Nick Stamatiou, 1937 – 2022
It is with deep sadness that our beloved father and grandfather Nicolas Stamatiou passed away peacefully with family by his side on January 23, 2022.
Nicolas was born in Glossa, Skopelos, Greece on July 13, 1937. As a young teenager, he travelled by boat to Canada in 1956, following his older siblings in chasing a better life. Nicolas returned to Greece and married Alexandra (Malamos) in 1963. They were married for 40 years and had three children: Zoe (David), John, Angela (Chad) and cherished all of his grandchildren: Caitlin, Cole, Zachary and Markus.
As a young boy, Nicholas learned how to become a tailor and he continued to dress well; always found to be wearing a well pressed shirt and pants nearly every day.
Upon his return to Canada in 1963, settling in Ladner, Nick worked to fulfill his dreams and provide for his family. He became a commercial fisherman for over 50 years which afforded him the ability to create the life he imagined. As a skipper, he travelled all of the surrounding seas off of the West Coast with his brother George and their sons, making memories along the way. Nick had many favourite spots that he spoke of often, which included meeting hundreds of friends along the way, of which he never has forgotten nor have they forgotten him. After retiring from fishing and raising his family, he settled in his favourite spot, Galiano Island, which was surrounded by the most fish!
He spent his days looking after his hummingbirds, including daily visits from his deer, surrounded by Arbutus trees and the ocean. He would call it ”living in paradise”. Nick hosted many, many visitors from far and wide, sharing homemade wine, ouzo, Greek songs, stories, lots of food, sometimes dancing and of course, his special smoked salmon. All of these gatherings took place on his outside deck under his grapevine, surrounded by lemon trees, flowers, tomatoes, garlic, cucumbers… you name it, Nick had grown it! He loved Galiano with all of his heart and soul.
Retreat Cove on Galiano is where he will be resting, surrounded by everything he loved.
Nick leaves behind many beloved family, his two sisters Tasoula and Vassiliki, friends and neighbours. He joins his brother, two sisters and many friends. His smile would brighten anyone’s day, light up any room. He captured the hearts of so many people throughout his life. Always a gentleman to the end, his legacy will forever live on in all who cherished and loved him dearly.
A Celebration of Life will be held later this year. For now, Dad has gone fishing…
Such a beautiful tribute to Uncle Nick. Many people were touched by him. He was kind with such a generosity of spirit that he shared with gladness of heart. I remember his bright smile that lit up the boat from bow to stern. I could feel his love. His kindness and attentiveness always made me feel special. May God keep him safe and close on his next Journey. My thoughts and prayers are with Zoe, Johnny, Angela, their families and the wider family. He will be very much missed.
A wonderful tribute to Theo Nick. We will cherish our memories and will miss drinking wine and fishing with him. My boys were very fond of Uncle Nick and I know Galiano won’t be the same without him. Always cheerful and smiling, Rest In Peace, dear Uncle. Sending our love to the Stamatiou clan. Helena, Darwin & Andrew
Safe journey Nick! so happy to hear that you are in the sea of the bountiful, the fish will always be biting. It was a pleasure to know you and to fish along side of you.
Safe journey Nick! so happy to hear that you are in the sea of the bountiful, the fish will always be biting. It was a pleasure to know you and to fish along side of you. Tight lines
I got to know Captain Nick while working on the docks in Montague Harbour on Galiano, where he kept his boat. We became friends, and as a young man, I spent many happy hours with him, eating peanuts, drinking homemade wine, and listening to his wisdom. He had a zest for life, and I always admired his optimism — the kind of optimism that convinced him that olives might grow in the Galiano sun if he just believed hard enough! I will remember him very fondly. My sincere condolences to your family.
Beautiful picture of your dad Zoe! I luv it. Everything you wrote about your dad is true. Beautiful tribute.. Uncle Nick can not be replaced. He was a Ladner Legend & will never to be forgotten. He did have a contagious smile & he was so very handsome! R.I.P. Uncle Niko – Uncle George, Aunt Maria & my mother must be in their glory to be reunited with you once again. ♥️Rest easy.
What an exciting life he had. He will be missed for sure but memories will always be in your heart.
So sorry to hear of your loss Zoe. It sounds like your dad lived life to the fullest and touched so many people along the way. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Beautiful picture of Uncle Nick, that is exactly how I remember him-happy. His memory will live on in our hearts ❤️ along with all our wonderful childhood memories.
Love,
Nicky
Very beautifully said. Thoughts and prayers with you all. He has become your guardian angel.
Very well said! Our deepest condolences to all of you! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all love Bobby and Irene!!