Chris Nicholas Vedros

Chris Nicholas Vedros, 72, Overland Park, KS, passed away on December 7, 2003, at home, surrounded by his wife and family after a courageous two year battle with liver cancer. Chris approached the treatment of his illness with the same tenacity and resolve that we all have come to expect from this extraordinary man, who was dealt with more than his share of trials and tribulations during his lifetime, while never losing hope. He also experienced many joys on his journey of faith. Services will be held at St. Dionysios Greek Orthodox Church, 8100 W. 95th St., Overland Park, KS, on Wednesday, December 10, 2003, at 10 a.m., with interment immediately following at the Johnson County Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Dennis McKee, Paul Benedetti, John Wilhm, Dean Constantine, Milton Panos, Chris Antos. Honorary bearers will be James Hrones, Alfred Figuly and Richard S. Parrin. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2003, at D.W. Newcomer's Sons, 8201 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS, with the service of Trisaigon at 7 p.m. Born December 11, 1930, in Kansas City, KS, the son of Nicholas Steve and Steriani Gatzoulis-Vedros (deceased), he graduated from Argentine High School in 1949 and attended classes at Kansas City Community College before serving his country in the US Navy during the Korean War, 1950-1954. He then continued his education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Business and a minor in History. He also completed Real Estate Graduate Studies with the National Association of Corporate Real Estate Executives. It is an understatement to say that Kansas City (both sides of the river) would not be the place that it is today, were it not for the remarkable career, dedication, and love of Kansas City that Mr. Vedros displayed. He quietly made things happen "behind the scenes" with such sterling integrity and a reputation of getting the job done. He had a knack for planning, supervising, and securing public and private financing to acquire land, thus developing urban projects"recycling" older areas of town and making them viable commercial properties. He also helped to attract new industries to the greater metropolitan area. Mr. Vedros was a true public servant, starting out as the Chief Administrative Officer with the Public Building Commission and moving on to become the Executive Director of the Urban Renewal Agency (1957-1976). Kansas City, KS, found a true champion in Chris Vedros, developing the Argentine area through the Armourdale Industrial Park redevelopment while implementing several urban renewal projects. A few that stand out are the Center City Mall and construction of the City Hall of Kansas City, KS. He then crossed the state line and loaned his talents to Missouri, becoming the President of the Kansas City Corporation for Industrial Development (1982-1987), after his role as Chief of Operational Planning for GSA, Region VII (1976-1982). Subsequently he served as President of Business Development for the Economic Development Corporation of KC, MO, (1987-1988), while functioning as President of the Kansas City Corporation for Industrial Development, Charitable Fund (1982-1989). He also served as President of the Kansas City, MO, Union Station Corporation (19891991), where he began to formulate a plan for the redevelopment of the historic landmark. He continued to wear multiple hats as the President of the Greater Kansas City, MO, Foreign Trade Zone and Executive Director of the Planned Industrial Expansion Authority. He also served as administrator for the Industrial Development Authority of Kansas City, MO (1990 through present-as a consultant after his illness.) Mr. Vedros also gave freely of his time to sit on the board of directors for various organizations, including his role as Building Committee Chairman for Providence St. Margaret's Health Center in KCKS (1972-76). Yet, the organization that he gave most freely of his time and of his heart was his church-St. Dionysios Greek Orthodox Church. From infancy throughout his long life, Chris served the parish well with his God given talents in a variety of capacities. Most notably, he served as President of the Parish Council and as an esteemed board member for many decades. He also served as the Building Chairman for St. Dionysios when the church moved from Armourdale to Johnson County in 1976. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America awarded him the St. Paul's Award for his dedication to the church in 1972. Perhaps the single most crowning glory for Chris was his role as husband and father. He is survived by his wife Pauline, of 42 years (of the home), and was preceded in death by his son Nicholas "Nicko" C. Vedros (1998). His daughter, Paula C. Sanborn resides in Dallas, TX, with her husband Michael, who also loved Chris like a father. Of course, the "lights" of his life were his two grandsons, David Michael Sanborn and Christopher Nicholas Sanborn, also of Dallas, who will miss their "Papoulie" so much. He is also survived by his siblings George Vedros, Dr. Andrew Vedros, Mary Antos, and Alex Vedros, all of the Kansas City area, along with a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Those who knew him will remember him as "the one person who would go to the ends of the earth to make good things happen for the people he loved." In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Sisters Servants of Mary, 800 N. 18th St., KCK, 66102, who took such wonderful care of him physically and spiritually during his illness. Contributions can also be made in his name to the St. Dionysios Memorial Fund, 8100 W. 95th St., Overland Park, KS, 66212. (Arr. D.W. Newcomer's Sons Overland Park Funeral Chapel, 913-648-6224)