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John Karn uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
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Uncle Jim was one of the finest men I have ever met in my entire life.
Jim was wise beyond words. We often talked of the importance of faith and family, as the keys to living a good life.
Uncle Jim, I listened to every word you told me. I just hope to someday be half the man you were.
When my youngest son Edward passed away in January from a long struggle with cancer. Uncle Jim was there for us at Eddie's wake. It really meant a lot to us to see you and your family. We are forever grateful for your kindness.
I often think back on our many conversations and the lessons you told me about my responsibilities as a husband, father and now grandfather. I will cherish those memories forever and hope to live up to your example.
Thank you Uncle Jim for your kindness and friendship.
May god bless you and your wonderful family. With love and deep respect.
John & Sue Karn & Family
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Nicholas Koutras uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, February 18, 2021
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I knew Dimitrios Koutras as my pappou however, for many, he was much more than that. He was a husband, father, uncle, brother and friend. Being the youngest of all of his grandchildren, I didn’t have as much time with him compared to others however, I still have many memories with him that I will always remember and continue to cherish for the rest of my life. Between catching Largemouth Bass with him or helping him make some of the finest maple syrup I have ever tasted, pappou always made sure that I was enjoying myself and never missed an opportunity to hug me and tell me that he loved me.
I have always had trouble understanding what people say in Greek but one thing I have learned is that words aren’t universal, actions are. Pappou’s actions always spoke for themselves and he taught those around him by doing, not by saying. Keeping that in mind, it is so difficult to remember pappou’s life using words but I will always remember that when he hugged me, it said more than what a thousand words could ever say.
I will always keep pappou in my prayers and I wish him a good rest in paradise with the big man upstairs. Rest easy pappou.
Katherine Koutras posted a condolence
Thursday, February 18, 2021
When considering how to summarize my feelings about death, I am drawn to a particular quote from a TV show which has stuck with me during this time: “[Death is] the mountaintop from which your whole life is at last visible, from beginning to end. Death completes you.” I think that if I could be at that mountaintop with Papou at the time of his passing, I would be overwhelmed by the enormity of his accomplishments.
At the funeral, Father Alex said that Papou “finished the race of faith.” I’ll never truly know what Papou’s relationship with God was like, but I know that he was a pillar in my spiritual and personal development. I love the way that he ritualized everyday actions and routines, and in doing so made them sacred. Going to bed, cooking, cleaning, eating, and spending time with family, it all came back to God for him. He once taught me to do my cross properly when I was in church. He said that you only need to do it once, do it slowly, and do it well. God will know your true intentions and devotion. Papou taught me what true humility is, and that true devotion to faith and anything important in your life is best expressed quietly and personally. He taught me so much, and I don’t think I can recognize every lesson he taught me because they are so ingrained in the fibre of my being. Ultimately, Papou gave me the best gift he possibly could: himself.
Today, I had the honour of bearing my grandfather’s body to his final resting place with my cousins as pallbearers. It was truly an honour and a pleasure to do this task; to perform the last physical favour that I can possibly do for him. His hands worked so hard during his life, and it was all for his family.
I hope that my words and my presence can provide comfort and solace to my family who are saddened at this time, and that moving forward we can make some beautiful memories that Papou would be proud of. Tony said it right today when he said that we need to nurture our relationships with each other, and give as much of our time as we can. Let’s take every opportunity to be together and celebrate our love for each other, which is the love Papou gave to us. I am so proud of the way that we have come together during this time. We have not fought, and I know that Papou would be so happy to know that even in his passing we are together and celebrating the way that he taught is.
I know that many of us are struggling with the events leading up to Papou’s passing. He was so vibrant and then his heart attack brought him to the hospital. It’s easy to speculate and run through “what-if” scenarios, but God did what he needed to do. Papou knew how much we loved him and that we would do anything to make him better again. I commend the strength of my Baba, Thea, and Yiayia as they made difficult decisions about Papou’s end of life care. I admire their strength and their resolve to do right by Papou’s wishes. I hope that one day I too will have that strength.
