It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Evange/Evan (Vaggeli) Schinas, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Vagelli’s life was a testament to hard work, love, and a boundless curiosity for the world around him. His memory will be cherished forever and live on through his beloved wife, Anastasia (Tasia), their daughters, Vasiliki (Bessie) and Daria (Doris), their sons-in-law, Eleftherios (Terry) Vlasis and Panagotis (Peter) Andriopoulos, and their six grandchildren, Adonia, Erini, Anastasia, Tessa, Demetri, and Alexandra.

Vagelli’s life began in Nafpaktos, Greece, where he was born and raised on a small farm amongst his 6 siblings. From a young age, his love for knowledge, music, the outdoors and family were paramount.

In 1956 at 22 years old, Vagelli ventured to Canada, arriving first in Vancouver before eventually settling in Toronto. Vagelli’s journey in Canada began as many Greek immigrants did, restaurant work, on construction sites, and picking up odd jobs to make ends meet.

Through a blind date, he met his beloved Tasia, and in 1961 they married, embarking on a journey of love and joy that lasted 63 wonderful years. Their devotion to each other was unwavering, celebrating life's joys and supporting each other through its challenges.
In 1963, their family grew with the birth of their first daughter, Bessie, followed by their second daughter, Doris. Family was paramount to Vagelli, with his and Tasia’s home becoming a haven for family gatherings, hosting countless Christmases, birthdays, and anniversary parties. The family often spent weekends together doing all kinds of activities such as camping, fishing, skeet shooting, horta picking, picnics, swimming, and watching Carol Burnett or cartoons.

His heart grew fuller as over the years, he welcomed six grandchildren who loved him immensely. His relationship with his grandchildren was incredibly close. He will forever be remembered as the world’s greatest Pappou.

Vagelli was a man of many interests, curious throughout his life, and an avid learner. He was always eager to embrace new technologies, was a passionate auction goer, a licensed scuba diver, and a wine enthusiast with a Purple Feet certificate. He also learned to needlepoint, just to be able to teach his daughters.

Additionally, he was an avid outdoorsman, with a love for hunting, fishing, swimming, and camping. His grandchildren hold cherished memories of fishing trips where they caught their first fish together, moments that will forever be etched in their hearts. He had a deep love for nature and animals, which was evident to all who knew him.

Beyond his hobbies, Vagelli was an incredibly hard worker who built multiple successful businesses. He first founded Crosstown Glass and Aluminum in 1976 and later Shina Plastics and Concord Packaging Group with his sons-in-law. True to his love for knowledge, long after his retirement, Vagelli would often be found at the offices fixing and tinkering with machinery up until his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2019.

After his diagnosis, he faced numerous challenges as the illness gradually took over his body. Despite these difficulties, he refused to let it dampen his spirit. In conversations with his children and grandchildren, he often expressed his deep gratitude for his life and the family he cherished. His family finds solace in knowing that Vagelli never doubted their immense gratitude for him, recognizing how his hard work, dedication, and love, built the foundation for their lives and future generations.

After a long battle demonstrating strength and resilience, he passed away peacefully in his 90th year on Thursday, August 1, 2024, with family by his side.

Vagelli’s legacy is one of love, dedication, and a genuine thirst for life. He will be forever remembered as a gentle, kind man, who would do anything for his family. He leaves behind many who will miss him dearly but will forever be grateful for the lessons he taught them and the memories he created.

Rest in peace to an incredible man – your spirit and memory are eternal and live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know and love you.