Belleville's longest serving Mayor
ZEGOURAS, George Adam - entered peacefully into rest in the early morning of October 1st, 2012 surrounded by his family. He joins his loving wife Diane (nee Karis) after a brief battle with brain cancer. Predeceased by his mother Maria and father Adam. He leaves to mourn his children Mariann and Steve Geist, Helen and Horia Balog, and Adam G. Zegouras. A loving papou to his grandchildren Julia, Alexandra, Nicholas, Sophie, Teodora and Victoria. He is also survived by his sister Helen Tsialamatas and brother Thomas Zegouras. Predeceased by his brothers Peter and Kosta. Survived by the loving Zegouras, Annis and Karis families. Friends are invited to call at the JOHN R. BUSH FUNERAL HOME, 80 Highland Ave. Belleville (613- 968-5588) on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. and on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated from the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Belleville on Thursday October 4th, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Interment Belleville Cemetery. The family would appreciate in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Belleville General Hospital.
Belleville Intelligencer October 1 2012
George Zegouras held many titles in his life, but most people, says his son, will think of him simply as a friend.
Mr. Zegouras died Sunday night in hospital after a six-week battle with brain cancer. He was 74.
A father, a husband, a former mayor and a businessman, Mr. Zegouras will likely be best remembered for his outlook on life, said his son, Adam.
"He was one of the friendliest people I've ever known," Adam, a Crown prosecutor said Monday. "Dad had a smile for everybody and I don't think there's anyone who would think of him differently.
"I really think the word friend is probably the word that comes to mind when they think of my dad."
A friend to The Friendly City and "a mayor of the people" is how Mary-Anne Sills, herself a former mayor, described Mr. Zegouras. She spent six years serving as a councillor under Mr. Zegouras when he was mayor and recalled, fondly, her time on council with him.
"George really was a mayor of the people. He was well-known and many people were known to him," she said. "People outside of the city, who hadn't even ever met him, knew who he was. He had charisma, big time."
Sills said Mr. Zegouras created the template for mayors who followed him in their appearances at special occasions such as milestone birthdays and anniversaries.
"I followed the example he gave of involvement in the community," she said.
Mr. Zegouras' political career begin in 1973 when he was appointed to city council after one member of council died. He remained as an alderman, as those on council were known then, until the 1980 election when he decided to run, successfully, for the mayor's position. Mr. Zegouras maintained that position until 1991.
He decided, however, to run for council's top seat again in 2000 and served as mayor for an additional three years.
Politics consumed a major portion of Mr. Zegouras' life, but it also served as a means for him to do what he loved most, Adam said.
"His passion, really, was people and politics was a great way for him to do that," he said. "He just loved helping people. He just loved talking to people and I always felt he could take a five-minute walk down Front Street and it would take him all day."
Local historian Gerry Boyce said Mr. Zegouras left an indelible stamp on Belleville. Part of that, he said, was supporting heritage in the city.
That involved recognizing mayors who came before him.
"He was responsible for putting up names on the different parks," Boyce said. "For instance, people still call it the East Hill playground, but that's Robin Jeffrey Park and you have Jane Forrester Park ...
"I recall driving around to about five different parks on the day they renamed them. George was always interested in recognizing people."
Boyce said when it came to politicking no one did it better than Mr. Zegouras. Campaign time was when he was at his best as he would walk down streets "shaking hands" and could greet half the population by "their first name."
Joe Cox began his political career as a city alderman the same year as Mr. Zegouras. The two were close friends and Cox recalled Mr. Zegouras as someone who was very conscious of current events and a man who stayed away from trouble.
"He tried to act tough at times, but that was just an act," Cox said. "He was just a good guy, a compassionate guy and a truly caring guy. I don't think people really saw into George. He loved this city and he loved people."
Belleville Sports Hall of Fame co-founder Denis Newman recalled Mr. Zegouras as one of the hall's earliest and strongest allies. At the time, Newman was working with Paul Kirby and Drury Denyes, among others, to create the hall.
"George was a very, very strong supporter and provided a lot of encouragement," Newman said.
He said the mayor was among those who rallied to the project's aid.
"It was very, very critical. I owe a great deal of gratitude to George."
John Trudeau, a retired city car dealer and former president of the Bellleville & District Chamber of Commerce, recalled Mr. Zegouras' enthusiastic support in establishing the city's signature summer celebration — the Waterfront and Ethnic Festival.
"In 1986, George and I and a few others established the first big blowout for ethnic festival," said Trudeau, noting the ethnic festival first got its roots at Meyers Pier for the first time in 1985.
"He was a great guy who really got behind those events," recalled Trudeau.
