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Yorgo Lykourgiotis posted a condolence
Friday, October 22, 2010
Dear Kathy, I am very sorry for your loss. I could not find the right words to do justice to this man, and even now these may be inadequate. God Bless, Yorgo Athanasios Karamanos, Mr. Carman, Uncle Arthur, stands for me as the epitome of what it means to be noble and dignified. He lived in our times, yet his values came from ancient Athens when humanity was revered for its highest spiritual and intellectual potential. He lived according to this moral code handed down by his ancestors. Even though tremendous obstacles stood between him and his ambitions, he faced the challenges without ever compromising his dignity. The result is a hero’s life, built on ancient foundations and an profound sense of justice. Even from this perspective, he respected that everyone has a purpose, and that purpose, however large or small was worthy and due respect. His life is a reminder to live passionately and to enjoy life as a gift. He recognised the sublime beauty of Mother Nature’s work in the wonder of children, though he did not take this path. His purpose was another, and he followed that path diligently, He gave himself to all those who came near to him. I am grateful that I had the chance to encounter such a man, and to take his fatherly wisdom into my life. Carman was passionate and daring. He made a symphony of the dining experience before Toronto even knew such an event was possible. He turned life into theatre, with the joyous practical jokes and imaginative practical gags. In his poetry; one simple question made sense of all that really matters in life. He never explained, but slowly, I understand what he meant by “who am I?” He challenged life itself with his provocative questioning as he shared his quest for deeper understanding of its mystery and miracles: A modern Socrates: he knew the answers, but did not give them away - he pointed in the right direction. There stands in Toronto’s CNE a testament he made to those who helped him on his journey: The garden of the Greek gods, sculpted by E.B. Cox. These are not well tended now, andI hope that someone in Toronto has the dignity to restore the dignity of this noble gesture. However, if there is none, Pericles has the last word: “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” Thank you, Mr. Carman for showing us your invincible spirit, and for sharing the secret of the beauty of life.
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Irene Angelopoulos and Christopher Felske posted a condolence
Friday, October 1, 2010
Dear Kathy, Our deepest condolences. We are so sad to have heard of Mr. Carman's passing. I will never forget the kindness, knowledge, determination, zest for life and learning and fun, and above all, the passion with which Mr. Carman lived his life. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the chance to work and philosophise with such a great individual, really - a one-in-a-million. So very sad to hear the news. May his memory be eternal; gone but not forgotten. Sincerely, Irene, Chris & Angelopoulos family
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Norah and Paul Oulahen posted a condolence
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Dear Kathy It is with deep sadness that I read of Carmen's death in the Globe and Mail. On behalf of all of my family I offer our deepest sympathies. He was a generous and kind man. I have known him since I was a small child and continue to support two Foster Children because of his initial gift to me so many years ago. He touched many lives and taught us how to respect those who lend us support on the path of success. His kindness to our family through Carmen’s Club and personally will never be forgotten.I hope he will be able to meet Jack and Madelyn in heaven to continue their friendship. Paul and I were fortunate enough to talk spend some time with him recently and feel so grateful for those words. I will send a donation to the Leprosy Mission of Canada as I know it was a deep and special cause for Carmen.
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Irving Lefler and Family posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
From my family and myself please accept our condolences. I was truly shocked and saddened when we met yesterday and you told me of his passing. I first met him fifty years ago and it seems like yesterday He was a humanitarian whose heart and wallet was always open to those in need, from the shoeless neighbourhood children to the city and to the world. As you know our family has held many events at CARMAN'S and his presence there was always welcomed and formed part of our family function. He will be truly missed but always remembered by all.