I want this tribute to serve as a comfort to my family who are struggling with their own grief and especially to my Dad, who deserves nothing but unconditional love from his family at this time and always. I want to thank my Baba for being especially open and honest with us during this time about his feelings and his experiences with Papou, and for listening to our sadness and heartache. He is the best son anyone could ever ask for, and is a first-class Dad. I know that I can’t take away his sadness, because no one is that powerful, but also because sadness is proof of a life well-lived. Papou was worthy of our tears and our sadness because he provided so much love and support in his life. In some ways I feel unworthy of his love, but I have to trust that Papou saw something worth loving in me. His love was unconditional, and I will always take comfort in that.
I hope to lead a life worthy of remembrance, just like Papou did, and that one day I will look down from the mountaintop and smile.
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Mary Margaret Cruikshank lit a candle
Thursday, February 18, 2021
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I would like to send my heartfelt sympathy to Soula and her family for their loss.
Mary Margaret Cruikshank
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Frank Vispo lit a candle
Thursday, February 18, 2021
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Our deepest condolences to the Koutras/Pezoulas family and Soula. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Frank Vispo
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The Pezoulas Grandkids lit a candle
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
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Throughout the past few weeks, we have received many flowers, phone calls, and messages from family and friends sharing their sympathies, and we thank you all. These were so nice to receive, yet painful because each one reminded us of the loss we were not prepared for. Pappou was loved by so many people, and all those who were fortunate to encounter him, are better off for it today.
What makes Pappou’s passing even more difficult is that he was so full of life, had such a positive energy, and was so selfless never wanting to burden his family and loved ones with any struggles. His strong character and his love for his family are what helped him endure these unique and lonely circumstances. Knowing we were not ready for him to go, he wanted to stay with us on Earth, and only once we granted him permission to let go and fly, he did just that. He has become our guardian angel in Heaven.
He was most dedicated to his family, was the biggest supporter of his “eggonia” (grandkids), and he always beamed with pride when talking about us. His unconditional love and support will be cherished forever.
Although we all struggle in our own ways with the loss of Pappou, these are some of the struggles that Tina, Tony and Alexa are dealing with...
Tina struggles with not having had the opportunity to make the maple syrup and hunt with Pappou at the “caliva” (camp), but her fiancé Dallas was able to do these things with him during the last year of his life. Tina finds comfort in knowing that she has someone who can share these memories of Pappou with her anytime.
Tony struggles with the cancellation of his summer 2020 trip to Greece where he would have spent two weeks with Pappou and Yiayia. Their trip was cancelled too, keeping them in Ottawa for the summer allowing them to plant Pappou’s beloved “kipo” (garden), watch it grow, and enjoy the harvest together.
Alexa struggles with not having seen Pappou in person for the last year and a half of his life while she studied abroad. What hurts even more is that she and Jonny were so close to Greece and could have been with Pappou and Yiayia in the summer 2020, but regardless, she has a never fading memory of his laugh, his smile, his hug, and all the best times spent with him.
Although there were many covid restrictions this past year, keeping Pappou and Yiayia from travelling to Greece, our families got to spend the summer together with him. Despite all the Covid travel restrictions this past year, our whole family was able to celebrate his 88th Birthday together with him in Ottawa (with the exception of Alexa) for the first time in almost 30 years. What a true blessing in disguise!
Us grandkids have learned from Pappou to always look for the silver lining, live life to its fullest, and have a positive energy just like him. For us, his illness had a silver lining, because Alexa moved home during a time of need, and in the end we all got to spend time in-person to begin grieving and mourning the loss of our Pappou.
Pappou and Yiayia formed what became one of the most loving, caring and close-knit families. The Pezoulas and Koutras families owe it all to them. His memory will be eternal in all of us, and we will be forever grateful to be part of his family legacy.
Pappou’s kids and grandkids never experienced life without him, and we are all fortunate for that time with him, but now we have to learn to live life without his presence and guidance. From the day many of us were born, he was already there as our patriarch, protector, and pillar of this family. Today, he smiles down on us, protecting us still, protecting us forever, and preparing a nice home for us when we all meet again.
