Peter George Giannatselis, known by many as Taki, was born in East York on April 23, 1979. He was welcomed into this world by his loving parents Thanasis and Toula, along with his older brother Jimmy.

When Taki was very young, the family moved to Markham and he attended Milliken Mills Public School. His ability to engage everyone around him was immediately evident. This ‘energy’ was not always received well by his teachers. In short, he drove them nuts! When Taki was in grade 7, the family moved to Stouffville and he attended Whitchurch Highlands Public School. This is where he met his best friend Carina. Their bond was special and Carina was eventually adopted into his Big Fat Greek Family. They both attended Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School, where he is undoubtedly remembered by teachers and classmates as ‘the entertainer’. After high school, Taki was accepted into the Schulich School of Business at York University. He graduated with honours and entered the banking industry. Taki realized very quickly that this was not for him. He decided he wanted to do something he was passionate about. He applied to teacher’s college so that he could work with children. He worked as a Kindergarten teacher for many years and was adored by his students.

Taki loved children. From a young age, he was a natural babysitter and caregiver. It brought him great joy to hold, feed and play with babies. He never shied away from a poopy diaper! He has thousands of pictures of him with his nieces and nephews. Taki held a special place in his heart for his nephew Thanasi, his nieces Tia and Angela and his godchildren Thalia, Vasili and Tia. Theio and Nono Taki had so much love to give.

Taki loved family. He cherished gatherings and was often the magnet to bring people together. He hosted unforgettable cousins’ parties and he arranged countless dinners and movie nights. His relationship with cousins was closer to that of siblings. They laughed and fought as siblings do, but always found a way to love again.

Taki and his brother Jimmy exchanged roles throughout life. Taki always looked up to his older brother, but at times offered guidance and acted as mentor as Jimmy needed him. Taki was elated when he gained a sister in Jimmy's wife Anna. He stood beside them at their wedding as brother, brother-in-law, koumparo and best friend.

Taki loved to travel and spend time near water. As a young child, he visited beautiful places such as Paris, Venice and a family trip through the Alps where he bought his favourite puzzle. Taki visited family and partied like an animal all throughout Greece. He left his mark in Kalamata and Zakynthos. The beaches and the people he visited will forever remember his very small, very tight and very revealing Speedos!

Taki lived life to the fullest. He never saved his energy. Taki lit up every room he entered. He created joy and caused so much laughter. He touched so many people (often inappropriately) and made friends all around the globe.

Taki danced and laughed until he couldn’t. In his last few years the energy was diminishing. Taki was dealing with panic, anxiety and depression for a long time. He battled through bipolar disorder. He struggled with his identity. He never gave up. He fought, he tried. His heroes, Thanasis and Toula, never gave up. They fought, they tried.

On Saturday, December 16, 2023, Taki’s light went out. The energy was gone and his heart failed him.

Taki will be missed by many.