Obituary of Bill Botteas

We mourn the death of Bill Botteas (Vasílios Vottéas), who passed tranquilly in the early hours of January 10th, at the age of 95. Having suffered profound early loss, the Nazi occupation of his homeland, and the turmoil of world war and subsequent civil war in Greece, he ventured into the hopeful uncertainty of immigrant life in Canada in the early ’50s. He quickly became a dynamic part of Toronto’s burgeoning post-war Greek community, where he acted in community theatre, organized and emceed cultural events, and later served on numerous committees and boards of vital cultural and philanthropic organizations. He trained as a floral designer and, alongside his devoted wife, Evelyn (Evdokía), who passed in March, 2020 at the age of 100, worked tirelessly in the family’s prosperous flower shops (Bottéas Flowers and, later, Staines Flowers), in addition to his various property investments.

He is survived by his son Peter, of Marblehead, Massachusetts, his sisters-in-law Helen and Effie, and numerous, cousins, nieces and nephews, for whom he had great fondness. 

Special thanks to his niece Katharine, who went above and beyond in her caring and attentiveness, and to the dedicated staff of Donway Place and the team of the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care.

A private graveside ceremony for immediate family members has been held. Donations in his memory can be made to Parkinson’s research (Parkinson Canada) or the philanthropic cause of your choice. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.