On Monday April 20, 2020 Constantinos (Gus) Loubardeas at the age of 85 passed away peacefully. The world has lost a kind and generous man, known for his warm smile. Gus was born in the town of Paralio Astros, Greece to his parents Helen and Peter Loubardeas. Surviving sisters Theodoti (Manoli) Orfanos, Panayota Georgiou, Alexandra Mavitzis, and brother Stavros Loubardias (Janice Sulik).
He came to Canada in 1959 by boat with nothing more than a small suitcase and a Grade one education. In his early years he worked in a variety of small businesses including Mr. Softie Ice Cream Truck, A & W and Well’s Painting. He was the founder of Venice Pizza & Spaghetti House, which grew to 24 restaurants at its peak and was spread across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Gus always loved the restaurant business with his final venture being the Beacon Drive In (Ice Cream Shop) in Victoria. Gus was the definition of a successful entrepreneur. Gus’s generosity meant that he helped many others become entrepreneurs.
He is survived by: his first wife Jean Loubardeas their son Peter (Barbara) Loubardeas and their children Michael (Kendra), Christopher and Stephanie; Daughter Helen (Tony) Turay and their children Maria (Ashton) Phillips, Katie; Great grandchildren Maxwell and Arthur. His second wife Helen Buckley-Loubardeas and their daughter Deanne Loubardeas (Nicole Little). He will also be greatly missed by his special dog Mimi.
He was predeceased by his parents; brothers Dimitris (infant) and Haralambos; sister Triantafillia; sister in law Eleni Loubardeas; brother in laws Nick Theodorou & Chris Georgiou.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to all the staff at the Amica Douglas House for their kind support during his stay. A special thank you to Rev. Father George Tolias & nurse Suman.
His friends and family will truly miss his positive loving support.
Ο θεός να σε ανάπαυση Rest in peace
Due to COVID-19, there will be a private family Greek Orthodox service in Victoria, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice in Gus’s memory. Arrangements entrusted to McCall Gardens 250-385-4465
Condolences for the family may be offered below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
16 Responses
My heartfelt and warmest condolences to every one of his loved ones.
May our beloved Brother in Christ the Late Constantinos Loubardeas rest in Peace in the Glory and Bliss of God in His Heavenly Kingdom with all the Saints.
Until we meet again, May Your Memory be Eternal.
Amen.
Our warmest condolences to the family.
May his soul Rest In Peace in paradise that he deserves.
With heartfelt sympathy to my dear friends,Helen, Deanne, Cole and Steve.
Please know that I feel your pain as Gus was a remarkable man who lovingly touched everyone he met.
I will so miss Gus, I loved him dearly as fatherly figure.
The world has lost a truly special man and heaven has gained a special angel. I have no doubt he is now pain free and smiling his beautiful smile.
Sending prayers of strength and courage to all of Gus’s family and friends.. Much love to you all
Joanne Fitzgerald & Kevin Kohn
Dear Jean,
So very sorry to read of Gus’ passing. My late husband Walley and I always enjoyed his beaming smile and friendly “hello” when we saw both of you at The Beacon. You might remember us for our matching gold puffy jackets.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Very sad news he was a great guy condolences from Helen Ed and Darlene you will be greatly misse
So sorry to hear of Gus’s passing. He was a good man with a beautiful smile. Always bringing up joy into a room. My sincere condolences to the entire family. Myriam Golf
Condolences to all who loved Gus. I’m sure there many. Gus and my parents were dear friends, and I was always happy to see him… at social gatherings or just in passing. Rest In Peace Gus. Thinking of you all, Rena and Mercina Kokkas.
My sincere condolences to the family. As Gus’s goddaughter, I remember him as the most gentle and generous man. He would often drive to Regina to visit our family. I would jokingly try to count how many times he would say “manari mou” or “kamari mou” during a single visit. Ο θεός να ανάπαυση την ψίχουλα σου Νονέ.
Peter , I was sad to learn of your Dad’s passing , I remember back in the mid 70’s when we went to Alvin Buckwold school together the long hours your Dad worked , he worked very hard at getting ahead and it’s no coincidence that he instilled that quality in you.
My condolences to you and your family Peter as well as your sister Helen and her family, take care my friend
Peter & Barb and Helen & Tony,
I am saddened to hear of Gus’s passing after a long life filled with kindness and generosity to all who were lucky enough to know him. Two years ago I stopped in at his Beacon Drive In to visit and express my gratitude for his friendship, support and guidance when we opened our business many years ago. Our success was due in large part from having Gus share his knowledge and community contacts with us and I am forever grateful. I hope you will be comforted to know that many friends have such wonderful memories of a truly honourable, generous, and humble man.
Gord Matheos