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Wayne & June Clay posted a condolence
Monday, September 27, 2010
Mr Carmen's friend Irv Lefler who owned the building behind the restaurant was my employer. I am June Clay . Irving took me along with his wife and son to Mr Carmen's for my birthday the first year I worked for him. I have eaten in great restaurant and fine dinning rooms from L.A. to Vancouver but was very impressed. Not only did the staff make me welcome but the food was a gastronomic pleasure. I was so impressed I took my in laws to dinner there on their anniversary a few years later . One year there was a very cold night when a fire broke out in the restaurant. I ran out the back of my building to find a little elderly lady shaking in the cold while the staff tried to help her out and away to safety. She and her friend had gotten separated during the hurry to get out and she was very upset . I brought her into my apt and warmed her up with a blanket a brandy and cup of tea when they found her friend they brought her to me . I was struck by the genuine kindness of Mr Carmen and his employees along with patrons during this time . I will always have a fondness for him and Kathy and always think of him when ever the wonderful aroma of garlic assails my nostrils
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Aizic Ilie posted a condolence
Monday, September 27, 2010
I am writing in behalf of my father Ilie, Aizic that was very saddened by the news and wishes to send his warmest condolences to Kathy and the family. My father worked next to Mr. Carman for many many years and he loved and respected him very much. They both carried the same strong passion for food and love for people. Mr. Carman will be greatly missed, may he rest in peace! God bless! Aizic Ilie
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Donna Odo posted a condolence
Monday, September 27, 2010
My deepest sympathy goes out to the wife & family of Mr.Carman. I worked for Mr. Carman over twenty years ago and have the greatest regard for him and his passion for his business and life in general. May he rest in peace.
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Hector Albano Funes posted a condolence
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Please accept my condolences to the family. At this time I would like to share my memory of when I met Mr. Carman. As an immigrant new to this country in 1970, Mr. Carman gave me a job as a busboy at his restaurant. At this same time it became necessary for me to have my appendicts removed. I was at work and Mr Carman told me to go to the hospital which I did. I was in the hospital for 10 days before being released. I went straight to work and Mr. Carman saw me arrive and he told me "Hector go home (rooming house) and only come to the restaurant to eat each day so you can recuperate and get strong to come back to work". I told him that I couldn't do that as I had to work so that I could pay my rent. His answer to that was not to worry about that as he would give me the money to pay my rent, which he did. That showed me what a great and trusting person that he was and I will never forget the kindness that he showed me. He was a very classy man Mr. Carman, with a great heart and compassion for his fellow man no matter what class you were from. This story I have told many people over the years as well as my wife and children. Hoping that they will see that they are good people in this world like him. This way I kept him in my heart with gratitude and respect for the compassion that he showed to someone he didn't even know. May he be always remembered as a great man.
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Liz Tidy Evelyn posted a condolence
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Dear Kathy, I was very saddened to read that Carman had died, and am very sorry for your loss. We meet so many people throughout life and I consider my self fortunate to have known Carman. I remember Dad saying that Carman possessed such passion for his ideas and many projects, a rare quality. Dad and Carman knew eachother for so many, many years and had great respect for one another which resulted in a longstanding friendship and association. Carman's generosity always overwhelmed my parents and we all were so appreciative of our many evenings together spanning over 45 years. The announcement in the paper was a great tribute to Carman. You are in my thoughts and I send my deepest sympathy. Liz
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Maria and Christina Giagilitsis posted a condolence
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Dear Kathy: Our parents, Denos and Katherine Giagilitsis, are still in Greece and we haven't been able to reach them with this sad news yet - we just came across this news today. We know our parents will be deeply saddened by Mr. Carmen's passing. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to call my parents' house as wel are picking up their messages for them until they return in 2 weeks time. Regards, Maria and Christina Giagilitsis
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George Damadacis (Arctic Circle Ref. & A/C) posted a condolence
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Dear Kathy, I was at a loss of words when I saw the obituary of a great man who inspired me a great deal when visiting him each time when I came for a service call or for a coffee. He was a man of integrity, honour and dignity. His thoughts and experiences in life inspired me a great deal and people like these should always remain in our memories and heart. There are only a few people in this lifetime where we get inspired by their experiences and hardships and pass their great knowledge to others. Though he was a successful businessman, he never forgot the hardships he had faced as an immigrant to Canada. He has helped a lot of Greek immigrants and our community, to believe in themselves and build a life despite the obstacles they may face in a country we call as our second home. He was a father of knowledge to me and I will always treasure the articles he gave me and the discussions we had. His words were few but always deeply touched my heart. He will always be remembered and never forgotten. His body is laid to rest but his spirit will always walk with me and others who he has deeply touched.
