Christos Elias Gianarakos

Celebrating the life of Christos Elias Gianarakos

Opening Greeting/Prayer given by family friend & care giver, Trish George:

First I would like to say welcome. Thank you for coming. I know alot of you, like Pop's friends Maril & Mike came from far away to honor Chris & we appreciate that. Second you will notice there is a sequence of today's events in the program you were given. This is because every morning when I would come to Christos' house he would say to me....What's on our agenda today? Today I want to make sure he knows what's on the agenda.

While going through some of Christos' mementos, I came across a letter sent to him in 2007 by his old childhood friend Art Koulias that included a prayer that reminded him of Chris. Art passed away on

January 6, 2008. I thought this letter & prayer would be wonderful to share with you.

March 22, 2007

My friend, Chris:

I first came across this prayer yesterday. While reading it, you ~ my Spartan Friend,

flashed before me. I have met and known thousands of people, and you topped all of them.

During your birth, the Greek Gods gifted you with this gift as explained in the prayer written

by B.J. Hoff. It is as follows:

Lord, Let me be a gift to others....

A caring smile

for a heavy heart ~

A kind word

for a lonely heart ~

Let me be a gift of love today.

Art

At the bottom of Art's letter, Christos had hand written....Art Koulias died on January 6th,2008. We were life long friends, attended Mass State together and served in WWII.

Eulogy given by family friend Dave George:

Christos Elias Gianarakos was born in Lowell, Massachusetts on January 6, 1920. He rejoined his beloved wife Angela on Tuesday, January 29, 2013. Chris was 93 years old. He is preceded in death by his Greek immigrant parents, Elias & Stavroula and siblings George, Sotoris, Mary, Helen, Anastasia & Telemachus. He is survived by his brother Peter Elias Generakos, son Peter Chris Gianarakos (& Paula), Daughters Christene (& Tim Sexton), Diana (& Michael Ponzi). Grandsons Scott Sexton & Peter Thadeus in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.

Chris grew up in a Greek community and while attending Lowell High School, he was enrolled in their ROTC cadet program which allowed him to continue his education at Massachusetts State College. In 1943 he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry as well as attaining the rank of 2nd Lieutenant through the Mass State's ROTC Officers Academy program. Upon graduation, he continued his officer training with the Army at the Fort Riley Kansas Cavalry Academy. Since horses were being phased out for WWII, he was then transferred to Fort Clark Texas to the US Army Mechanized Cavalry division. He began his campaign in WWII on January 1945 as a Platoon leader of the 773rd Tank Destroyer Battalion leading his men across Czechoslovakia which earned him a Bronze Star for his heroics .

After the war he stayed with the American Occupation assigned to the Regensburg Germany Military Cavalry Post. He was in charge of running the warehouses that distributed food to the refugees. It was in Regensburg that he met his Hungarian wife Angela & his Equestrian career began. Angela was a notable rider & was able to get Christos into the famous Spanish Riding School of Vienna Austria. He was able to train under the best riders. From there he competed against the most notable riders of Europe winning a competition, which was remarkable for an American rider. It put him in many German newspapers & horse magazines and people came from all over to watch the "American" compete. From this notoriety, he was offered a spot on the American Olympic Equestrian team in 1948 that was being held in London England but was unable to compete.

Christos, Angela & their young son Peter returned to America in 1950 where he continued his riding competitions for several years living in Keokuk, Iowa, then Arizona & eventually settling in Garden Grove, California. He tried out for the Olympic teams again in 1952 & 1956. Christos won the Regional Trials in Santa Barbara in 1956 but his Olympic dreams were dashed as there was no financial sponsorships to help pay for him & his 2 horses to travel to Florida for the National trials. His responsibility was with his wife & 3 children. Although he did not get to compete on the Olympic level, Chris had no regrets because of the things he learned, places he went to & the wonderful people he met along the way.

