May 12, 1923 - October 5, 2021
In Loving Memory ~
With great sadness we say goodbye to our Dad Nick Pavlikis who passed away peacefully on the morning of October 5th after 98 amazing years. We are comforted by the thought that he is reunited with his beloved wife Eleni who passed away on June 4, 2021.
Nick was born and raised in Prince Rupert to parents Andreas and Amelia Pavlikis. He was a loving brother to his three sisters Sina, Amelia and Eugenia.
In 1944 at the age of 18 Nick enlisted in the Canadian Army serving with the Vancouver Seaforth Highlanders taking part in the liberation of the Netherlands and the occupying force in Germany. He was a proud veteran and legion member instilling in us a strong sense of loyalty and service.
Nick spent 16 years at the BC Forest Service before changing careers and working as an accountant for 25 years with the Prince Rupert School District. Active in the Prince Rupert community Nick was a proud member of the Elks Lodge and Secretary Treasurer of the Prince Rupert Curling Club for 25 years. We all learned to curl of course and enjoyed a bonspiel or two as we got older.
Nick loved music and played the euphonium in the Prince Rupert Community band for many years alongside side his daughter Elizabeth. There wasn't a Sunday that went by when you wouldn't hear marching band music playing throughout the house. (Dad's favourite music)
Dad married the love of his life Eleni in 1959 when she immigrated from Greece. They were married for 62 years building a wonderful life in Prince Rupert with good friends and family, while raising their children and grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, with a generous spirit especially to those less fortunate. When Dad retired in 1988 Nick and Eleni spent their time travelling to visit family and friends while enjoying longer visits to Greece.
While Nick enjoyed competitive sports in his youth and was an original member of the Fraser Street Tigers he found his passion after retirement in playing golf. He could be frequently seen on the Prince Rupert Golf Course enjoying a round with family and friends. Nick went on to compete in the BC Senior Summer Games in 1998 and with his son Andrew as caddy won a gold medal at the age of 79. He would go on to play golf for many years well into his 90's.
In 2004 Nick and Eleni moved from Prince Rupert spending the last 16 years in North Vancouver. They continued to enjoy travelling, entertaining family and friends and welcoming more grandchildren and great grandchildren. Nick enjoyed nothing more than hanging out with family and friends and friends and summer evenings on the patio deck with a rye and coke in hand.
He had many friendships from all walks of life and they all had one thing in common in that there was always a connection to Prince Rupert. He cherished them all.
Nick could not be seen without a camera or video camera in hand and thus captured the better part of 62 years of our lives. We didn't have to bring a camera or video camera to the party as we knew Dad would be there filming for us.
He was beyond happy with the introduction of a photocopier that could print out pictures. He meticulously archived our photographs and videos on DVD for future generations to enjoy.
While Nick enjoyed good health his entire life he struggled in the last year with dementia. He was however, still the Nick we knew, enjoying outings to the pub and walks along the beach saluting passersby.
Nick will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his three children Elizabeth Hood (Howard), Rania Harney (Jeffrey), Andrew Pavlikis (Shahr), grandchildren Niko Brain (Chelsey), Mayor Lee Brain (Hailey), Jay and Michael Hood, Paul and Nicole Harney and Nickolas and Lianna Pavlikis, great-grandchildren Henley, Kingston, and Olivia Brain, niece Angela Grodecki, (Robert), great nephew Brock Grodecki, his last remaining cousins Nick Paul (Clara) and Massina Arvanitis (Loukas) and many more relatives in Greece.
The family wishes to thank VCH home support, Living Well Homecare and the staff at Point Grey Hospital for their excellent care of Nick in the past year.
Rest in Peace Dad.
We love you and thank you for the memories. xo "The heart that truly loves, never forgets"
A celebration of life will be held for Nick and Eleni in Prince Rupert in the Spring of 2022.