Vasilios "Bill" Georgios Lazarou

With profound sadness but with hope in our Lord’s Resurrection, we share the news of our beloved Vasilios “Vasili” (Basil) Georgios Lazarou, a loving husband, cherished baba (father), precious papou (grandfather), son, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, and chanter passed away peacefully on Friday, December 1, 2023, at the age of 88. He was surrounded by loved ones, he has left an irreplaceable void.

Vasili was born on February 18, 1935, in Ellopia, also known as Karadas, Greece. The small village is located in central Greece, where his parents Georgios and Paraskevi Lazarou raised him alongside his older siblings Louka and Tassos. From a young age, Vasili became known throughout the village for his beautiful chanting, which he began performing at the village church Agia Paraskevi. His reputation extended beyond the village for his sweet and gentle nature, and his acts of kindness.

Growing up in his village marred by war, he refused to let the situation hold him back. Instead, he made the most of his circumstances and rose above the challenges. He was the star of the show, performing lead roles in local plays, busting out moves in the dance group, and kicking butt on the village soccer team. He was always eager to participate in cultural & religious events, panigyri/festivals, which were a big part of village life; you couldn’t keep him from dancing when he heard a tsamiko or kaggeli.

At eighteen he enlisted in the Navy, and traveled throughout Greece serving his country with pride. During his time with the Navy, he formed close relationships that would last a lifetime. Being a part of the Navy filled him with pride and honor.

Vasili married the love of his life Morfo Tourikis, in 1967 in her village Domvrena, Greece. He first laid eyes on her when he pretended to be selling onions, out of his produce truck, in her neighborhood to get a glimpse of her. Morfo was in the middle of her chores, wearing her raggedy cleaning clothes, and wasn't prepared to be seen. Vasili, however, persisted and invited her to his soccer game. She played hard to get, saying she may or may not show up. But, true love prevailed, and she ended up strutting up and down the sidelines, trying to catch his attention. Unfortunately, Vasili was too busy looking for someone who looked like "Raggedy Ann," and didn't recognize his true love dressed up like a movie star! Morfo wore her fanciest dress, paired with a chic hat and sunglasses, and was dressed to impress; however, our baba was on the hunt for his Raggedy Ann, and oblivious to the fashion show. Even after that hiccup his charm and kindness won her over and they were happily married for 57 years.

In 1968, Vasili and Morfo made a brave decision to move to the United States in search of better opportunities for their family. Sponsored by Theo George and Thea Maria Kost they settled in Seattle, Washington near their extended family. They arrived with their nine-month-old son Georgios (George), and soon welcomed their daughter Paraskevoula (Voula), and son Panagiotis (Pete). Vasili worked at various jobs initially, and found a career with Burlington Northern- Santa Fe Railway, from which he retired from.

Vasili was an enthusiastic podosfairo (soccer) player and a spectator; well enthusiastic might just be a bit of an understatement, but we’ll leave it at that. He was an active player with the Seattle Greeks team and hardly ever missed a match on TV – Go Olympiakos! He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, he was an avid gardener who tended to a variety of vegetables and fruit trees at both the family's home in Ballard, WA, and our ancestral home in Ellopia, Greece.

Vasili was a devout member of the Greek Orthodox Church, participating in chanting at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church and then St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. After retiring from the railroad, Vasili dedicated himself to the church and his passion for chanting. Recently, the community celebrated his remarkable 50-year dedication to the church where he served as head chanter.

However; his greatest passion was being a papou (grandfather) to his four beautiful granddaughters, Alexandra, Vasiliki (Aliki), Emorfia (Mia), and Maria. He loved telling stories about his life growing up in Greece, and enjoyed teaching them about their Greek culture, many traditions, Greek orthodox religion, and language. His granddaughters adored him, and he adored them just as much. He treasured every moment he spent with them, and always made sure they felt loved and cherished. To him, being a papou was the greatest joy in life, and through them, his legacy will endure.

Vasili's memory will live on as a shining example of selflessness, humility, kindness, dedication, and love for his faith, family, church, and community. His unwavering commitment to these values was deeply respected by all who knew him, and his influence will continue to inspire generations to come.

In addition to Vasili’s parents and in-laws, Vasili was preceded in death by his brothers Louka and Tassos, his brother-in-laws, Haralampos Tourikis, Michali Tourikis, and George Kost, and sister-in-law, Dina Bakamus. Vasili is survived by many family members and friends, to include, but not limited to; his wife, Morfo, his son, George Lazarou, his daughter, Voula Lazarou, his son, Pete Lazarou, his daughter-in-law, Blue Lazarou; and his grandchildren Alexandra, Vasiliki (Aliki), Emorfia (Mia), and Maria. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

His voice will continue to echo in our memories.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at Evergreen Washelli, Seattle, WA, from 5:30 Viewing; 6:30pm Trisagion.

The Funeral service will be held at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle, WA, and is scheduled for Monday, December 11, 2023, at 11am. Reception will be held following the service in the St. Demetrios Parish Hall. Interment will take place at 2:00pm at Evergreen-Washelli Cemetery, Seattle, WA.