Chris's full time career began with the Philco Ford Corporation that eventually was renamed Aeronutronic Ford Corporation and later changed to Ford Aerospace & Communications Corporation. He was the Manager of Technical Data & Publications for many decades. Simultaneously his horse hobby brought him a second career as a race horse consultant & trainer for all variations of riding whether for competition or leisure. He trained race horses & was the oldest jockey to ever be licensed to ride at age 73. He also trained the equestrian sport disciplines of Dressage, Endurance & Show Jumping.

Christos gathered a vast amount of friendships through his work and his love of horses that has lasted over 60 years. He would always say that his wife Angela was his angel and he had wonderful children that loved him. He was a LUCKY MAN because of the family he had and the collection of friends from all walks of life that he met along the way. No regrets...

Today we celebrate the life of Christos Gianarakos, the Last Cavalry man, for a life well lived...

Tribute given by Grandson, Scott Sexton:

Hello! Thank you everyone for showing up today. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Scott Sexton, and I am the grandson of Christos Gianarakos. We are all here today to celebrate the life of my grandfather, who did so much for me personally but never expected anything in return. We are here today to celebrate him for being the great man he was.

For me personally, I always referred to him as “grandfather” and nothing else. For me,it was never Pops, Popsie, Grandpa or Mr. G as some people liked to call him. I called him grandfather because it just fit right. It fit for who he was....complete. I say complete because everything he did was done with specific focus, effort and done the right way. My grandfather accomplished so much in his life. Whether it was horse back riding, boxing, tennis, education, military, you name it, he did it and he did it well. For as much as he did and for as much as he was always on his feet ready for anything, he was an amazing husband, father, friend and most importantly, he was a great grandfather to me.

It's amazing to see how many people have come today in his honor. It really opens my eyes up to how many lives my grandfather touched in some way. Whether you were his child, neighbor, care taker or his nurse or even a friend of 40 plus years, he touched a little something in your heart that made you feel he was there for you. Many he cared about just like his own family. He cared for others more than he did himself. That’s rare.

I remember not too long ago we were watching the pre-game show of the Lakers. Yes the Lakers! But let’s not go there right now. I can hear him now. With his High volume in his voice. Pass the ball, pass the ball!! He was referring to Kobe of course. We were watching the pre-game, and he's in his chair all bundled up - with layers of blankets on. It was drizzling outside by the way, and I told him - ok I have to go and he doesn't even wait for me to finish my good bye before he says ok, I want to walk you out….Hold on a second…he needs the walker and help to get up? In my head I’m thinking walk me out? No way, its freezing outside. He wouldn’t take no for an answer. So he did – and he shook my hand and waved goodbye to me as I drove away.

But that’s the kind of man he was. He was a caring, respectful person. I had a lot of fun memories with him. He taught me to shoot bow and arrows, use a BB gun, ride a horse, and even ran a 5K race with me when I was a kid. Whether it was helping work on my free throws when I played basketball or give me baseball tips - cause we all know how he loved to coach and was always ready to give his opinion. Or the times he would bring up politics at Thanksgiving dinner… I think we all know how that ended up.

My grandfather appreciated life and he really appreciated being alive. We would sit outside for hours on end sometimes and just looking out – checking out the world. The sky, the birds, people parking out front, you name it. We never talked much when we did that. It was too peaceful, even with the freeway noise right next to his house. We had this certain bond, and this understanding when we sat there, it was weird. It was almost like we were looking at the same things at the same time. Honestly, I’d say just sitting there and being in each other's presence was good enough, we didn’t need to talk.

I truly believe that my grandfather passed away when he was ready to go. He knew when it was time and he wasn't being selfish about it. He lived to be 93 years old. He was a “GREEK” to the bone…..and proud to show it, and he would always talk of his growing up and family and heritage…..But, the one thing I am so thankful for is, he left us in a peaceful way, in his sleep. After all he had been through - what a relief….Guess no one can ask for anything better than that.

There is so much more I could say about my grandfather, but honestly it would just take too long and we have to finish on time.

