Nicholas Karlis

In October 1951, a 17 year old Nicholas Karlis boarded the ship “Argentina” in Greece to come to Canada with the hope of a better future. He had no money whatsoever in his pocket, and only a blanket and a small icon of St. George to comfort him on his journey.

His father was Dimitrios Karlis from Kipi, Evia. At the time he sailed to Canada, he left behind his beloved mother Georgia (nee Athanasopoulos). Nicholas was born in Athens, but raised alone by his mother with much sacrifice and great difficulty in the Arkadian village of Paradisia, which he loved very much. He also left behind a sweet and smart young woman he had recently been introduced to in Athens (Peristeri). She had a warm smile, a kind heart, and the most beautiful eyes. Her name was Ioanna Papoulias.

Nicholas would write to Ioanna for the next three years and save his money until he could bring her to join him in Canada. On November 21, 1954, less than a month after she arrived in Canada, they were married by Fr. Philip Ramphos at the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Ottawa. They were inseparable in all aspects of their lives. Together for almost 63 years, they raised their family, worked hard and honestly, and supported their community. They suffered the loss of a son in childbirth yet they remained kind, compassionate and faithful Orthodox Christians and that was evident to everyone who new them.

Ioanna’s passing in April 2017 left a big void in Nicholas’s heart, but for the sake of his children who he adored - James (Georgina) and George (Pinelopi) - and for his granddaughters who he absolutely cherished - Ioanna Aggeliki and Maria Nicoletta - he tried very hard to make the best of the life he had left without his “Anna.”

Immediately upon arriving in Canada on October 23, 1951, Nicholas began working at the Connaught Restaurant on Elgin Street. He would never work anywhere else. In 1955, he helped bring his brother-in-law Elias Papoulias to Ottawa, who became like a true brother to him. Shortly thereafter, they were joined in Canada by his mother, his in-laws (Dimitrios and Maria Papoulias) and his wife’s sister Georgia. In 1972, together with the families of his brother-in-law Elias (Maria) and sister-in-law Georgia (Aristidis Iliopoulos) they owned and operated the Connaught Restaurant for almost 30 years. With faith in God, love and patience, the Karlis, Papoulias and Iliopoulos families worked together and supported one another.

In 1996, Nicholas learned for the first time that he had 5 half-siblings living in Athens, Greece. It was such an unexpected blessing. Nicholas and his siblings received one another with much love and developed meaningful and fulfilling relationships. He is predeceased by his brother Ioannis and sister Katina (George Efstathiou). He is survived by his brother Eleftherios (Vana), brother George (Claudia), sister Maria (Elias Vasilopoulos), and sister-in-law Despina Karlis.

Friends and family, new and old, were always welcome in his home and in his heart. He cared for his sons’ friends as if they were his own children. He was a simple and humble man who loved to sing, garden, make breakfast and was ready to lend an ear and provide help or a comforting word. He was a man who loved God and loved his neighbour as himself. The twinkle in his eyes, his humour and his presence will be missed by his many nieces, nephews, family members and friends in Canada, Greece, Cyprus, the USA and Australia.

A heartfelt thank you to Reem Kanawaty, who during the last two years of his life brought him joy, comfort, and laughter. Reem loved Nicholas like a father and he loved her like a daughter. Our family will be forever grateful for the care and love she gave Nicholas. Thank you also to Nicholas’s neighbours for over 40 years — Charlie, Helen, Lewis, Gisele and Roch — they always looked out for one another. Lastly, thank you to Nicholas’s doctors who cared for him and gave him a fighting chance - Dr. Monil Arora, Dr. Marc Ruel of the Ottawa Heart Institute and Dr. Jason Kiser from the Queensway Carleton Hospital.

Nicholas passed away surrounded by his family and friends praying for him and reminding him how much he was loved and thanking him for a life well lived. He died on the same day exactly 49 years after his dear mother. We like to think that she came to take her son home. We love you Dad and we always will. We will never forget you Pappou.

Friends and Family are invited to visit at Beechwood, Cemetery and Funeral Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, from 5 – 8pm Tuesday, October 22, Trisagion prayers at 7pm. Funeral service will be celebrated at the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 1315 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, on Wednesday October 23 at 11 o’clock with interment to follow at Beechwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Hellenic Community of Ottawa or to the Monastere Vierge Marie la Consolatrice in Brownsburg-Chatham, QC, are appreciated.