Athanasios Moulakis Obituary

Athanasios Moulakis
It is with immense sadness that we note the death on July 18, 2015 of our adored husband, father and grandfather. His ready, flashing smile and joyful laughter will be missed by all who knew him. His was a profound, broad and thoughtful mind, yet he wore his knowledge with an uncommon lightness. At home in Europe as well as America, he taught courses in Politics and the History of Ideas at institutions of higher education in six countries and in four languages. As an active champion of liberal education both in the U.S. and abroad he was the founding director and designer of an innovative program of Humanities for Engineers at the University of Colorado, and, more recently, President of the American University of Afghanistan as well as of the American University of Iraq - Sulaimani. He was generous with his time: mentoring students and younger colleagues, and, with his endless curiosity, sharing and developing ideas with his many friends. His faith in the value of the life of the mind and his enduring love of his native Greece and its cultural/philosophical past accompanied and sustained him to the end. Those who knew Thanasis will comprehend the enormity of our loss. Eleanor Gail Moulakis, Anne Moulakis and her greatly cherished daughters, Irina and Sophia. Memorial to be held in Greece.

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Published by The Washington Post on Aug. 16, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Athanasios Moulakis

13 Entries

Daniel Andler

April 9, 2016

I met Athanasios in Skipper's Hill Manor Preparatory School, in southeast England, in the summer of 1959 ; he was 14, I was 13 : the Greek and the Frenchman, both fluent in English, both fairly learned, well-travelled and reflective boys, but he so much more than me ! And it's been like this ever since... Dear Sam! The average English kid having trouble with Thanasis, let alone Athanasios, he told them to just call him Sam, and that's who he was to me for the many years when our paths crossed in England, France, Italy or Greece, and corresponded extensively. Dear Sam, you have been, for more than 50 years, both a dear friend and a big brother of sorts, and I will miss you terribly. So will those of my friends whom you met and sometimes hosted with your unbounded generosity. To Gail and Anna, my deepest sympathy.

February 9, 2016

Thanassi was the most likeable friend of my student years in Munich: Humorous, well read indeed and a wonderful listener. Beyond that - a man who loved life, his family, his Greece, in fact, the world. I am deeply saddened by his demise, too early, too painful. Michael Naumann

William Connell

January 27, 2016

A dear and inspiring friend for more than three decades. Thanasi was a scholar of finesse and empathy, and a delight to talk to about anything and everything. I'll never forget how, once in Florence, when I began quoting a Latin line from the Aeneid, he jumped in to complete it. Much, much love from us to Gail.

David Walsh

January 7, 2016

Thanasi was a great friend and a regular contributor to meetings of the Eric Voegelin Society. He will be sorely missed within that fellowship. One of the warmest human beings I have known and a shining light in the world of scholarship. A rare combination.

December 19, 2015

A great scholar and immensely learned educator , a greatly cherished friend has past away - in memory of Athansios Moulakis Juergen Gebhardt

Marion Abboud

November 10, 2015

Dr Moulakis was my boss, mentor and number one supporter at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani. I learned so much from him and would not be where I am today without his guidance and endless support.

Judy Harper

September 28, 2015

Thanassi great friend from way back Skiathos holidays. Sorely missed
Judy

Louis Petrich

September 26, 2015

Thanasi was the most erudite gentleman I have known. He took over as Provost of the American University of Iraq in 2010, when I was a visiting professor there. I shall remember that year in Iraq because of the impression he made on all of us. The center of learning in the world had once been Baghdad, a thousand years ago. In his presence, it felt that way again. Ashes to ashes and dust to dust is the truth of this world; but that truth did not for a second dampen his spirits. Shine on, Thanasi.

Todd Vanyo

September 7, 2015

I was a student of Thanasi at the University of Colorado decades ago, but my memories of the man are still bright. He taught me to think, to not be intellectually lazy, and to understand that we get out of life what we put in. Even though he is no longer with us, I know that the light from his life will continue to light my way forward.

September 3, 2015

Marius and I are deeply saddened by the passing away of Athanasios - He was such a joy to be with! Full of life, laughter and always with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. His encyclopedic knowledge of history, language, literature, politics, food wine, was truly amazing. But most of all it was his joie de vivre that we will always remember and miss. Good bye Athanasios. Mary-Jane and Marius Deeb

August 27, 2015

Knock Knock Thanasi, your contagious laugh, love of life, and gentle kindness swept over me; I only wish you had more time on this planet to enjoy your grandkids and Greek sunsets, and I would have loved to hear your opinion on the upcoming American elections and the candidates! I am glad our paths crossed, you made my life better, and I will carry you with me always. My deepest condolences to Eleanor and Anne and family. In sadness, and joy at having known you a little while -- Dawn Dekle

August 23, 2015

A beautiful and fitting tribute. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you all. Jim and Sue Wilderotter

August 19, 2015

I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE DEATH OF A FRIEND
WHOM I SO GREATLY ADMIRED.
JOHN T. CRAIG

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