(Scott Sexton continued....)

The last couple of years my grandfather had his ups and downs and during this time he had a team of care givers and nurses by his side 24/7. These people honestly became like his second family. Without these devoted, caring people I’m not really sure he would have made it when he became so ill…..who knows what would have happened. Many of these people are here today, and on behalf of my family and my grandfather I want to take a few moments to make some honorable mentions:

CARE GIVERS: Gigi, Martin, King, Jocelyn, Carmella and our great friend...Trish George

Nurses from SEASONS HOSPICE:

Khanhi, Julia, Sherrie, Chante, Lindsay, Carmen, Rachel, Susan, Armi, Andrea and related staff at Hospice.

As well as Marilyn and Wayne Woodbury, who were my grandfathers neighbors for 27 years - and to Glen, Betty, Kristene and Mike Nolan. I also want to give my regards to his brother, Pete Generakos and nephew, Steven Generakos. Thank you for being there for my grandfather all these years. Thank you everyone. All of you mean so much to us! So again thank you!

Let’s just hope he doesn’t make too much of a ruckus up there! I can hear him now…..

Thank you!

Tribute given by Horse Racing friend, Mike Nolan:

My association with Chris began at a horse stable in 1972. He did me a kindness and we were friends thereafter. As many of you know, Chris trained all of my race horses. I would like to share one of his favorite stories with you.

Chris was training my last horse, a young two-year-old filly. She was gray and exceptionally strong. As her training progressed we trailered her, as we did all of the horses, to Pomona. She was unloaded and as it was her first time there, she was excited. She was bellowing and jumping around, nostrils flared putting on quite a show. Chris led her around for a few minutes to settle her down. Finally Chris said "Mike, get the saddle".

By this time, we had attracted several watchers. As she was being saddled, one of the gawkers called out, "Hey you guys come on over and watch this old man ride this horse" (Chris was 73 at the time) He was expecting quite a show.

Chris moved easily into the saddle, rode her out to the track and circled it five times. The filly was under perfect control and acted beautifully.

When Chris returned, the crowd dispersed.

A few minutes later the man who had called out earlier introduced himself and said that he was a professional trainer. He sheepishly said, "I sure would like to train your horse".

On the way back home, we relived the past moments and really enjoyed a very good laugh. "Old man, indeed!"

Terry, who couldn't be here today, and I are not going to say goodbye Chris, just so long for now.

Tribute given by friend and neighbor, Marilyn Woodbury:

Hello my name is Marilyn and 26 years ago my family and I moved into the house across the street from Chris and Angela. From day one they were both so friendly and kind which made me wonder a little bit about the prior owners of our home because they had told us when we bought our home that our neighbors would never talk to us. I'm so grateful they were wrong.

Chris loved being outdoors. He was forever taking trees, bushes and whatever else he could plant and he and his dog Daisy would be off to the fenced off side of the freeway. Mind you the gate had a lock on it but Chris would just keep cutting it off until eventually Caltrans gave him a key! I giggled some nights when I heard Angela calling for him. "Chris, Chris!" she'd shout from her door like when you call a child in from play. This went on for many years. Angela passed and eventually the state widened the freeway & took all but two trees that Chris convinced them to keep.

My family and I all loved Chris. he was always outside playing basketball with the kids or trying to teach them how to box. He even took the time to paint lines on the street so they could play horse and to make parking more efficient. He always spoke to both of our children about the importance of an education. He would tell them it's your ticket to freedom. Robbie our son especially liked to hear Chris's stories of the war. Robbie would say to me all the time, Mom, Chris is a very interesting man. On Saturday's you would know when it was 2 o'clock because that's when Telly would arrive to go play tennis. Oh my gosh on the days Chris would put on his riding gear and be off to the stables, I'd tell my husband Wayne....You know baby, that Angela, she's one lucky woman! The days he would rescue Wayne by letting me vent to him so Wayne wouldn't have to hear it. He even sold us our daughters first car. Chris and I would spend a lot of time together out in our front yard digging up roots from my tree and when he would go get the chainsaw, I'd tease him and say "Just cut the whole thing down!". He didn't like that. We moved rocks together & planted flowers. He had his larger dust pan of a shovel so I was the sweeper and he was the picker upper.

