It is with great sadness that the family of George Gannitsos announce his passing on December 29, 2009 at the age of 73 at the Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current, SK.

A prayer service was held on January 1, 2010 from the Lifegiving Font Greek Orthodox Church at 7:00 PM. The funeral service for George Gannitsos was held on January 2, 2010 at 1:00 PM from the Lifegiving Font Greek Orthodox Church with Father Spyridon Vandoros and Father Michael Michael officiating. The pallbearers were George Yiannitsos, John Yiannitsos, Peter Yiannitsos, George Tsougrianis, George Tsourgrianis, Taki Tsougrianis. The ushers were Nick Tsougrianis, Pete Tsougrinanis and Chrissy Wilson. The interment took place at Hillcrest Cemetery.

George was born to John and Eleni Yannitsos on April 23, 1936 in the village of Stolos, Greece. In November of 1960, George emigrated to Canada at the age of 24. He made his way west from Halifax and worked briefly in Regina before settling down in Swift Current in 1963.

George dedicated his life to his family and his business. He owned and operated the Akropol Family Restaurant in downtown Swift Current for over 40 years. He was well known for his brilliant smile, enthusiastic greetings and affectionate slaps on the back. He was adored by both his staff and his customers and for George, the restaurant was more than a business - it was his home and his family.

When he wasn't working George could be found pitching a few horseshoes, bowling a few frames, spending time at the lake, or indulging in his latest passion, fishing at Duncairn Dam. He also loved his "part-time job" at the K-Motel carving roast beef with his brother-in-laws at Sunday brunch.

George was a devoted and patient husband, father and grandfather, and a thoughtful and caring brother, uncle and friend. He loved spending time with his extended family and took joy in seeing them together at Greek community, church and family functions.

George will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by Helen, his wife of 42 years; children: Irene (Rob McLaughlin) Gannitsos of Vancouver, John (Rebecca) Gannitsos of Swift Current, Maria (Dagan Clark) Gannitsos of Saskatoon; grandchildren: Eleni, Zoe, Sutten, Seth, Hannah and Georgina; brothers: Peter (Dina) Yiannitsos, Nikos (Sofia) Yiannitsos, Jim (Martha) Yiannitsos; in-laws: Louis Tsougrianis, Gus and Joanne Tsougrianis, George and Lorna Tsougrianis; as well as his many nieces and nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and his father and mother-in-law, George and Irene Tsougrianis.

In remembrance of George, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society at Wheatland Mall Unit 12A, 1150 Central Avenue North, Swift Current, SK, S9H 4C8.

Warren's Funeral Home were entrusted with the arrangements. For further information call 773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606 or visit our web site at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members in our book of condolences.