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Gabriel TSAMPALIEROS Obituary



GABRIEL (GABE) T. TSAMPALIEROS It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gabe Tsampalieros. Our beloved husband and father died peacefully in the company of his family on March 11, 2009. Born in Paradissi, Rodos, Greece on April 24, 1947, Gabe and his family came to Canada in 1954, settling in Montreal. After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia University (1970) and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ottawa (1973, Cum Laude) he relocated to Toronto and practiced law with the national firm of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt (1975-1986, the last six years as a partner) before pursuing his passion for the hospitality industry full time. Beginning first with Dinecorp Hospitality Inc, a company he co-founded in 1981, Gabe, as Chairman, President and CEO, grew this company to be the largest franchisee of Swiss Chalet and Harvey's Restaurants. In 1995 he became President and CEO of Cara Operations Limited, a position he held until 2006 when Gabe once again took on a new challenge. From then until his untimely passing, he was the owner, Chairman and CEO of The Second Cup Coffee Company Inc. Over the years, Gabe received numerous awards and was recognized for his contributions both within and outside the hospitality industry. In 2003, he was made an Archon of the Greek Orthodox Church. In 2007, both the University of Guelph and the University of Ottawa bestowed on him an honorary Doctorate of Laws degree in recognition of his extraordinary vision as an entrepreneur and his commitment to education. Gabe was the quintessential role model generous of heart and compassionate, a champion of education, dedicated family man, philanthropist, successful entrepreneur, a man of great character. Gabe led a wonderful and blessed life. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered, by his loving wife of 35 years, Yolande and cherished by their two beautiful daughters, Dr. Anne (Dr. Nick Schieda) and Julia. His youngest and closest sister Dr. Lilly THinton and son Matthew, will always have a special place in their hearts for him. He also leaves behind family in Montreal: Gabriel, and is survived by his siblings Michael (Youla), John (Nitsa), Maria (George Diakogeorge). He will be forever remembered as a loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews. Gabe's neverending love for life, his graciousness and his generosity of spirit will never be forgotten. We are all the better for having known him and he will live in our hearts forever. Throughout his long journey, we have had many wonderful and caring doctors and healthcare workers. We would like to thank Dr. Martha Skinner (Boston Medical Center), Dr. Donna Reece (Princess Margaret Hospital), Dr. Jeffrey Zaltzman (St. Michael's Hospital) and the compassionate staff at Markham Stouffville Hospital. Our special appreciation and heartfelt gratitude go to Dr. Jim Kitchens (St. Michael's Hospital) for his dedication and wonderful care through these long years. The visitation will be held on Friday, March 13th at Highland Funeral Homes (10 Cachet Woods Court, Markham) from 5:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 14th at St. Panteleimon Greek Orthodox Church (11359 Warden Avenue, Markham) at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following: Princess Margaret Hospital Amyloidosis Research Awareness Fund 610 University Ave. Toronto, ON M5G 2M9 Renal Transplant Program Care of St Michael's Hospital Foundation 61 Queen St. East, 9th Floor Toronto, ON M5C 2T2 Markham Stouffville Hospital 381 Church St. Markham, ON L3P 7P3 Online condolences may be placed at www.highlandfuneralhome.ca

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Published by The Globe and Mail on Mar. 13, 2009.

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