In the earlier years Chris loved to talk about tennis, trees, his dogs, horses, being Greek, and politics; that was not my favorite discussion! Later years we mostly talked about our love for our families, friends, people, nature's balance and how harmonious life can be if you choose it. The love Chris had for his family was so evident; he was so proud of his children and grandson. Chris loved people. His kindness and generosity was so unique. I used to say to him all the time...It's hard for me to imagine you being an officer in the service and a supervisor at your job. He would say, Marilyn, a man's got to do what a man has to do for his country and his family. You have to be disciplined. I'd laugh a little, give him a hug and we would be back to whatever.

Chris was always doing such kind things for me like making sure my dream of some day eating a piece of every type of pie there is. One day he just brought me a pie! This went on for years. Even after he was ill he told Dini..."I want you to take Marilyn a pie." It wasn't until that moment I realized what he had done. Not only did I get to eat a piece of every pie you can imagine, I had the WHOLE pie. I think of all the beautiful flowers he'd plant and the lawn ornaments he'd put out just so I could see them from my window. Although, it's been hard over the last few days to look out my window and know my friend is no longer here. I look forward to when the memories will follow through to me and I will picture that beautiful stature of a man with his stop watch around his neck or a rake or wipe in his hand. Chris Gianarakos was my friend and that friendship will be something I will always treasure and hold very close to my heart the rest of my life. I love the man. He was truly one of the kindest, most honorable men I knew.

Tribute given by Trish George:

First I would like to say a special thank you to Rachel Carpenter from Season's hospice who volunteered her time and talents today to sing at this celebration. Pop LOVED when Rachel would come over to sing to him. I found this ironic when Dini told me that someone from Seasons was coming to sing to Christos again. Initially Season's had Andrea come to sing to Pop last summer. She asked him if he liked music & he went into the story on how he took violin lessons for 12 years but had no musical talent and could not carry a tune. Andrea pulled out her guitar & started singing Michael row the boat ashore. Before she even got to the chorus, Pop started turning up the volume on his tv to the max so he could "WATCH" Roger Federer play at Wimbleton. Andrea being a good sport, responded by packing up her guitar, smiling at Pop and saying "Well, maybe another time!" I couldn't figure it out as I had never met Rachel so I asked....what does she look like. Rachel is young, sweet and in her 20's with long blonde hair. Okay this was finally making sense. Pops would listen to her sing and hang onto every word with a big grin from ear to ear! Andrea was as equally talented, her only downfall was that she was more my age...she didn't stand a chance! So again thank you Rachel for bringing such happiness to Pop and for being here today. It would mean alot to him.

I met Christos about 18 years ago when my son & his grandson started kindergarten and played on various sports teams through the years. Somewhere along the line I started affectionately calling him Pop and he never seemed to mind. He was a big fixture in Scotty's life attending school events and ALL Scott's sporting events sometimes to Scott's chagrin as you could always count on Pop to be coaching from the side line.."PASS THE BALL!!! " not to mention the countless hours he would spend teaching Scott the fine art of shooting a free throw. He was passionate! I have to laugh because just two weeks ago we were watching a Lakers game together and they were playing badly. I yelled at the TV....Come on Howard, GET A REBOUND, pass the ball!!! Pop said to me....Trish, calm down....it's just a game! How ironic is that? I told Pop...I can give you $19.5 million reasons why he should play better. We both laughed.

Pop and I got a lot closer over the last 4 years as I became his weekly companion & driver since he couldn't drive anymore. I am proud to say that he felt I was an EXCELLENT driver so we went on many adventures. He would not hold Chrisy & Dini in that same regard...it was more of a white knuckle event. We talked about so many things and Pop LOVED to teach you things. He tried to teach me the fine art of golf and putting. I tried NOT to teach him the fine art of swearing, which for me...comes naturally when playing golf! You can ask my sons! I will say this, over the past couple of years my putting has really improved.

