In memory of

Asteris Gonidis

March 13, 1920 -  April 4, 2024

Asteris (Arthur) Gonidis, at the age of 104, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on April 4, 2024.

Asteris was born in the village of Lavara, Greece to Vasily and Panagiota Gonidis. As a young man Asteris left his home and embarked on a journey that took him through Turkey, Egypt, Africa to Rhodesia where he joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a Spitfire pilot during World War II. After the war he met his soon to be wife, Despina and they planned their immigration to Toronto, Canada where Asteris continued flying as a crop duster pilot before becoming an entrepreneur in vending machines and donut shops. He was a valued member of the Greek community and Thracian Society in Toronto.

Asteris is survived by his son William and daughter-in-law Holly, his grandchildren, Kiron and his wife Lindsay, Morgan and her husband Jake St. Lauent and Moriah as well as his great grandchildren, Auryn, Theo and Luna who he adored. Asteris is also survived by his brother Panos Gonidis. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Despina and daughter Katerina and his brothers Thanasis, Demitris, Ilias, Michaelis and sisters Eleni and Tula.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 11 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. and Funeral Service on Friday, April 12 at 10:30 a.m. with visitation 1 hour prior. Burial to follow at York Cemetery. Reception following burial at York Funeral Centre.

Donations can be made to Alzheimers Society of Canada. Please click on the "Donations" tab on the top right of the memorial webpage to make an online donation.

Guestbook 

(5 of 10)

Themis 

Entered April 6, 2024 from Thornhill

We shared the same birthday, and every birthday you said to me you were 39 and holding.
Asteris, I will now carry on your tradition … I’m forever 39 and holding!
Loved you and will miss you!
Wil and Holly, you were so incredibly loving and took such good care of Asteris over many years.
My sincerest condolences to you and the entire family

Marianthi and Brian (Family Friends)

Entered April 7, 2024 from Toronto

Dear Wil, Holly and Family,
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
"Uncle" Asteris, you soared through life's adventures, with courage, determination, wit and a joie de vivre!
My loving memories of you from my childhood years to your 104th birthday, will always hold a special place in my heart.
We will miss you greatly.
And now, you have soared to a better place, where your conversation continues, where you are reunited with loved ones lost, and where you shine your light of love down, on the path ahead for your family.

"While you live, shine
have no grief at all
life exists only for a short while
and Time demands an end."
"The Seikilos Epitaph"

With our heartfelt condolences to you and all of your family.

Marty (Friend)

Entered April 8, 2024 from Thornhill

Dear William, Holly and family: Sincerest condolences on the passing of your amazing father/grandfather. I had the privilege of "partying" and socializing on several occasions and the conversations were usually unforgettable. This was a man with strong opinions, a sense of humour and remarkable determination. He was able to defy the odds. Incredibly, he played table tennis in his 90s and was able to beat opponents half his age. He Taught himself how to wisely use social-media gadgets that confounded many of us much younger. And he kept sharp, aware and knowledgeable about important world and family issues. He had a great memory, too, and his power of recall was astonishing. He was special, and he will be missed.

Anthony & Liana Byron (Family Friends)

Entered April 9, 2024 from Aurora

We are truly heartbroken at the loss of such a wonderful man. He was a deeply loved friend of our family and we will miss his positive spirit and relentless energy, and his gentle kindness...a remarkable man!
Our sincerest condolences to Wil, Holly and the entire family. "Theo Asteris" will be greatly missed.

Chris and Carol Alexopoulos (Longtime friends)

Entered April 9, 2024 from Mississauga On

Dear William and family, we were saddened to hear of your father’s passing. We have fond memories of him and your late mother as well as you and Katherine as children in the Greek community of St George. Your father was an accomplished man with a great sense of humour. He will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him and his family.

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