Losing a loved one is never easy, but it is not “Goodbye, Pappou”, it is “See you again, Pappou”.
We love you forever and always, and we thank you for everything you taught us, all of the time you spent with us, and all of the wisdom you imparted on us. You were one of a kind and will never be forgotten.
Rest in Peace Pappou.
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Ellen posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Soula and George, our deepest condolences for your great loss. May He Rest in Peace.
Dino & Ellen Georgopoulos
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Kohar Polimenakos posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
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Thank you Theo for being a part of my life and raising a wonderful lifetime friend. My heart breaks for the fact that you are no longer here. I will miss your smile and joyful tears. My only comfort is the fact that you lived your life.... to the fullest.... to the end. I am proud you fought when it was hard to. I know that, even in heaven, you are probably working on pruning the grape vines, fixing your fishing rod or putting on your hunting boots to go out, or maybe preparing a lamb with your wine for all the family you haven't seen in a while.
You know you will never be forgotten..
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Suzanne Parent posted a condolence
Monday, February 15, 2021
Dear George,
May I offer you my deepest sympathies on the loss of your father. His obituary was a wonderful expression of his life. My prayers are with you, your mother and your family at this painful moment.
Suzanne Parent
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Dino Koutras and Mrs. Emily Falvey pledged to donate to The Hellenic Community of Ottawa
Monday, February 15, 2021
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Philimon and Katina Koutras pledged to donate to The Hellenic Community of Ottawa
Monday, February 15, 2021
In loving memory of Dimitrios Koutras, from Philimon and Katina Koutras.
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George & Nathalie Kachulis lit a candle
Saturday, February 13, 2021
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Dear Koutras Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss - our deepest sympathies to you all. Jim was a kind, good-natured man who touched the lives of all those who came in contact with him. He will surely be missed by all, but never forgotten; may your hearts find healing in cherished memories. God bless his soul, and may his memory be eternal.
Zoi Se Sas,
George and Nathalie Kachulis
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Kosta Georgaras posted a condolence
Saturday, February 13, 2021
My deepest condolences to the whole family. Mr. Koutras will be deeply missed. I had the honour to work with him on the Hellenic Community of Ottawa By Laws many years ago. We had many conversations about the future of the community that he loved so dearly. He would always say to me, "Kosta, we have to make sure that the changes we make to the By Laws will support the youth, the youth is the future of our community." Through this commitment and many others, he has left a lasting legacy. May his memory be eternal. Kosta Georgaras
Tina Pezoulas uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, February 13, 2021
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Pappou, I will forget you never, I will think about you often, I will remember you always. May your memory be eternal, and may you Rest In Peace. You are now our new guardian angel, and I believe you will guide us in the right way for the rest of our lives. I miss you, and I love you Pappou!
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Chris Anastasiou lit a candle
Friday, February 12, 2021
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Jim will forever be in our hearts and mind. His life was about caring for his family but also his fellow man. His hospitality was always evident regardless where you were with him. Our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and our dear friends. Who knows? perhaps one day we will all meet in the heavens and crush grapes together to make a blessed wine. Rest In Peace «με αγάπη - πάντα στην μνήμη μας «
Chris, Athena and family.
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Ron and Donna posted a condolence
Friday, February 12, 2021
Jim, we will miss you. You made our lives brighter and made us better people for having known you. From the Florida renovations to the sands of Evia, it was good to be along for part of your voyage. With a tear in our eyes we say farewell. Our condolences to all of the family. Jim was a man you could be proud of. Ron and Donna
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The family of Dimitrios Koutras uploaded a photo
Monday, February 8, 2021
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The family of Dimitrios Koutras uploaded a photo
Monday, February 8, 2021
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Highland Park Cemetery
2037 Mcgee Side Road,
Carp, Ontario K0A 1L0
Telephone: (613) 831-4600
info@highlandpark.ca