HARRY A. CHOLAKIS

CHOLAKIS, HARRY A. DECEMBER 16, 1926 - JULY 16, 2007
It is with great sadness that the family of Harry Cholakis announces his passing at age 80 in Toronto. Survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Marina, his beloved children Ernest (Rebecca Last), Nancy (Richard Raczkowski), Cynthia (Robert Gemmell) and George (Hanya Katz). Cherished grandfather to Jennifer, Greg, Laura, Megan, Michelle and Michael. Survived by brothers, John, Paul and Leo Cholakis, predeceased by brother Chris and parents, Ernest and Helen Cholakis, all of Winnipeg. Harry was born in Winnipeg to a Greek immigrant father and an American mother. His passion for sports resulted in recruitment to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Football team before polio ended his dream. He then focused his energy coaching the Winnipeg Rods, a Manitoba junior football team. He joined the family business, Broadway Florists and Greenhouses and then at 41 years of age moved to Toronto with his young family after purchasing Helen Simpsons Flowers. He soon acquired Stan Muston Florist, Graingers & Staines Florists, opened shops at the Royal York Hotel and on Bay Street and was managing the flower shop at the downtown Simpsons department store. Harry was active with FTD and was the first elected Canadian director. He was proud to be a founder of the Ontario Florist Conference and was honored when, in recognition of his many years of involvement in the floral industry, the conference created a 'Harry Cholakis Award'. His family will forever miss his wisdom, strength, humor, integrity and devotion. Harry felt fortunate to have had grandchildren to share his life with the past 18 years. It was a joy for him to celebrate their milestones and to frequently travel with them, often to watch them compete in junior squash tournaments throughout North America and Europe. They will miss his sense of fun, wit and love. A private family funeral service was held followed by interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Condolences can be sent to marinacholakis@sympatico.ca