George A. Boutsikakis
George A Boutsikakis passed away on February 22, 2018 surrounded by his family after a valiant battle with Alzheimer's. He was able to pass into his eternal reward at home because of the loving care of his bride, Ekaterini, and his children and grandchildren.
George was born to Andreas and Martha Boutsikakis in Crete, Greece in 1936. He was the oldest of four siblings who all preceded him in death: Yiannis, Aristedes, and Marika. He grew up under incredibly difficult times, having lost his father during the war, and working from the time he was seven years old in order to help provide for his family. He served in the Greek Merchant Marines and then later immigrated to America to follow the dream that he so often would speak of with pride and never-ceasing ambition. He married Ekaterini (nee. Katsanevakis) in Greece in 1972 and he brought her to his NYC home where he cared for her like the princess that he believed her to be. George traveled into NYC from Brooklyn six days a week to work as a furrier while his bride was afforded the opportunity to stay home and care for their children whom they raised with love, hard work, and discipline.
In 1998, they moved to Salt Lake City, Utah where George and his bride could retire near her family. Retirement was never part of George's plan as he really didn't understand the concept. He assisted his son, Aristides, with his dream of opening a restaurant. George was so incredibly proud of that. He took his responsibility as a father very seriously, having lost his at such a young age, and jumped at every opportunity to help his children. He rejoiced in their successes. His heart was kind, compassionate, loving, and tender.
He is survived by his faithful and loving wife; children Martha (David) Gamble, Andrew (Catherine) Boutsikakis, and Aristides Boutsikakis; grandchildren Katherine, Kristina, George, Michael, Dawson, Molle, Daphne, and Sofia; and many family and friends all across America, Europe, and Australia.
The hole that he leaves in our hearts can never be filled. He lived and died with all that he had: love, hard work, compassion towards others. His memory will live on for generations by the impact of his teachings.
"We are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with The Lord." - 2 Cor 5:8
Family and friends may pay their respects at a viewing on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 from 6:00-8:00pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the south side of the building. A christian service will be held on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at 11:00 am also at Starks Funeral Parlor. Interment to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Alzheimer's Association of America (act.alz.org/donate), or Schriners Hospital for Children (shrinershospitals.org).