John (Yiannis) Koukouras

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of John (Yiannis) Koukouras on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at the age of 92 years.

John was born in Krinofyta, Kalavriton on January 2, 1928 to Geneos and Eftyhia Koukouras. Times were hard during World War 2 and Greek civil war. He served as a police officer in Greece before he immigrated to Edmonton, in 1960. In 1961, Antonia, the love of his life, joined him in Edmonton where they got married. John and Antonia sponsored many of their relatives to immigrate to Canada and helped them get settled. John and Antonia moved from Edmonton to Banff where he co-owned the restaurant in the Bow View Hotel and shortly after the Banff Cafe. He was co-founder of the El Toro Restaurant and few years later The Balkan Restaurant.

John loved fishing and hunting. He bought a boat that he named Antonia, and from May Long weekend when fishing season opened at Lake Minnewanka, until the September long weekend when fishing season ended, you would find John fishing either with friends or Antonia. Many times he would stay out in the lake past midnight because he had caught more fish than what was allowed. He would wait until the park wardens had all gone home so they wouldn’t fine him and take his fishing license away. 

John was loved and respected in the Banff community and he was missed by many when he moved to Calgary. John is predeceased by his parents, his two sisters, brother, sister-in-law and brothers-in-law. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Antonia and many friends and family.

Due to Covid restrictions, the memorial prayers and the funeral service will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation in John's memory to either the Alzheimer Society or the Calgary Health Trust. 

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