Son Adam said pinpointing his father's greatest achievement is not easy. While Mr. Zegouras was "very proud" to be mayor he also took great pride in his family.
"He did so well and he was proud of us, but we were all so proud of him," he said. "He started from nothing and sort of had it all. He had an amazing family and an amazing career."
Born in Anthohorion, Greece on Dec. 22, 1937, Mr. Zegouras came to Belleville in 1954 to live with family who had already settled in Canada.
After completing high school, and for roughly 10 years, he worked for the Dominion grocery store before he and brother Peter launched their own wholesale food company, Belleville Foods, in the mid-1960s.
Mr. Zegouras also renovated a Dundas Street East diner into the Family Restaurant in the early 1980s and continued as operator for a little more than a decade.
In addition, Mr. Zegouras purchased and maintained a number of commercial and residential properties in Belleville.
Mr. Zegouras is survived by his four children — Mariann (Steve) Geist, Helen (Houria) Balog, Roula (Tom) Brigis and Adam Zegouras — and six grandchildren — Julia, Alexandra, Sophie, Nicholas, Teodora and Victoria. Mr. Zegouras was predeceased by his wife of 35 years, Diane (Karis).
ZEGOURAS, George Adam - entered peacefully into rest in the early morning of October 1st, 2012 surrounded by his family. He joins his loving wife Diane (nee Karis) after a brief battle with brain cancer. Predeceased by his mother Maria and father Adam. He leaves to mourn his children Mariann and Steve Geist, Helen and Horia Balog, and Adam G. Zegouras. A loving papou to his grandchildren Julia, Alexandra, Nicholas, Sophie, Teodora and Victoria. He is also survived by his sister Helen Tsialamatas and brother Thomas Zegouras. Predeceased by his brothers Peter and Kosta. Survived by the loving Zegouras, Annis and Karis families. Friends are invited to call at the JOHN R. BUSH FUNERAL HOME, 80 Highland Ave. Belleville (613- 968-5588) on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. and on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated from the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Belleville on Thursday October 4th, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Interment Belleville Cemetery. The family would appreciate in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Belleville General Hospital.
Belleville Intelligencer October 1 2012
George Zegouras held many titles in his life, but most people, says his son, will think of him simply as a friend.
Mr. Zegouras died Sunday night in hospital after a six-week battle with brain cancer. He was 74.
A father, a husband, a former mayor and a businessman, Mr. Zegouras will likely be best remembered for his outlook on life, said his son, Adam.
"He was one of the friendliest people I've ever known," Adam, a Crown prosecutor said Monday. "Dad had a smile for everybody and I don't think there's anyone who would think of him differently.
"I really think the word friend is probably the word that comes to mind when they think of my dad."
A friend to The Friendly City and "a mayor of the people" is how Mary-Anne Sills, herself a former mayor, described Mr. Zegouras. She spent six years serving as a councillor under Mr. Zegouras when he was mayor and recalled, fondly, her time on council with him.
"George really was a mayor of the people. He was well-known and many people were known to him," she said. "People outside of the city, who hadn't even ever met him, knew who he was. He had charisma, big time."
Sills said Mr. Zegouras created the template for mayors who followed him in their appearances at special occasions such as milestone birthdays and anniversaries.
"I followed the example he gave of involvement in the community," she said.
Mr. Zegouras' political career begin in 1973 when he was appointed to city council after one member of council died. He remained as an alderman, as those on council were known then, until the 1980 election when he decided to run, successfully, for the mayor's position. Mr. Zegouras maintained that position until 1991.
He decided, however, to run for council's top seat again in 2000 and served as mayor for an additional three years.
Politics consumed a major portion of Mr. Zegouras' life, but it also served as a means for him to do what he loved most, Adam said.
"His passion, really, was people and politics was a great way for him to do that," he said. "He just loved helping people. He just loved talking to people and I always felt he could take a five-minute walk down Front Street and it would take him all day."
Local historian Gerry Boyce said Mr. Zegouras left an indelible stamp on Belleville. Part of that, he said, was supporting heritage in the city.
That involved recognizing mayors who came before him.
"He was responsible for putting up names on the different parks," Boyce said. "For instance, people still call it the East Hill playground, but that's Robin Jeffrey Park and you have Jane Forrester Park ...
"I recall driving around to about five different parks on the day they renamed them. George was always interested in recognizing people."
Boyce said when it came to politicking no one did it better than Mr. Zegouras. Campaign time was when he was at his best as he would walk down streets "shaking hands" and could greet half the population by "their first name."
Joe Cox began his political career as a city alderman the same year as Mr. Zegouras. The two were close friends and Cox recalled Mr. Zegouras as someone who was very conscious of current events and a man who stayed away from trouble.