I also worked with Pop trying to archive all of his pictures. He had THOUSANDS of them which I came to realize later ...that a lot of them were the same dang picture....just cropped down closer & closer & closer. Dang that Walgreens....they made a mint the last few years!! Anyway, Pop would always say to me..."Did you ever know anyone with so many pictures??", to which I would reply..You know Pop, I think you could give the Smithsonian a run for their money. He would share stories about every picture we came across. It amazed me that after all these years he could remember the story behind people, places and the different horses in each shot. When I actually met one of his friends for the first time, I felt I already knew them.

We also ventured in planting a vegetable garden one summer. It's ironic as I am a farmer's daughter with the perpetual black thumb. My boys used to bring me a plant on Mother's Day each year & say, "Look Mom, we brought you another plant to kill". Anyway, it was so much fun working side by side each day to watch it grow and produce several varieties of tomatoes, green beans, peppers. He would always send our harvest home with me to share with my family. We also started decorating the front garden with God awful lawn ornaments & Flamingos like this one here! Every holiday we would pick something out to dress the Flamingo up in. It was totally tacky but Pop & I loved it. We would sit in the front yard for hours looking at the garden & just laugh.

(Trish George continued...)

We had nature at his front door with all the lizards, birds, an occasional baby possum that would show up in the yard & of course the feeding of the wild mama cat that could come around with her kitten. He had a big heart for animals. Pops helped me find our new dog Finn after our sweet Slapshot passed on. He was always trying to get me to go to the local shelter. After 3 months I gave in & took him and that's where we found Finn together. We played with him in the shelter courtyard & I took pictures. The next day Finn went home with my family. Now as that ornery Jack Russell eats half of Dave's belt, or my ink pens or a letter from the table...I'd tell Pop the wild story the next day and he would laugh. Finn was family and as Pop said...Family was important.

I will close with a story Pop often told me about his childhood and something his father would always say. His father would tell him that without family and friends, a man has nothing. He would use a stick for this analogy. He would say that a man that stands alone is like a stick and can be easily broken. BUT...a man that has his family and friends behind him to support him can stand strong because all the sticks bound together are not easily broken. Today as you leave the chapel, you will see a basket of sticks. I would like each of you to grab a stick and carry it with you to the gravesite. There I have a box with one of Pop's old Greek flags. Please place the stick in the box so I can bind all his family & friends together and wrap them in the flag to go with Pop today. This way he will not stand alone; we will be with him on his journey home to Angela today.

And one last thing....they say that when you hear a bell ring....an angel got his wings. Well, here is one of the bells we had on Pop's walker so we could hear if he was getting up if we were out of the room and be there to assist him. He was pretty stealth character on his stronger days so he had a THREE BELL alarm system on that walker that would jingle each time he got up to walk! I just want to say Pop has been working on his wings the last few months and now he finally has them.

Thank you all for coming. There is a large box of peppermints by the basket of sticks. Pops LOVED his peppermints so grab a stick and a mint to take with you to the graveside. The Army Honor Guard will be at graveside to honor Pop and family friend, Marilyn Woodbury will say a closing prayer.

Closing prayer at graveside by Marilyn Woodbury:

Let us bow our heads and pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing forth all the family, friends and caregivers that administered care to Chris with such gentle hearts and hands during the time he needed it the most. Please help to comfort this family in their time of sorrow. Help to dry their tears and truly know in their hearts and minds that they did everything they could possibly do for their father. As we leave here today, Lord fill our hearts with the joy of knowing how blessed we all were to have such an incredible man in our lives and as we say goodbye, help us to take comfort in knowing that he's come home to you and his beloved Angela. We ask these things of you dear Lord in Jesus name we pray. Amen.