Obituary of Christos Costas Pilichos
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The family of Christos (Chris) Costas Pilichos, a few days short of his 81st birthday, is deeply saddened to share news of his recent peaceful passing from Acute Myeloid Leukemia on June 1, 2024. Chris will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him – family and friends who benefited from his kindness and wise counsel.
Chris was born in Halifax (June 9, 1943) to an inter-generational family with strong Greek roots. Extended family, gathered at the summer cottage, made for lasting memories. Chris was very proud of his Greek heritage and shared it willingly with his devoted wife of almost 58 years, Cynthia; loving daughters, Alexis Pacey and Andrea Pilichos (Steve Graham), Bedford, NS; and special grandchildren, Taryn Pacey (Majid Alban), Edmonton, AB and Devon Pacey, Toronto, ON; Nicolas, Andrew, and Evianna Pilichos, Bedford, NS. Family meals and special occasions of Greek food, lovingly prepared by Chris, and trips to Greece to connect with his father’s family and the culture there, were highlights for us all.
Chris was predeceased by his parents, Pelagia (Lily) and Costas Pilichos; his sister, Maria Pappas; his parents-in-law, Dr. Harry and Joy Smith; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. In addition to his immediate family, Chris is survived by his brothers-in-law, George Pappas, West Vancouver, BC and Deryk Smith (Shirley), Elora, ON; his sisters-in-law, Roz Smith (Bob Hauser), Comox, BC and Jane Smith (Lorway MacLellan), Halifax, NS; his niece, Danae Didur (Greg), and her family, Celeste and Bo, West Vancouver, BC; his nephew, Paul Pappas, N. Vancouver, BC; and numerous other cousins, nieces, and nephews of several generations, in Canada, the US, and Greece.
Chris grew up in Halifax, speaking only Greek when he started at Sir Charles Tupper School, then onto Cornwallis (Central) and Queen Elizabeth, followed by Dalhousie University (B Comm). Chris worked in the investment business and with Revenue Canada. The former was his professional love, where he offered thorough knowledge, sound advice, and excellent customer service.
A sports enthusiast, he watched them all on TV, having played a number in earlier days, with curling being one of later years. He was a loyal member of the fraternal organization AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational & Progressive Association) in the 1980’s/90’s, serving on its executive, with a term as President, and helping to manage its scholarship program even to the present.
The family wishes to thank the amazing care, concern, prayer, and support of so many, and, especially, the excellent care from every aspect of the NS health care and continuing care systems: you all helped make a difficult journey manageable.
Visitation will be Mon., June 10, 6:30 – 8:30 pm; TJ Tracey’s, 71 McQuade Lake Cresc. (Bayers Lake), with Memorial Service, Tues. June 11; 2 pm, Cathedral Church of All Saints, 1330 Cathedral Lane, Halifax; internment in the Cathedral Columbarium conducted by Fr. Peter Maropoulos; reception to follow in the Great Hall.
Contributions in Chris’ memory to the AHEPA Scholarship Fund are welcome: e-transfer to ahepahalifax@gmail.com or cheque to AHEPA Halifax, 32 Ravenrock Ln, Hfx., NS B3M 3A1.