"He tried to act tough at times, but that was just an act," Cox said. "He was just a good guy, a compassionate guy and a truly caring guy. I don't think people really saw into George. He loved this city and he loved people."
Belleville Sports Hall of Fame co-founder Denis Newman recalled Mr. Zegouras as one of the hall's earliest and strongest allies. At the time, Newman was working with Paul Kirby and Drury Denyes, among others, to create the hall.
"George was a very, very strong supporter and provided a lot of encouragement," Newman said.
He said the mayor was among those who rallied to the project's aid.
"It was very, very critical. I owe a great deal of gratitude to George."
John Trudeau, a retired city car dealer and former president of the Bellleville & District Chamber of Commerce, recalled Mr. Zegouras' enthusiastic support in establishing the city's signature summer celebration — the Waterfront and Ethnic Festival.
"In 1986, George and I and a few others established the first big blowout for ethnic festival," said Trudeau, noting the ethnic festival first got its roots at Meyers Pier for the first time in 1985.
"He was a great guy who really got behind those events," recalled Trudeau.
Son Adam said pinpointing his father's greatest achievement is not easy. While Mr. Zegouras was "very proud" to be mayor he also took great pride in his family.
"He did so well and he was proud of us, but we were all so proud of him," he said. "He started from nothing and sort of had it all. He had an amazing family and an amazing career."
Born in Anthohorion, Greece on Dec. 22, 1937, Mr. Zegouras came to Belleville in 1954 to live with family who had already settled in Canada.
After completing high school, and for roughly 10 years, he worked for the Dominion grocery store before he and brother Peter launched their own wholesale food company, Belleville Foods, in the mid-1960s.
Mr. Zegouras also renovated a Dundas Street East diner into the Family Restaurant in the early 1980s and continued as operator for a little more than a decade.
In addition, Mr. Zegouras purchased and maintained a number of commercial and residential properties in Belleville.
Mr. Zegouras is survived by his four children — Mariann (Steve) Geist, Helen (Houria) Balog, Roula (Tom) Brigis and Adam Zegouras — and six grandchildren — Julia, Alexandra, Sophie, Nicholas, Teodora and Victoria. Mr. Zegouras was predeceased by his wife of 35 years, Diane (Karis).
Belleville's longest serving Mayor
ZEGOURAS, George Adam - entered peacefully into rest in the early morning of October 1st, 2012 surrounded by his family. He joins his loving wife Diane (nee Karis) after a brief battle with brain cancer. Predeceased by his mother Maria and father Adam. He leaves to mourn his children Mariann and Steve Geist, Helen and Horia Balog, and Adam G. Zegouras. A loving papou to his grandchildren Julia, Alexandra, Nicholas, Sophie, Teodora and Victoria. He is also survived by his sister Helen Tsialamatas and brother Thomas Zegouras. Predeceased by his brothers Peter and Kosta. Survived by the loving Zegouras, Annis and Karis families. Friends are invited to call at the JOHN R. BUSH FUNERAL HOME, 80 Highland Ave. Belleville (613- 968-5588) on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. and on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated from the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Belleville on Thursday October 4th, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Interment Belleville Cemetery. The family would appreciate in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Belleville General Hospital.
Belleville Intelligencer October 1 2012
George Zegouras held many titles in his life, but most people, says his son, will think of him simply as a friend.
Mr. Zegouras died Sunday night in hospital after a six-week battle with brain cancer. He was 74.
A father, a husband, a former mayor and a businessman, Mr. Zegouras will likely be best remembered for his outlook on life, said his son, Adam.
"He was one of the friendliest people I've ever known," Adam, a Crown prosecutor said Monday. "Dad had a smile for everybody and I don't think there's anyone who would think of him differently.
"I really think the word friend is probably the word that comes to mind when they think of my dad."
A friend to The Friendly City and "a mayor of the people" is how Mary-Anne Sills, herself a former mayor, described Mr. Zegouras. She spent six years serving as a councillor under Mr. Zegouras when he was mayor and recalled, fondly, her time on council with him.
"George really was a mayor of the people. He was well-known and many people were known to him," she said. "People outside of the city, who hadn't even ever met him, knew who he was. He had charisma, big time."
Sills said Mr. Zegouras created the template for mayors who followed him in their appearances at special occasions such as milestone birthdays and anniversaries.
"I followed the example he gave of involvement in the community," she said.
Mr. Zegouras' political career begin in 1973 when he was appointed to city council after one member of council died. He remained as an alderman, as those on council were known then, until the 1980 election when he decided to run, successfully, for the mayor's position. Mr. Zegouras maintained that position until 1991.
