Obituary of Denis Bastas
Denis Bastas
Age 71 years
Peacefully passed away at Lakeridge Health Bowmanville on Saturday September 16th, 2023 after a courageous battle with ALS, with family by his side.
Much loved husband of the late Eleanor Bastas (nee Stillman). Loving father of Denise (Argiris) Argiriou, Joanna Mastrangelo, Tina (Douglas) Hope and Nicole Cornish. Cherished pappou of Alexandra, Anastasia, Aristea, Luke, Matthew, Arthur, Zoe and Ethan. Dear brother of Chrissi (the late Peter) Kapsiotis and Gus (Karen) Bastas. He was predeceased by his parents Ioannis and Dionissia Bastas, brother Nick Bastas and survived by his sister in law Georgina. He will be sadly missed by his many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
At the age of 16, Denis left his family behind in the small village of Agios Leon, Zakynthos Greece, to embark on a journey across the ocean in search of a better life. The search ended when he stepped foot on Canadian ground at the age of 19. He started this new chapter in Ontario, where he met the love of his life Eleanor. They married and in 1974 welcomed their first daughter in Lindsay, Ontario. In 1975 they decided to move to the town of Bowmanville and their family grew with the addition of three more daughters. Denis’ ultimate goal to make a better life for the family he left behind in Greece started with arranging for his brother Nick to join him in 1974. The remainder of the family followed closely behind, and they were finally all reunited in Canada in 1977. Denis’ mind for business and his strong work ethic contributed to the success of the restaurants that he owned and operated alongside his brothers Nick and Gus. Their legacy started in 1974 with the Olympia Restaurant in Bowmanville, followed by the Olympia Restaurant in Port Hope and Three Brothers Pizza in Bowmanville. After parting ways Denis decided to leave the restaurant business. This hiatus lasted for several years until he made his way back for his final success with Zante Restaurant in 2006. After many long years of hard work he finally retired in 2015, giving him the freedom to enjoy friends and family, spending time with his grandchildren, travelling back to his homeland Greece and enjoying his love of the outdoors while biking, fishing and hiking along nature trails.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Dr. Zinman and the medical team at Sunnybrook Hospital ALS Clinic, Dr. Howard Burke and RPN Erin Flagg, Lakeridge Health Bowmanville and the Innomar Nursing Staff.
Visitation will be held at NORTHCUTT ELLIOTT FUNERAL HOME, 53 Division St. N. Bowmanville on Wednesday September 20th, 2023 from 5 – 8 pm. A Private Family Service will be held. Interment at Bowmanville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to Sunnybrook Hospital (ALS Clinic), ALS Society of Canada or Bowmanville Memorial Hospital Foundation.
