Name: Visitation for Augustus George "Gus" Ganakas
Start: 2019-01-15T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2019-01-16T01:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Thomas Aquinas Church

Augustus George "Gus" Ganakas

East Lansing - Augustus George "Gus" Ganakas went home to the Lord on January 11, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his children, Gail, Gary, Greg, Anne, Amy and Marcy, who will miss his daily guidance. The love of his life was his family. They brought him joy, happiness and comfort. Gus was born and raised in Mount Morris, New York to Greek immigrants, Edward and Eugenia Ganakas. He graduated from Mount Morris High School in 1944, where his love of academics and sports provided him opportunities to develop his coaching skills. Immediately after graduation he proudly enlisted and served in the United States Marine Corp, the Battle of Okinawa, a part of the Pacific Theater of World War II.

In 1946 he took advantage of the G.I. Bill by attending Michigan State College to earn his Bachelor and Master's degree. Gus married his lifetime sweetheart, Ruth D'Imperio. Their unconditional love for each other endured for 67 years until Ruth's death in 2014. Gus's professional career spanned over 65 years beginning as a teacher at Olivet High School, then continued an illustrious 14 year career at East Lansing High School teaching algebra, coaching football, basketball, baseball and golf. While at East Lansing High School, Gus is most noted for winning the 1958 Class B Boys Basketball Championship. Gus spent the next 40 years at Michigan State University serving as Director of the Ralph Young Scholarship Fund, Assistant Basketball Coach, Head Basketball Coach, Assistant Athletic Director, and finally as the radio voice of Spartan basketball. His grandchildren, Erin (Zach) Webb, Jennifer Rose (Ryan) Calverley, Katie Rose Dalebout, great granddaughter, Genevieve "Evie" Rose Webb and his many nieces, nephews, and friends will miss his sense of humor, love, words of wisdom, gentle nature and hearty laugh. The family is blessed that he was with us for so long. He will be missed forever and always.

His devoted wife, Ruth, parents, brothers, and sisters preceded him in death. The family is extremely grateful to Sparrow Home Hospice for the gentle care and support given. Those desiring may make contributions to St. Thomas Aquinas Church or St. Vincent DePaul at St. Thomas Aquinas, 955 Alton Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823 or Marine Corp League, 477 Michigan Ave., #1232, Detroit, MI 48226 Visitation and Services will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 955 Alton Rd., East Lansing. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 3:00-8:00 p.m. A Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, East Chapel, East Lansing. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.greastlansing.com

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Published by Lansing State Journal on Jan. 13, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Augustus Ganakas

Sponsored by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes.

69 Entries

Rod De Leaver, Holy Cross `74

December 15, 2023

Rest in peace Coach, your guys played tough but fair.

Rod De Leaver, Holy Cross `74

Terry Moerman

January 18, 2019

Gary,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. While our family paths only crossed for a short time during his MSU coaching days back in the early 70's both Gus and you left a lasting impression on us during a difficult time. I will be sure to let my Dad know as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Shaffer Jim

January 18, 2019

To the Ganakas Family:

My thoughts and prayers are with you on the loss of your (and our) beloved Gus. What a wonderful man he was and legacy he leaves! It was a blessing to have him as a coach at East Lansing High School, Gail as a classmate (Class of 1967), and Gary as a valued teammate on the 1966-67 Trojans basketball team. I have many fond memories of your dad and looked up to him for many reasons, including as a fellow Marine veteran!

Heaven has a wonderful servant after his life on this earth. Rest In Peace, Gus! Semper Fi!

Alberta Kuhn

January 16, 2019

We were saddened to hear of your loss. Please know how very sorry we are.
It's hard to understand why people are taken from us, but find comfort in knowing you were a special part of his well-lived life.
He was a great coach and teacher and liked by everyone.
East Lansing High School Class of 1956.

John Witt

January 15, 2019

To the Ganakas Family,
From the early beginnings as an umpire for Kiwanis baseball at Valley Court in East Lansing, to his ELHS basketball championship , to being my Algebra teacher, to being my ELHS baseball coach, and beyond, Gus was the nicest, kindest, person I have ever known. Thanks, Gus, for being a part of my life. It will always be it's Gus, for us!
God Bless you all.
John Witt
ELHS 1963

January 15, 2019

Greg, I was so sorry to hear of your beloved dad's passing.....rest assured that Gus is now with his devoted and loving wife Ruth, embraced in God's outstretched arms, of that I am sure of. Heaven just acquired a new angel of grace in Gus Ganakas! Love from your old, old friend from college days, Kathy Forner

Sue Kelly

January 14, 2019

Gail, so sorry about your dad! Prayers and
blessings.

Vic DeRose

January 14, 2019

I am so sorry to hear about your father's passing. Gus was a long time friend of mine. I will be keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Vic DeRose

Robert Huston

January 14, 2019

Gary, Marsha and I were so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. We both remember his days as Coach and especially when you played for him at State.

We will keep you and your family in our prayers.

Your friends, Bob & Marsha(Fitzpatrick) Huston

Mark Farhat

January 14, 2019

To Gary Ganakas and family,My condolences for Mr.Ganakas. He did a lot for MSU from coaching and commentating.It was great to go to his basketball camp.Always great to talk to him,he was great with people.He will be missed but will not be forgotten.May he rest in peace.

Paula Betz

January 13, 2019

This is for Gary, I remember when he was coach & you played on your dad,s team, my dad worked for M S U as a custodian, his name was James Betz, he passed away in 1992. We were loyal fans from way back. I still am & will always be. Love to your family, your dad will be missed.