John Andrew Nicas

John died on June 26, 2018 in Victoria, BC.  John was born in Lethbridge, AB on November 21, 1920.  John is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Aphrodite (known as Dite), and his children, Thalia Nicas (Lou Jungheim) of Indianapolis, IN and Andrew Nicas of Hamilton, ON.  He is also survived by his brother Jim (Rosemary) and was predeceased by his brother Peto.  He will be remembered by many family members and friends from all over the world, but “Uncle John” will be especially missed by the many nephews and nieces, their children, and others who consider him to be their godfather.

John loved model airplanes as a boy and was able to follow his childhood dream of a career in aviation through many iterations.  He studied aeronautical engineering at Aero Industries Technical Industries of Glendale, California and jumped into the war effort to train as a pilot in the British Royal Navy.  His career in the Canadian aviation industry includes work in the Canadian aircraft and air transport industry, the Royal Canadian Navy, and the Civil Service of Canada (Public Service of Canada) in both the Department of Industry and the Department of Defense Production. His final career move was to Canadair (now Bombardier) where his expertise in aviation and international trade served to make the Canadair water bomber, the CL-215, an international success.  After retiring to Victoria, BC in 1984, John kept his connection to aviation as a member of the Victoria Airport Authority, as founder of the consulting firm Janicas Consultants.

John married Aphrodite Baracos, of Banff, AB in 1952.  His career took them and their two children Thalia and Andrew to Ottawa, Montreal and Brussels, Belgium.  Dite came to share John’s love of travel, and together they enjoyed all the world has to offer, especially cruising.  John enjoyed good food, good Scotch, a round of golf, telling stories, and especially a party.   He and Dite loved entertaining and sharing hospitality with their many friends and family.   At the time of his death, John and Dite were residents of Berwick House in Saanich.

John is a lifelong supporter of the Greek community in Canada and a patron of Greek Orthodox Church of the Saviour.

A Memorial Service will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at 10:00 am with a reception to follow.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com