Ray Orestes Marinakis

Ray passed away peacefully in his sleep, one month shy of his 89th birthday in Langley. He emigrated from the Greek island of Kefalonia to Vancouver in the late 1950’s. A successful restaurateur, he spent decades feeding and entertaining Vancouverites throughout the city. He is perhaps best known for owning and managing the iconic Canyon Gardens restaurant in North Vancouver near the Capilano Suspension bridge. Charismatic and charming, for over 20 years Ray oversaw the wedding receptions of hundreds of couples, countless corporate functions and memorable New Year’s Eve extravaganzas. The Sunday brunches Ray created were famous throughout the Lower Mainland. A larger-than-life character, Ray was a people’s person with a zest for life and a playful sense of humour. He enjoyed cycling around Stanley Park, golfing, fishing and traveling the world. He was an active member of the local Greek community and supported many local charities. Ray is survived by his second wife Irene with whom he enjoyed nearly thirty years of happy married life. He also leaves behind a daughter Susan and son Dennis who live in London, England, his adopted daughter Yvonne, and his brother Angelo, a retired Vancouver lawyer. A memorial service will be held at Henderson's Funeral Home on February 18th at 11:30 am at 20786 Fraser Hwy, Langley BC V3A 4G6. For more information please contact RayMarinakisMemorial@gmail.com or call 011 44 7908 730 676.