Obituary of Nickolas Lekkas
Nickolas "Nick" Lekkas
Nick was born on December 19, 1943, to his mother Diamando Lekkas (nee Terzi) and his father Angelo Lekkas in a small village called Geraki, near Sparta, in Greece. He was the oldest of two boys. His father was killed in war action when Nick was just two years old. His mother immigrated to Canada in 1953 and later brought the two boys, Nick and his brother Angelo, in 1957.
Nick and his family mainly lived in Toronto when growing up. As he became a young adult, he traveled across Canada from Montreal to Halifax to the West Coast as he worked numerous jobs. He even went to the Woodstock music festival. He trained as a bodybuilder, boxer and powerlifter. He once sparred with the famous George Chuvalo.
In 1970, he returned to Greece where he met his future wife Helen (Eleni) Grispou. They were married on January 9, 1972. Together they had two beautiful sons – Kostas and Markos.
Throughout most of his adult life, Nick worked as a chef. He worked in numerous restaurants on the islands and resorts in Greece. Then, after the family moved to Canada in 1987, he continued working as a chef and restaurant-owner across Toronto and the GTA.
Nick was a lover of cars, including his prized 1987 Buick Grand National. Another passion was watching hockey. Nick loved watching the Toronto Maple Leafs, especially with his grandson Niko. Nick was proud of his Greek heritage and culture. He loved Greek cuisine, music, television shows and enjoyed travelling to Greece many, many times.
In his later years as a grandfather, Nick got tremendous enjoyment from his three grandsons – Niko, Jeffery and Tasos (parents Markos and wife Rebecca). In his heart were also his two granddaughters – Daphne and Pamela (parents Kosta and wife Joanne). Nick will be dearly missed by his wife Helen of 46 years, his son Markos and wife Rebecca and their three sons, son Kostas and wife Joanne and their two daughters, extended family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of one's choice would be appreciated by the family. In honour of Nick's wishes, a private service will be held for family and close friends. Interment Bowmanville Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to NORTHCUTT ELLIOTT FUNERAL HOME, 53 Division Street North Bowmanville.
