Peter Limberis
Mar 15, 1919 – Mar 9, 2010
With great sorrow and heavy hearts we wish to announce that our Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather, our Papou, has left us to join the love of his life, Elaine, in Heaven.
Born in Grammousa, near Sparta in Greece, Papou left his village at the age of 12 to move to Athens, where he worked as a house boy washing and polishing marble floors. At the age of 14 Papou left to work on the freighters, traveling the world, supporting his mother and siblings back at home with his earnings. Coming to Canada in 1937, Papou first lived in Victoria where he worked on a farm and in restaurants before joining the Canadian Army – Canadian Scottish Princess Patricia Regiment, training in Halifax and in Victoria.
Settling in Ladysmith after serving in the Army, Papou established the Thetis Island Oyster Company before starting both the Star Drive Inn and Spartan Restaurants. In 1969 Papou established the Limberis Seafoods Ltd., which in 1994 became Limberis Seafood Processing Ltd.
In 1939 he started a long distance romance with his sweetheart Elaine in Greece lasting eight years. Separated by the war, Elaine, our Yaya, was able to join Papou in Canada where they married on July 11, 1947. Papou raised three children and helped and supported many of his extended family creating a dynasty and a legacy that will live on.
Papou, a spirited Greek man, past Rotarian and member of the Royal Canadian Legion worked hard and loved his family intensely. He was most happy when he had his family around him.
Predeceased by wife Elaine and son in law Jack, Peter is survived by his daughters Tina (Peter) Nisula, Maria (Stewart) North, son Leo (Debi) Limberis, grandchildren Marlaina (Mike), Thea (Sam), Shereesse (Scott), Peter, Elaina (Kris), Angela (Dean), Peter, Alexandria, Rachael (Vern) as well as 13 great grandchildren. Papou, forever our patriarch and Spartan warrior, your life has been an adventure and we will remember your stories and strength forever.
A celebration of his life was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ladysmith, BC, on March 20th at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit @ Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
Me Poli Agapi Ya Panda