After a brief but very intense battle with cancer, Ted passed away on April 30, 2021 at the age of 81. For those who were close to him, he was a rock; a larger than life man.
Born to humble beginnings in Greece, Ted came to Canada to make a better life for himself and to start a family. His life is a classic Canadian immigrant story, one born of hardships that eventually grew into a full life of family and dreams fulfilled. He made many sacrifices and was never afraid of long days of hard work. When asked by his grandchildren what his secret to success is, he always said it is hard work and nothing else.
He married the love of his life Dina, in 1960, after they both emigrated to Canada from Greece. It was in Montreal they started their family with son John and daughter Bess.
Ted took on any opportunity during his lifetime to work and provide for his family beginning in 1957 in Montreal. With many stops in between, moving to Orillia proved to be the best decision for Ted and Dina as they opened Queen’s Pizzeria as a small take-out that turned into a thriving restaurant business. Years later, Ted and his family opened Theo’s Eatery, an Orillia institution to this day. He loved the business world but he felt the greatest joy when hearing from happy Queen’s and Theo’s customers. He was proud to be Theo of “Theo’s Eatery” when recognized. He developed many lasting friendships with clients, customers, and employees - many of whom worked for Ted a long time.
He experienced many struggles and successes in business and one of his life’s goals was to become a successful entrepreneur and restaurateur. But the motivation and drive behind these goals was only secondary to providing for his family-above and beyond. It was with his family that he felt the greatest pride. His kindness and immense capacity for love, generosity and togetherness were constantly present. Nothing gave Ted more pleasure than watching his family grow and he was especially proud of his grandchildren.
He loved family gatherings. He loved the closeness, the banter, the joking, and Yiayia’s cooking. His kindnesses, trusted wisdom, and humour - oh how he loved to laugh. His love and laughter cannot be replaced or ever forgotten. He loved to tell stories. He never ran out of them. We are all the better for having had him in our lives. Along with family gatherings, Ted always loved and looked forward to having his daily coffee with his buddies, solving all the world’s problems.
Ted was an extremely loving and devoted husband, survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Dina (Kotsovos); a devoted father survived by his son John (Susan Neale) and daughter Bess (Tim Moffatt); and an extremely proud grandfather of grandchildren Teddy (Erin James), Jack, Georgia, and Dina; a devoted brother to sisters Helen(George Tsemperis), and Antonia (Jim Kyriopoulos) and predeceased brother Chris (Voula) Gardiakos of Australia. Predeceased by parents John and Vasiliki Tselikis.
He is also survived and loved by a very large extended family to whom Ted was a patriarch for many; a man who they could go to seek advice and help.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital and/or Mariposa House Hospice.
Due to Covid protocols, visitation will take place for family members only.
Funeral services will take place at the Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West St., N., Orillia.
Following the funeral service Tuesday, May 4, 2021, interment will take place at St. James’/ St. Andrew’s Cemetery, Orillia.