He decided, however, to run for council's top seat again in 2000 and served as mayor for an additional three years.
Politics consumed a major portion of Mr. Zegouras' life, but it also served as a means for him to do what he loved most, Adam said.
"His passion, really, was people and politics was a great way for him to do that," he said. "He just loved helping people. He just loved talking to people and I always felt he could take a five-minute walk down Front Street and it would take him all day."
Local historian Gerry Boyce said Mr. Zegouras left an indelible stamp on Belleville. Part of that, he said, was supporting heritage in the city.
That involved recognizing mayors who came before him.
"He was responsible for putting up names on the different parks," Boyce said. "For instance, people still call it the East Hill playground, but that's Robin Jeffrey Park and you have Jane Forrester Park ...
"I recall driving around to about five different parks on the day they renamed them. George was always interested in recognizing people."
Boyce said when it came to politicking no one did it better than Mr. Zegouras. Campaign time was when he was at his best as he would walk down streets "shaking hands" and could greet half the population by "their first name."
Joe Cox began his political career as a city alderman the same year as Mr. Zegouras. The two were close friends and Cox recalled Mr. Zegouras as someone who was very conscious of current events and a man who stayed away from trouble.
"He tried to act tough at times, but that was just an act," Cox said. "He was just a good guy, a compassionate guy and a truly caring guy. I don't think people really saw into George. He loved this city and he loved people."
Belleville Sports Hall of Fame co-founder Denis Newman recalled Mr. Zegouras as one of the hall's earliest and strongest allies. At the time, Newman was working with Paul Kirby and Drury Denyes, among others, to create the hall.
"George was a very, very strong supporter and provided a lot of encouragement," Newman said.
He said the mayor was among those who rallied to the project's aid.
"It was very, very critical. I owe a great deal of gratitude to George."
John Trudeau, a retired city car dealer and former president of the Bellleville & District Chamber of Commerce, recalled Mr. Zegouras' enthusiastic support in establishing the city's signature summer celebration — the Waterfront and Ethnic Festival.
"In 1986, George and I and a few others established the first big blowout for ethnic festival," said Trudeau, noting the ethnic festival first got its roots at Meyers Pier for the first time in 1985.
"He was a great guy who really got behind those events," recalled Trudeau.
Son Adam said pinpointing his father's greatest achievement is not easy. While Mr. Zegouras was "very proud" to be mayor he also took great pride in his family.
"He did so well and he was proud of us, but we were all so proud of him," he said. "He started from nothing and sort of had it all. He had an amazing family and an amazing career."
Born in Anthohorion, Greece on Dec. 22, 1937, Mr. Zegouras came to Belleville in 1954 to live with family who had already settled in Canada.
After completing high school, and for roughly 10 years, he worked for the Dominion grocery store before he and brother Peter launched their own wholesale food company, Belleville Foods, in the mid-1960s.
Mr. Zegouras also renovated a Dundas Street East diner into the Family Restaurant in the early 1980s and continued as operator for a little more than a decade.
In addition, Mr. Zegouras purchased and maintained a number of commercial and residential properties in Belleville.
Mr. Zegouras is survived by his four children — Mariann (Steve) Geist, Helen (Houria) Balog, Roula (Tom) Brigis and Adam Zegouras — and six grandchildren — Julia, Alexandra, Sophie, Nicholas, Teodora and Victoria. Mr. Zegouras was predeceased by his wife of 35 years, Diane (Karis).
ZEGOURAS, George Adam - entered peacefully into rest in the early morning of October 1st, 2012 surrounded by his family. He joins his loving wife Diane (nee Karis) after a brief battle with brain cancer. Predeceased by his mother Maria and father Adam. He leaves to mourn his children Mariann and Steve Geist, Helen and Horia Balog, and Adam G. Zegouras. A loving papou to his grandchildren Julia, Alexandra, Nicholas, Sophie, Teodora and Victoria. He is also survived by his sister Helen Tsialamatas and brother Thomas Zegouras. Predeceased by his brothers Peter and Kosta. Survived by the loving Zegouras, Annis and Karis families. Friends are invited to call at the JOHN R. BUSH FUNERAL HOME, 80 Highland Ave. Belleville (613- 968-5588) on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. and on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated from the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Belleville on Thursday October 4th, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Interment Belleville Cemetery. The family would appreciate in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Belleville General Hospital.
Belleville Intelligencer October 1 2012
George Zegouras held many titles in his life, but most people, says his son, will think of him simply as a friend.
Mr. Zegouras died Sunday night in hospital after a six-week battle with brain cancer. He was 74.
