Theodore James Bravakis

04/04/1916 - 04/09/2011

BRAVAKIS, Theodore James
"Ted" (Age 95)

Passed away April 9, 2011. He was born April 4, 1916 in Middletown, Connecticut to James and Fotene Bravakis. Ted was preceded in death by his wife, Sophea (Kakakes) Bravakis of Spokane and three siblings: Helen Velis of Westfield, MA, Ann Papandrea of Belleair Beach, FL, and Leo Bravakis of Middletown, CT. He is survived by four children: Teddie Gibbon (Lee), John Bravakis, Barbara Sloman, Susan Vizcarra; seven grandchildren: Alexia Tom, Matthew Galisa, Sergio Galisa, Jamal Galisa, Suzy Travis, Kelli Sloman and Randy Sloman and six great-grandchildren. Ted was a beloved uncle to five nieces and nephews.
Ted graduated from Middletown High School and was awarded a full four-year football scholarship as quarterback to Tampa University. He served in WWII as a command pilot flying over 30 missions and participated in D-Day at Normandy. Ted received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Oak Leaf with Four Clusters during his Military career.
Ted worked at John's Hat Shop in downtown Spokane for some years before he purchased the store in the 1950s from John Kakakes, his father-in-law.
Ted joined KXLY Television and Radio in 1964 and built terrific sales teams in addition to strong relationships with clients that continue today. He remained a Sales Consultant well into his 90s.
Ted loved playing golf his entire life. Among his many achievements were two holes-in-one and Club Championship status at Manito Golf and County Club. He also shot his age in tournament play at the age of 69 and continued to shoot under his age until age 90. In October 2000, Ted's picture made the front page of the sports section when at age 84 he played in the 65 and older division of the Pacific Amateur Golf Classic and won the division .
Ted was devoted husband and father and a cherished friend to all of you who knew him.
A private family Greek Orthodox service was held with Military Honors at Riverside Memorial Park, Spokane, WA. A Celebration of Life reception will take place at Manito Golf and Country Club Saturday, May 7, 4-6pm. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the "First Tee of the Inland Northwest", 301 East Meadowlane Road, Spokane, WA 99224. "First Tee of the Inland Northwest" is a youth development organization that teaches core values and life lessons through golf.