George Anagnostakis

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George Anagnostakis on August 12, 2023. He passed away peacefully, with family by his side, following compassionate care by staff at Michael Garron Hospital.

Born in the rugged mountains of Anopolis, Sfakia, on the island of Crete, he was orphaned at a young age and along with his older sister, was raised by his grandma, aunts, uncles and cousins. The relationship he had with his extended family was deep and he loved and cherished the Orfanoudakis and Hourdakis families who took him in as their own. This bond was not broken by the passage of time or distance. At the age of 18, he started work on a cargo ship, sailing across the world. His eyes sparkled when he spoke of all the exotic places he’d been and the sites he’d seen. His love of exploration and adventure was passed on to his children and he encouraged them to travel. In the mid-1960s, after years of sailing around the world, he and his best friend made a pact – they would get off the ship, wherever it should dock and start a new life. The ship docked in Montreal and a life in Canada was born. There, he met his wife of 55 years and soon after, moved to Toronto. Two young children quickly followed, with a third 8 years later. With little education but strong determination, he worked extremely hard to provide for his family and he succeeded. His family didn’t lack any of the things that mattered. He overcame a workplace injury and continued to work until he was unable due to illness later in life. Although he did not have the opportunity to be raised by his mother or father, he was a wonderful father (“Ba”) to his three children and a loving grandpa (“Pappou”) to his five grandchildren. Nothing brought him more happiness than seeing and being with his grandchildren. Throughout his life, he embodied resiliency, perseverance, kindness, love and hard work, making him a wonderful person and role model. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Eleftheria, his son Emmanuel (Julie), daughters Christina (Rob), Julia (George), his grandchildren Domenico, Marella, Isabella, Alexia and Sophia, his sister Evangelia and nieces, nephews and cousins in Canada, the U.S., Australia and in Crete. He will be loved and missed by all those who knew him. Thank you to everyone for the love and condolences.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

The Heart and Stroke of Canada: Donate HERE

Michael Garron Hospital Foundation : Donate HERE
and/or a charity of your choice.

May he rest in eternal peace

Interment Section 7/Pine Hills Cemetery