Efthalios George "Thali" Kalotinis

1930 - 2022

Sadly and unexpectedly, Efthalios (Thali) George Kalotinis passed quietly in his 92nd year on February 9, 2022 at home with his family. Thali was born in Pagondas Samos, Greece to George Kalotinis and Efthalia (nee Giannarou) on July 13, 1930, 2 weeks later to be graciously raised by a second mother Kaliope (nee Strogylos) In 1956 age 26, Thali immigrated to Canada as an Electrician with one suitcase full of dreams and aspirations to find work. Thali found work at Stelco in the Electronics Department for 30+ years and was given the nickname 'Del' by his collegues. Del met Beatrice (nee Lefterys) the love of his life at her family owned business, The Crystal Restaurant downtown Hamilton. The couple married in 1958 and remained together for 63 years and raised their three children Steve (Karin), John and Thalia. The Kalotinis home on Hester Street was open to their family, friends, nieces and nephews to unending parties and 'soccer meetings'. Hester Street was also the home of the family run business Ridgemount Variety and Mountain Sports. Del was involved in coaching Greek youth soccer teams, he enjoyed sharing sports with his sons attending all soccer, football and hockey games with an occassional Muriel cigar being tossed into the game to make a point. Del enjoyed and shared many passions, one being music. He enjoyed all Classical music and after a few guitar lessons learned to play. Many nights Del, Bea and 'Jimmy the guitar player' sang and played Greek and Spanish music. Reading was another passion of Del's with an extensive personal library of books to choose such topics as History, Politics, and Economics. Del loved his family and to impart his knowledge at long family dinners with his grandchildren, George (Jillian), Alexandria (Daniel), Steven (Kaycie), Kaylyn, Kristopher, great-grandchildren Mollie and Zoe. The debate of such topics would continue with his friends Chris, Frank, George, and Saki at their tri-weekly coffee dates. Del was a complex yet simple man who was very proud of his Greek heritage. Del and Bea spent close to 30 years in Samos enjoying retirement with Del's sister Elizabeth Kydonieus (George, both predeceased) and his nephews Stelio (Rula) and Niko (Eleni). Another enjoyable pastime was to be seaside in Ireon, sipping ouzo and eating calamari. Del lived a full life in Canada and Greece and will be remembered at his BBQ sharing his chicken wings with everyone with a beer in his other hand. His final years were made comfortable by his nephew Theodore Lefterys and his daughter Cassandra who showed up to help or brought coffees for everyone along with Honey Crueller and Boston Cream donuts. A kind mention to the neighbours on Mountbatten, Eugene, Scott, Mark, Bob and their families who helped so much over the years to present day. A special word of thanks to Nurses Christine and "Betty Betty Betty", along with the E-Psws Mary Jane and Loreli. Your patience and attention to detail and comfort was unwavering and appreciated. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Centre for Sight Enhancement, University of Waterloo, or CNIB or Glaucoma Research Foundation. Del's final wish has been completed and cremation has taken place.