Obituary
Guest Book
1933
2013
Assimakopoulos; Nicholas (Nick), loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and loyal friend. He died peacefully on the long weekend of the birthday of his adopted country of Canada. Nick came to Canada in September, 1961 after serving as a police officer in Greece. He lived all of his years in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, having been joined by his fiancée Athanasia (Ann) Bacas in 1967. Along with their 3 children "Nick and Anna" enjoyed a modest, happy life in KW. Nick was defined by his generosity and appreciation for the 'good things in life.' He effused these two great qualities as a longtime restaurant owner who made and served food with persistence, pride and passion. Nick believed that food is life and all good things should be handsomely rewarded with plenty of good food. His customers were his friends, and his family were his best customers. Nothing fancy, but plenty of hard work in partnership with his wife, Ann. He leaves us with memories of a truly unique sense of humour. Whether it was cutting open a new pair of shoes to help his feet "breathe", or throwing a pie shell to try to trap a rabbit in an opportunistic hunting moment, Nick incited a lot of belly laughs and more than a few stories. Just don't order a club house sandwich during a lunch hour rush – not funny when he got swamped. But his lasting legacy will be his heart and how wide he opened it for the people he loved. He had endless love for his children, and his many nieces and nephews, who cherished him dearly. His grandchildren were his biggest joy and he relished his role as 'Super Papou' and Santa Claus. Nick never asked for any special favours or special treatment; he was a man of few words who commanded respect through his actions. We learned from him and loved him so dearly. The pain of our sadness is softened by our fond memories of him.
Husband to Athanasia, father to Robert and his wife Susan Winton, George and Amber Chase all of Toronto, Vicki and her husband John Gleason of New York, Papou to Nicholas, Adam and Daniel, brother to Gus and his wife Voula of Lisotwel, Greg and his wife Kally of Waterloo, Chrissoula and her husband Aristeides Papadopoulos of Kitchener.
Predeceased by his parents, one sister Angeliki and one brother-in-law George.
Friends may call at the Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home, 621 King St. W., Kitchener, today (Tuesday) from 2-4 and 7-9. The Funeral Service will be held from St. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church on Wednesday at 11:30 am with Father Constantine Marino officiating. Interment will be in Parkview Cemetery and donations may be made to St. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church or Grand River Regional Cancer Centre as expressions of sympathy through the funeral home.
May our tireless, witty, hard working and beloved Nick, Rest in Peace.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
8 Entries
July 2, 2013
We are very sorry for your loss.
May fond memories console you during this difficult time.
May his memory be eternal.
Anthony and Kathy Stebel
July 2, 2013
Barb & Dave Ritchie
Dear Anna and family,
"When you lose someone you love, you gain an angel you know"
You have our deepest sympathy.
July 2, 2013
Matt Allan
Mrs. Assimakopoulos, Rob and Sue, George and Vicki, My thoughts and prayers are with you. The tribute for Nick really brought back some great memories of our lunches and dinners at the restaurants and over at the house in Waterloo...always many laughs and so many great meals. Matt Allan
July 2, 2013
Hetty Meulenbelt
Anna and family; sending our hugs and love and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers: the Meulenbelts.
July 2, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rod & Gail Lambert
July 2, 2013
Michael & Judi Shekter
Rob - Judi and I want to express our condolences to you, your mother, and your siblings on the loss of your father.
He was very proud of you and the father you had become. Remember the times you had.
Michael & Judi
July 2, 2013
Diane Martin
With saddened hearts we send our condolences to Anna and the family. We will miss him very much. May he rest in eternal peace. With much love Glen, Diane, Cory and Alex "Alexander the Great" Martin.
July 2, 2013
Stephen Beckwith
So sorry for your loss. Stephen Beckwith, Grand River Raceway
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
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Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home & Cremation Ce621 King Street West, Kitchener, ON N2G1C7
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