Peter Nickolaos "Taki" Bourbous

Peter (Taki) Nickolaos Bourbous, age 53, passed away peacefully at Duke Regional Hospital in Durham surrounded by his father and dear friends on December 18, 2025. He was the son of Nickolaos George Bourbous and the late Sarah Shirley Potts Bourbous, of Durham. Peter was born August 1, 1972, in Durham, where he spent most of his life. He graduated from Durham Academy and studied engineering on a scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Afterwards, Peter studied drafting at Durham Technical Community College and attended classes at NC State University.
Raised from birth in the Orthodox Christian faith, Peter loved the Church of St. Barbara and its parishioners. He was an altar boy, a member of GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth Association) and AHEPA (American Hellenic Education Progressive Association), and was active in numerous Greek activities. He was very proud to be a dual citizen of the U.S. and his father's native Greece. Peter enjoyed traveling abroad, especially his many visits over the years with family and friends in Greece and Australia.
Peter had numerous special gifts that he shared generously with others. He was especially gifted with his hands. Peter intuitively just knew how things worked. There wasn't anything he couldn't build, renovate, or repair. Over the years he often worked closely with his father, maintaining and improving the many residential properties in and around Durham that his father owned. He had his own home repair business that kept him busy throughout the Triangle and he co-owned JJ Fish and Chips in Durham for a number of years with his father.
Peter faced the many challenges in his life like a lion; this molded his character of perseverance and trust in god that provided him with a shield of protection. Ultimately, this made him personalize his faith, which grew with the passing of time. Perhaps Peter's greatest gift was his heart-felt commitment to always treating others with friendliness, dignity and respect. In doing so, he built strong bonds with people. His love for others was deep and heartfelt, resulting in him doing anything he could for someone in need. This gift was beautifully illuminated as he bravely faced cancer during the last 6-months of his life. At the hospital, Peter crafted meaningful relationships with people working there, from the cleaners of his hospital room, to the duty nurses and aids, and to the attending physicians and his oncology team. Each person interacting with Peter at the hospital was drawn to his charm, humor, and respect of others. It was amazing to see the care, concern, and dedication that each and every health care provider gave Peter. The family would especially like to thank Peter's nurse Kelly, who went above and beyond in caring for Peter and easing his journey during his final days. Kelly's presence and support was a comfort to Peter and his family and friends.
Peter leaves his devoted father, Nick, of Durham; aunts, Effie Zaferis and Dina Giokoris, both of Sydney, Australia; and numerous cousins and other extended family. In addition to his mother, Sarah, Peter was predeceased by his brother, George; aunts, Christina Xinos and Toula Denos.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 8306 NC-751, Durham, NC 27713.