Obituary of Athanasios Karamanos

Athanasios Karamanos a.k.a "Carman" Passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at the age of 84. Athanasios was born in Patras, Greece, the only child of the late Xristos and Harriet Karamanos. He immigrated to Canada as a young man and worked for a short time in Saint John, New Brunswick and then Montreal, Quebec before opening Carman's Dining Club in 1959 at 26 Alexander Street in Toronto. For 50 years patrons spanning over three generations enjoyed the ambience, garlic and great food that Carman provided with such a generous heart to all and served with such a genuine sense of humanity that he held for his fellow human beings. Carman was given the key to his adopted City of Toronto for his many philanthropic works, including being the original founder of CARAVAN, the multi-cultural, annual festival focused on the sharing of many ethnic customs, food, music and dance. He found great joy in sharing his culture with family, friends and patrons. Carman also donated the "Garden of the Greek Gods" at the CNE grounds as a thank you to the people who helped him along his odyssey. He was also well known as an advocate for better legislation to protect victims of injustice caused by those in positions of trust, including those serving on public boards and associations, real estate brokerage businesses and the media. Carman loved to combine his love of nature and philosophy in his many discussions with his friends and patrons. His poem "Who Am I" depicts the essence of Carman and ends with "Peace Begins At Home." Carman is survived by his loving wife Kathleen M. (nee Riley) of Toronto and many cousins in Greece, Gus, Tom and Daphne Mazarakas of Chicago, Illinois, Theodore Likourgiotis (Voula, Chris, John and George) of Saint John, New Brunswick, Joanne Chorney of Montreal, Quebec, his mother-in-law, Mary K. Riley of Saint John, New Brunswick, his brothers-in-law, Daniel J. Riley of Ottawa, Patrick T. (Holly) Riley of Saint John, New Brunswick, Kevin M. (Patricia) Riley of Halifax, Nova Scotia and Sean P. Riley of Beijing, China; sisters-in-law, Maura E. (Peter) Halpin of Halifax, Nova Scotia and Karen A. Riley of Saint John, New Brunswick, along with several nieces and nephews. A private prayer service was held and a memorial service will take place at a later date. If desired, donations may be made to the Leprosy Mission of Canada, 100 Mural Street, Suite 100, Richmond Hill L4B 1J3 or to the Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division, 55 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 500, Toronto M4V 2Y7. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.