Tammy Gillard (Work colleague, friend)

Entered January 18, 2023 from Calgary

The news that we lost James hit me hard like I know it did for so many of us. When I joined MNP at the start of the pandemic, as part of James’ work team, I never got a chance to meet anybody in person. But from the very start it was James that made me feel like I was part of a team. Right from my first week, unlike most other people who corresponded using email or chat messages James almost always called me on MS Teams (like Zoom) so we could discuss things ‘face-to-face’, and in so doing we often found ourselves talking about a lot more than just work issues. Before long I myself looking forward to our near daily conversations….about work…about our COVID experiences….about life. He was so naturally warm, compassionate, sincere, curious and thoughtful – so much so that in not time I felt like I was talking to an dear old friend….which was remarkable to me, considering not just the circumstances, but that I tend to keep my circle of trusted friends very small.

Above all else, there were two subjects that James loved to talk about.

The first was his circle of friends….the group of buddies that he spent time away from the office with….traveling…golfing…holidays…at the cabin. They way he spoke about them it was clear how much he cherished those relationships…some of which I understood to have spanned most of his life. If James had such an impact on someone like me, knowing him for such a relatively short period of time, I cannot imagine the incredible loss his dearest friends are feeling right now. I am truly sorry for the hole that losing James will undoubtedly leave in their hearts.

The other thing I knew without a doubt from our conversations was just how passionate he was about his family – his immediate family, but also the extended group from the community he grew up in in Toronto. The stories from his growing up years…he shared them with nostalgia…with pride…and with a smile. And I couldn’t help but smile to see how much all of those experiences and people meant to him. I know he considered himself to be very blessed to have had the family that he had.

I will miss James. But I can honestly say my life is better for having met him and gotten to know him in the few years that I did. May all who loved him please accept my most heartfelt condolences.

Tammy Gillard
Calgary, AB

Jo-Ann Lempert (Colleague)

Entered January 18, 2023 from Montreal

I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to James' family and friends. We worked together at MNP and he was such a bright light, always a pleasure and helpful. Really a nice person to work with. I wish I had had more time to get to know him better.
I am really saddened and shocked by the news of his passing. I wishing his family and friends so much strength and this difficult time. He will be sincerely missed.
Jo-Ann.

Paul Lipiec (Colleague)

Entered January 18, 2023

My deepest condolences go to the whole Raptopulos family, James was a great person who always had time for others. I will fondly remember his entertaining stories and discussions we had. God Bless, rest in peace James.

Rosanna Giancola (Coworker and friend)

Entered January 18, 2023 from Milton

James you were an incredible person. We shared the same views about many things and liked to think you kept me grounded when we worked together. Will miss your incredible insight about the world around us!

Michelle Balmer (Co-worker)

Entered January 18, 2023 from Rocky View County, AB

James was a wonderful guy and a kind and compassionate member of our team. He was humble, caring and ALWAYS willing to help another teammate who needed it. He never ever complained, even when the workload was heavy or days were difficult. Our entire team will miss James' genuine "nice guy" nature, not to mention his skills and professionalism. He did the profession proud. I'm so glad to have had the chance to work with him these past 4 years. We'll miss him immensely. All my best thoughts to his family and friends right now. I'm struggling to comprehend the level of loss you are suffering and how quickly and tragically this took him, far too soon. All my best, Michelle

Was sadly taken too early. He had a fulfilling and great life but was too short. Will miss the good times golfing watching sports and great Greek food. He loved his job and to travel. He is now resting in peace beside mom.