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Joe Bartolacci posted a condolence
Friday, September 24, 2010
Kathleen, I was saddened to hear of your loss. I certainly enjoyed the "lectures" Carmen used to give me in the condo Hot tub over the past few years but I have not seen him in some time. I will keep you in my prayers and wish you peace with God's love and care. Joe Bartolacci #304
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Kevin Mc Donald posted a condolence
Friday, September 24, 2010
Kathy .I am thinking of you in your grief.I know your faith will sustain you and give you comfort If you need me,for anything call me kevin
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Chrys Taylor posted a condolence
Friday, September 24, 2010
I was sad to hear the news about Mr. Carman. He will always be remembered as a generous kind soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless, Chrys
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George Bigliardi posted a condolence
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Dear Kathy, I was saddened to learn about the passing of my friend Mr. Carmen. Over the years I have always admired his courage and the achievement of building his restaurant into a Toronto institution. My restaurant was located on Church Street around the corner, and sometimes Mr. Carmen would drop by later in the evening and we would spend and hour or two in enjoyable conversation. I always believed that he did not receive the recognition he deserved for his considerable contribution to Toronto and the hospitality business. He was a great person, and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. George Bigliardi and family
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George Fragakis posted a condolence
Thursday, September 23, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Although it has been many years that I have seen Mr.Carman I remember the joyful times that I had with him as a young man. I remember when we first came to Toronto from Saint John and getting into Arthurs convertible as we drove down the QEW where he proceeded to show us Niagara Falls for the first time. I also remember other nights where he would go into philosophical thoughts and show me his writings and share his concerns for humanity. I also remember as a 13 year old boy slurping my soup and getting the "look" from Mr.Carman (from that day on I never slurped my soup again). God Bless You and Thank You for opening my eyes to the less fortunate in this world. George Fragakis
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Tim Mowers posted a condolence
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Kathy please know how much you are lifted in prayer at this special time in loving memory of Mr Carman. I will remember his great courage to speak his mind, his kindness and compassion to touch many lives both near and far. His love for people affected by leprosy revealed his hearts' convictions and blessed spirit. I will miss our long talks my friend. I praise the Lord for your faithful heart to reach out for the least of these. May God bless you with peace and rest eternally Mr Carman. Sincerely Tim Mowers, The Leprosy Mission Canada
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Chris Likourgiotis posted a condolence
Thursday, September 23, 2010
I was deeply saddened by the news about the passing of Athanasios Karamanos. Kathy, I am so very sorry. You are in my thoughts and my prayers. Mr. Carman (as I always addressed him) had a big influence in my life and his words of wisdom inspired me to be a better person. He taught me, by example, to be passionate in what I believe in and to take pride in what I do. Mr. Carman was also kind enough to lend me his car (convertible!) on many occasions when I was a starving student in Toronto. I will miss him but the great memories of him will shine throughout my life. May God bless you and your family during this time and always. Love, Chris
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Catherine Elgie Novis posted a condolence
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Dear Kathy, I have so many rich and happy memories of Carman, and of his restaurant: my whole family being invited every year for dinner at Christmas when I was young (and my sister not eating for 2 days beforehand!), and my brother and I covertly exploring and playing in the dark hallways and passages; the wonderful ribs, shrimp, steak, house salad and garlic bread (LEGEND!-may I finally have these recipes, please?), and being sent home with a box of baklava; Carman sending me for Greek dancing lessons (with costume and all!); getting to know both of you as friends when I grew up, and had the great priviledge to work at the restaurant (in another long family tradition); and Tim picking me up from work when we were newlyweds, and ending up eating steak, drinking and talking with Carman 'til the wee hours of the morning. I am so sad that we in this world are no longer able to share in his personality, spirit, and generosity (and, of course, incomparable food!). I think of you both often, and hope you have been receiving our Christmas cards. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of transition. Please feel free to contact me - I would love to hear from you - and please let me know if you move, so we can stay in touch. Warmest Wishes, Catherine
