KOUTROUMPIS, John

Celebrating the life of John Koutroumpis

John (Ioannis) Koutroumpis peacefully departed this life on Thursday, October 12th, 2017 in Barrie, Ontario with his wife Sophia at his side following a short battle with prostate cancer.

In addition to being survived by Sophia, his wife of 49 years, John precedes his oldest son Peter and his wife Stacia along with youngest son Theodore and his wife Jennifer. John follows his mother Argirou and father George, and brother Dimitros in death, while being survived by his sister Nikki Petinos of Loutraki, Greece.

Born in Piraeus, Greece on June 11, 1941, John was an active youth who enjoyed swimming and playing soccer and other sports with friends while also possessing a studious mindset and desire to learn. After completing technical school training in engineering-related studies and serving and training in the Greek Air Force, at the age of 19, he took on the adventure to travel the seas aboard a merchant-marine ship that eventually sailed to Canada, his future home. As in immigrant in Canada, he extolled the virtues of working hard, and forged and followed a path as a chef and restauranteur to live out his dream of owning his own business, having a family, and establishing lifelong relationships with many people.

John sowed deep roots in the communities that he and his family lived in, including Aurora, Richmond Hill, and Barrie. During those years, he owned various restaurants he established, and eventually finished his working career as a certified and licensed cook at Sara Vista Long Term Care Home in Elmvale. Never one to just sit and relax, he would always create and work on things around the house, find time to make regular visits to family and friends, while also hosting many at his home as well. He also proudly committed time to the Holy Cross/St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church and community.

A passionate sports follower and fan, John’s love for his favorite ‘Black and Gold’ Greek pro soccer team, AEK Athens, transferred to North America as he passionately cheered for and likewise supported the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Steelers. He read many books and newspapers, listened and watched many broadcasts of any and all sports, and could recount in detail the related stories and statistics he perused. He passed on the joy of activity to his sons and ensured that they would experience and participate in as many as they wanted while complementing their commitment to sound academic study and achievement.

A visitation for John is scheduled for Monday, October 16, 2017 at Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home (201 Minet’s Point Road) from 5-9 p.m.

John will be laid to rest at St. James Cemetery following a final ceremony held at Holy Cross/St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church (572 Penetanguishine Road) at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.