Passing of Jim Sarvinis

 

SARVINIS, JIM March 15, 1938 - February 14, 2021

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of past Whitevale Member, Jim Sarvinis. Survived by his loving wife of 57 years Sophie, children Donna, Philip (Wendy), Jim (Dee), and his adoring grandchildren Stephanie, Alex (Katie), CJ and Correna. He will be missed immensely by his immediate family, his brother John (Mary), sister Pauline (Sam), sisters-in-law Olga (Peter, predeceased) and Jody, nieces, nephews, many cousins and friends. Dedo was always proud of his Macedonian heritage.

Despite some difficult childhood and teenage years during and after the civil war, he had good memories of the "old country" which he loved to share in his stories. He arrived in Canada in 1957 and never looked back, knowing he was truly living the Canadian dream. He started working as a dishwasher, eventually saved enough to buy his first restaurant and later partnered with his brother and brother-in-law to build a successful business which they operated in the Pickering Town Centre for more than 35 years. His entrepreneurial spirit, work ethic and dedication to customer service were a model for all of us. Following retirement, he continued to golf (right up until the 2020 season) but especially enjoyed his time with Sophie and his family. Soccer in the backyard won't be the same without him.

A memorial service will be held at a later date when it is safe to do so.

Published in Toronto Star on Feb. 18, 2021.