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Obituary
NASTOS, Georgios
Peacefully at his home, surrounded by the love of his family on Monday, August 8, 2016, Georgios Nastos in his 81st year. Beloved husband of Niki Nastos (nee Kartas) for 53 years. Loving father of Gloria, Lanka, Frances and Kristina. Cherished Dedo of Nicholas, Justin, Jonathan and Daniel. Georgios was a dedicated family man, with a generous and kind heart. The love of his wife, daughters and grandsons was what gave him strength. He will be greatly missed and we will always carry him in our hearts. Visitation at Bay Gardens Funeral Home, 1010 Botanical Drive, BURLINGTON (905.527.0405) on Thursday, August 11th from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at Bay Gardens Funeral Home on Friday, August 12th at 11:00 am. Burial at Woodland Cemetery, Burlington will follow. For those who wish, memorial donations made to the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated. Please sign the online Book of Condolences at www.baygardens.ca
"Thank you for all of the memories, keep singing and we will dance again one day"
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| Janet Milligan (Friend) |
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Dear Stash and Family
You are in our hearts and prayers. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
God looked around His garden
And found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the earth
And saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.
With Love
Aaron, Janet and Adam |
| Danny and Roseali Costa (Friend) |
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from Oakville
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| Dear Frances, it's a sad time for you and the family. I pray that the Lord's peace and comfort will surround you as you reflect on the many lovely moments you've had with your dad. Many warm wishes to you and the family. |
| YOLANDA GRACI (Friend) |
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Fran,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I'm sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
May you find comfort in the many wonderful memories of your dad.
Sending you all a bug hug,
Yolanda |
| Jodi McGinnis (Colleague) |
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from Hamilton
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| My deepest sympathies to you, Kristina, and the entire Nastos family. May your fond memories bring you peace and comfort at this difficult time. |
| Nick Pavlov (Family) |
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from TORONTO
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George was a hero in many respects...he had the heart of lion. Brave and loyal to the end. Although he faced many tragic obstacles in his life, he never dwelled on the past or the circumstances he endured. He was silent and stoic at times, but that masked, what a profoundly contemplative person he was. He thought deeply about his family, children, grand children and people the community. He had a great deal to offer all who met him, he was a prolific listener. He put others before his own needs. I came to him, many times in my lifetime, he listened patiently offering only support and an open mind to my problems. He never talked about his accomplishments or achievements, he preferred and enjoyed the success of others. He was delighted when I graduated from law school, often taking collect calls and sending money to me during a challenging and difficult time in my life, as I sat in the United Kingdom studying.
He came to Canada and quickly established himself with the help of his brother and sister who also lived on Sanford Avenue (and still live there today). He become a production worker at Maple Leaf. He was quickly recognized by management, and given several promotions for his skilled carving and knife skills, working in the bacon and rib department. He worked many shifts to provide for his family, seldom refusing a shift. His desire to work and produce was prematurely, and unjustly cut short by two horrific workplace injuries. He carted cans of Mary Miles Canned Chili and Bacon home. Buying the products he created and distributing generously to neighbours and extended family. He was proud to work.
When the first accident happened taking his hand, he fearlessly returned to work, only to have his remaining hand lost to a new machine (that had the safety fence removed and thus making it virtually impossible to turn off). He was failed by the Union, WSIB, and a series of useless developments that did little to restore him as a employee or human. This lack of justice haunted him to the end. He was a selfless employee, forgotten by the union and ultimately his employer. A shameful chapter that would have destroyed most people but not George. Through the unequivocal support of his partner and wife, Niki, he was able to live at home. Her blind devotion allowed George to live at home, though we would never again be able to groom, dress or feed himself. His hands though attached to his arms, remained swollen, and he often wore mittens (which I guess muted the memories of his terrible accidents).
He may not have had a formal education, he was a sheep herder as young boy in rural Greece. However, he offered advice and safe harbour to any and all who needed sanctuary. He never judged, or criticized but he did have a strong sense of natural justice. He expected people to work, thrive, provide and excel. He also had a tremendous sense of humour. He loved displays of wit, and often made musings of his own that would cause a room to erupt in laughter.
I shared many of my successes with him, and his positive reactions always motivated me to do more.
He raised 4 talented and beautiful children (Gloria, Helen, Frances, and Christina). All of them gifted in their own ways, and each developing into strong leaders. He raised his grandchildren, proving guidance and wisdom in some very uncertain times. The door to his home and heart remained OPEN... always.
He placed little value in materials or belongings, except for a 1977 White Monte Carlo with a burgundy interior, both he and the car become celebrities in Hamilton and at the dealership. He saved for the car, and insisted on every option. He was uncompromising with the interior, when the salesperson indicated the car would take an extra 6 months to come from Detroit with the options George had specified, he was unwavering in his desire to have the car manufactured precisely as he wanted. He was patient, and thought me to save for things that I wanted and to buy them in cash. He was loved by merchants, and had made many friends everywhere. His trips to Sears were legendary.
He took pride in the car, but shared it freely. When one of his daughter's has a minor accident with the Car, and like any young adult was fearful of that her father would say, George offered sage advice "I can fix the car, but can't fix you...", and life moved on.
He took pride in his hair, and always had stylish sideburns, something that I also adopted later in my life. When I joked about using Vaseline in his hair, he also shared in the joke.
George, you may leave us in body, but your words, and influence shall remain. Your leadership and lessons will endure. You gave us courage and strength. You spoke beautifully and thoughtfully about your experiences in life. Your smile and friendly personality made you a celebrity in the neighbourhood. Your memory shall endure both now and in the future. I am not sad by your passing, only sad that we did not have one more opportunity to share a few more moments together. I could not have asked for a better uncle, role model and mentor. You were an amazing coach, friend and counsellor. You gave me strength to pursue my dreams and goals. Your journey has only just begun.... |
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