saint Kosmas Aitolas Monastery and the Parkinson Society of Canada.