It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tzanetos (John) Tsoukalas on November 25 at the age of 89.

He was born on March 4, 1933, in Katastari, Zakynthos, Greece, where he grew up, met the love of his life, and raised his children. He immigrated to Canada in 1968, in search of a better life and worked tirelessly to build a future for himself and his family.

Tzanetos was a kind, loving, and caring man, who had the ability to bring a smile to everyone’s face and touch the heart of all who knew him. He had a passion for food, was an extraordinary cook, and loved to eat and share the meals that he prepared with everyone he loved. When on vacation, he would bask in the hot sun and swim. His greatest pride and joy were his nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren whom he loved with all his heart.

He married his love, Magdalini Tsoukalas in August 17 of 1952 who preceded him in death in 2013. He will be dearly missed by his loving children Spiro (Ginette), Peter, Marietta (Denis), Andriana (George); he will be missed as ‘papou’ to his grandchildren: Kathy (Stephane), Magdalini (Michel), Anastasios (Evelyne), Yianni. T. (Melissa), Yianni. V., Mario, Vasiliki (Seamus), Fotios and Angelika and ‘papou-papou’ by his 9 great-grandchildren.

The family will accept your condolences at Urgel Bourgie funeral home, 1275 Dollard Ave, Lasalle, Quebec H8N 2J1, on Thursday, December 1st from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 2nd, at 11 a.m. at the St. Dionysios Greek Orthodox Church (7707 Bd LaSalle, LaSalle, QC H8P 1Y5) followed by the burial at the Mount Royal Cemetery, 1297 Foret Rd, Outremont, Quebec H2V 2P9.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Tzanetos Tsoukalas to ‘The Alzheimer Society of Montreal’ would be greatly appreciated.

The day the angels gave Tzanetos his wings, we lost a great man and all who loved him lost a piece of their hearts.