Obituary of Cristos Koutris

Sept. 15th 1918 - June 26th 2010 Dad, Papou! We miss you and you will always be in our hearts. Cristos Koutris ended his journey after 91 years on Saturday, June 26th, 2010 at the St. Catharines General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Cristos was born in the small village of Anemodouri in Arkadia, Greece, on September 15th, 1918. Cristos was the second of seven children, born to Demetra and Antonios Koutris. Being from a large family, Cristos, at the age of 5, went to work on the neighbouring farms to help out his family. At the age of 10, Cristos and his two brothers went to Athens to sell lottery tickets, until he was summoned back to the village to help grow his family farm. At the age of 21, Cristos was called to serve in the army. During his term, World War II broke out and Cristos started for the borders of Albania, where he courageously fought for his country. At the end of the war, he walked barefoot for a month to get back to his village. In 1946, he married Theodora Papadopoulos, with whom he shared 64 wonderful years. Together, they had 2 children. In 1956 Cristos immigrated to Halifax, Nova Scotia to make a better life for his family, and in 1959 he brought his wife and children to join him. He moved his family to St. Catharines in 1962, where he became an active member of the St. Catharines Greek Orthodox community. After retiring, Cristos enjoyed his garden, his grandchildren and his great grandchildren. Cristos is survived by his loving and devoted wife Theodora, his adoring children John (Dina) Koutris, Toula (Louis) Dritsacos, loving Papou of Rick (Gianna) Dritsacos, Stacey (Peter) Lalos, Dora Koutris, and loving Great Grandfather of Stavros, Felicia, Demetra, Elias-Cristos and Theodora-Maria Lalos. He is also survived by his brothers Nicolas (Flora) Koutris, Leonidas (Koula) Koutris, and sisters Vassiliki (Thanasis) Kotronakis, Gianoula Malamas, and sister-in-law Garifalia Koutris, also many nieces and nephews. Cristos was predeceased by his parents Antonios and Demetra Koutris, his sister Georgia and brother Ilias. He will be sadly missed. Cristos is resting at the Patrick J. Darte Funeral Chapel, 39 Court St., St. Catharines (905-685-6584). Visitation will be on Monday June 28, 2010 from 7 to 9pm and Tuesday June 29, 2010 from 2 to 4pm and 7 to 9pm. Funeral service will be held at the St. Katharine Greek Orthodox Church, 585 Niagara Street, St. Catharines on Wednesday June 30, 2010 at 11am. Interment in Victoria Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Katharine Greek Orthodox Church. We would like to thank Dr. Gruber for the wonderful care he provided to our father and grandfather throughout the years, for his a kind and loving person. He stood by us and comforted us until his last breath.