Demetre Spanos

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Demetre “Jimmy” Spanos. Demetre was a man whose life was not typically marked by loud words or grand speeches, but by quiet strength, perseverance, humility, and love.”Demetre was born on April 28, 1929, in Makinia, Greece. His beginnings were humble, and his early life was shaped by hardship. He lived through war, participated in military service, grew up with little. At just thirteen years old, he suffered the devastating loss of his mother—a loss that would force him to grow up far too soon. As a young teenager, he left behind his father, his sister, and his brothers to find work as a storekeeper in Athens, driven not by ambition, but by necessity and responsibility.

In 1958, with courage and hope in his heart, Jimmy made one of the bravest decisions of his life. He left his beloved homeland of Greece to seek a future filled with opportunity. His journey took him from Greece to Paris, then to New York, and finally by train to Union Station in Toronto. He arrived with little more than determination, a strong work ethic, and faith that hard work would lead to a better life.With limited knowledge of English, Demetre took on whatever work he could find. He washed dishes. He searched newspapers for job ads, always looking for something better. One day, he noticed there was a high demand for pressers. Curious, he asked a friend what a presser was. His friend explained—in Greek—that it was someone who ironed clothes. When asked if he knew how to iron, Jimmy simply said "no"...but that answer did not stop him.Through another friend who worked at a dry cleaning store, Jimmy spent a few hours learning how to iron. The very next day, he walked confidently into a clothing factory in Toronto’s Spadina fashion district and announced that a professional presser had arrived. He was hired on the spot.That moment marked the beginning of a twenty-year career with Nu Mode and Highline Clothing. Demetre took immense pride in his work. He became known for his unmatched skill, especially when pressing fine fashions and wedding dresses. His work spoke for him—because Demetre believed deeply in one simple truth: If you do a good job, people will respect you.In 1961, Jimmy met his love, Bessie. They married later that year and built a beautiful family together. Their daughters, Roula and Helen, were born in 1964 and 1967. Demetre embraced his life in Canada, always striving to give his family more—more comfort, more opportunity, more security. He was forever searching for the next home, the next move, the next step forward.Yet, no matter how far he traveled or how long he stayed away, Demetre never forgot Greece or the family he left behind. In 1974, he returned to Greece with his children so they could meet their grandfather. Nervous to ask his employer for the time off, Demetre was deeply moved when his boss not only granted the request, but sent him off with happiness and pride, recognizing how deserving Demetre was of that reunion.Wherever Demetre went, and whoever he worked with, he was loved and respected. His humbleness, decency, and sense of humour drew people to him. He wasn’t a man of many words—but when he spoke, people listened.In the 1980s, Demetre decided to leave the fashion industry and try something completely new: taxi driving. For those who knew his driving style, that career choice raised a few eyebrows. But once again, Demetre didn’t let doubt stop him. For eight years, he drove as an independent cab driver, sharing laughs, stories, and his unique humour with countless passengers. Eventually, he returned to his true craft—pressing—where his hands and heart always felt most at home.Outside of work, Demetre found joy in simple pleasures. He loved his garden. He cherished the kafeneio —the companionship, the conversation, the camaraderie. He knew how to enjoy a good homemade meal and took great pride in his homemade wine. And always, there was his humor—whether it was his famous “Boy, boy… party!” at every family celebration or his gentle way of bringing lightness to any moment.One of the proudest moments of Demetre’s life was watching Roula and Helen marry Jim and Loui. He stood tall at their weddings as a father whose heart was full. That pride only deepened with the arrival of his three grandsons, George, James and Chris. They were, in so many ways, the sons he never had yet always wanted. He loved them deeply, quietly, and completely—watching them grow brought him immense joy and fulfillment. Above all, Demetre lived a life of values that never changed: work hard, stay humble, respect others, and lead with kindness. His words—“Peace and love”—were not just something he said; they were something he lived.Demetre's life is a powerful reminder that greatness does not come from wealth or status, but character. From resilience. From love for family. From showing up every day and doing your best, even when life is hard.We will miss him deeply. But his legacy lives on—in his family, in the lives he touched, and in the example he set for all of us.May we honor Demetre by carrying forward his humility, his humour, his work ethic, and his message of peace and love. May his memory be eternal.I

In lieu of flowers, donations to Diabetes Canada or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.

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