John George Nikolaou

John was born on February 18, 1941, to Maria and George Nikolaou in the beautiful seaside village of Kato Vasiliki, Greece.

John emigrated to Canada in 1970 where he continued his career as an electrician, running his own business for over 40 years. His entrepreneurial spirit would later rub off on his children.

Having played semi professional soccer in Greece, John had a passion for the sport that he brought to the Greek community of Halifax. In 1972, he was instrumental in launching the Hellas Athletic Association. What began with two senior mens teams soon expanded to include eight minor league teams. These teams were made up of not only children of the Greek community, but children of numerous other ethnicities. Many of these children are still on the pitch today, some still playing, and others leading and inspiring just as John did many years ago. This is a big part of his legacy and we are very proud of him for that. He loved his Greek community in Halifax, and spent years involved in various facets from the Greek school, community council, and a board member of AHEPA. His volunteerism lives on through his granddaughters today.

To say John had a zest for life would be an understatement. Ever the social butterfly he loved spending time with friends. Whether coffee dates with his parea, long drives “makria!” with his friends in Greece, or phone dates with his fellow ex-pats around the world. Even better if there was a Johnny around.

John is survived by his wife Panorea, his son George, his daughter Bessy (Carman), his son Billy (Stella) and his granddaughters Ariana and Yianna, whom he loved more than words could describe.

He was preceded in death by his parents Maria and George, his brothers Panagiotis and Vasilis, and his beautiful daughter Maria.

Visitation will take place on May 12 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at JA Snows Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Monday May 13 at 1pm at St Georges Greek Orthodox Church on Purcell’s Cove Rd.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. George’s Greek Orthodox Community Extension Fund via etransfer at [email protected]