Obituary of Michael Tzakis

Michael was born in Fragata, Kefalonia, where he spent his formative years surrounded by the traditions of Greece. In the early 1970s, driven by a spirit of adventure and a desire for opportunity, he immigrated to Canada to begin a new chapter of his life.

While studying at Algonquin College, Michael met Heather, his future wife. Together, they built a life rooted in hard work, and family, raising their three children in Kemptville.

A skilled and dedicated contractor, Michael spent his career building homes, restaurants, and a wide variety of projects across Canada.

Michael is remembered by his wife, Heather; his children Ron (Katina), Peristera (Jonathan), and Anastasia (Maxime); and his grandchildren, Jacob and Isabella.

He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Nicholas and Peristera, and is survived by his brothers Aristotelis (Line) and Dionysis.

In retirement, Michael embraced life with the same curiosity and enthusiasm that had guided him across continents years earlier. Alongside Heather, he travelled extensively, exploring the United Kingdom, Scotland, Germany, Austria, France, Yugoslavia, Italy, and Greece, including Crete. Their adventures also took them across Canada from coast to coast, throughout many U.S. states, the Caribbean, South America, and as far as China, Japan, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.

Michael will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, dedication to family, and the full, meaningful life he lived. His legacy lives on through the love he shared, the places he built, and the many journeys that enriched his life and the lives of those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Michael’s memory to the Queensway Carleton Hospital or Bruyère St. Vincent Hospice.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of the Queensway Carleton Hospital D3 Medical Floor, including Drs. Morrin, Murphy, and Cohn, as well as the compassionate and accommodating nursing staff. Heartfelt gratitude is also extended to the palliative care doctors and nurses at Bruyère for their exceptional care and kindness