A father, a husband, a former mayor and a businessman, Mr. Zegouras will likely be best remembered for his outlook on life, said his son, Adam.
"He was one of the friendliest people I've ever known," Adam, a Crown prosecutor said Monday. "Dad had a smile for everybody and I don't think there's anyone who would think of him differently.
"I really think the word friend is probably the word that comes to mind when they think of my dad."
A friend to The Friendly City and "a mayor of the people" is how Mary-Anne Sills, herself a former mayor, described Mr. Zegouras. She spent six years serving as a councillor under Mr. Zegouras when he was mayor and recalled, fondly, her time on council with him.
"George really was a mayor of the people. He was well-known and many people were known to him," she said. "People outside of the city, who hadn't even ever met him, knew who he was. He had charisma, big time."
Sills said Mr. Zegouras created the template for mayors who followed him in their appearances at special occasions such as milestone birthdays and anniversaries.
"I followed the example he gave of involvement in the community," she said.
Mr. Zegouras' political career begin in 1973 when he was appointed to city council after one member of council died. He remained as an alderman, as those on council were known then, until the 1980 election when he decided to run, successfully, for the mayor's position. Mr. Zegouras maintained that position until 1991.
He decided, however, to run for council's top seat again in 2000 and served as mayor for an additional three years.
Politics consumed a major portion of Mr. Zegouras' life, but it also served as a means for him to do what he loved most, Adam said.
"His passion, really, was people and politics was a great way for him to do that," he said. "He just loved helping people. He just loved talking to people and I always felt he could take a five-minute walk down Front Street and it would take him all day."
Local historian Gerry Boyce said Mr. Zegouras left an indelible stamp on Belleville. Part of that, he said, was supporting heritage in the city.
That involved recognizing mayors who came before him.
"He was responsible for putting up names on the different parks," Boyce said. "For instance, people still call it the East Hill playground, but that's Robin Jeffrey Park and you have Jane Forrester Park ...
"I recall driving around to about five different parks on the day they renamed them. George was always interested in recognizing people."
Boyce said when it came to politicking no one did it better than Mr. Zegouras. Campaign time was when he was at his best as he would walk down streets "shaking hands" and could greet half the population by "their first name."
Joe Cox began his political career as a city alderman the same year as Mr. Zegouras. The two were close friends and Cox recalled Mr. Zegouras as someone who was very conscious of current events and a man who stayed away from trouble.
"He tried to act tough at times, but that was just an act," Cox said. "He was just a good guy, a compassionate guy and a truly caring guy. I don't think people really saw into George. He loved this city and he loved people."
Belleville Sports Hall of Fame co-founder Denis Newman recalled Mr. Zegouras as one of the hall's earliest and strongest allies. At the time, Newman was working with Paul Kirby and Drury Denyes, among others, to create the hall.
"George was a very, very strong supporter and provided a lot of encouragement," Newman said.
He said the mayor was among those who rallied to the project's aid.
"It was very, very critical. I owe a great deal of gratitude to George."
John Trudeau, a retired city car dealer and former president of the Bellleville & District Chamber of Commerce, recalled Mr. Zegouras' enthusiastic support in establishing the city's signature summer celebration — the Waterfront and Ethnic Festival.
"In 1986, George and I and a few others established the first big blowout for ethnic festival," said Trudeau, noting the ethnic festival first got its roots at Meyers Pier for the first time in 1985.
"He was a great guy who really got behind those events," recalled Trudeau.
Son Adam said pinpointing his father's greatest achievement is not easy. While Mr. Zegouras was "very proud" to be mayor he also took great pride in his family.
"He did so well and he was proud of us, but we were all so proud of him," he said. "He started from nothing and sort of had it all. He had an amazing family and an amazing career."
Born in Anthohorion, Greece on Dec. 22, 1937, Mr. Zegouras came to Belleville in 1954 to live with family who had already settled in Canada.
After completing high school, and for roughly 10 years, he worked for the Dominion grocery store before he and brother Peter launched their own wholesale food company, Belleville Foods, in the mid-1960s.
Mr. Zegouras also renovated a Dundas Street East diner into the Family Restaurant in the early 1980s and continued as operator for a little more than a decade.
In addition, Mr. Zegouras purchased and maintained a number of commercial and residential properties in Belleville.
Mr. Zegouras is survived by his four children — Mariann (Steve) Geist, Helen (Houria) Balog, Roula (Tom) Brigis and Adam Zegouras — and six grandchildren — Julia, Alexandra, Sophie, Nicholas, Teodora and Victoria. Mr. Zegouras was predeceased by his wife of 35 years, Diane (Karis).
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