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Posted Mar 9, 2025 | 10:58 AM
On Friday March 7th, Theodore (Ted) Goulis passed away peacefully in his 94th year. Beloved husband of the late Fotini Goulis (2022). Cherished father of Tessie (Rui) Fernandes, Betty (Taso) Christopher and Tom. Proud grandfather of Angelina, Theodora and Michelle Christopher.
With Fotini by his side Ted immigrated to Montreal from Davia, Greece in 1962. They worked endlessly to create the Canadian dream for their children. He was the chef of the world renowned Ruby Foo’s restaurant, later owning many restaurants of his own. Once he moved to the Quinte region he was the chef at the Greek Hall with Gus Christopher. He took great pride when he cooked for his family, friends, customers and community. He was meticulous in the details, ensuring that the roast beef was always cooked to perfection and his lemon potatoes had the right amount of lemon. A successful day in the kitchen was measured by the mess left on his apron.
He was the ultimate family man, nothing brought him greater joy than being a dad and Papou. He often took his kids to Mount Royal for a bbq and Rialto Theatre to see the latest Greek movies. He always made sure to take the time to visit his siblings and their families to keep the family together. Ted was the loving grandfather to his three “choupes”. He drove around proudly displaying their baby socks on his dashboard. And when they were older he’d meet them off the bus everyday with a plate of his famous chicken and potatoes. He went to every soccer game and dance recital, greeting them after with that big smile, a hug and bouquet of flowers. When they moved away for school he’d call them to ensure they had something to eat that day and end every phone call with “S’agapo poli, poli, poli, poli, poli, poli” (I love you so so so so so so so much).
When he wasn’t with his family he could be found in the garden. Ted was a passionate gardener; he won The Belleville Garden Club Trillium Award in 2003 and always kept his yard immaculate. Just like his name, Ted was a real life Teddy bear; the most gentle soul. He met everyone with a big smile and was known around the Richmond and Moira place as smiley. Right up until the end, he never complained and always saw the positive in life. He always believed if you stay on the straight road, you’ll never have problems.
Friends are invited to the Burke Funeral Home, 150 Church Street, Belleville on Tuesday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be celebrated from Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Belleville, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 11:00 am. Interment Belleville Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made in Theodore’s memory to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.
The family would like to send their sincere gratitude to the staff of the Richmond Retirement Residence and Moira Place Tweed, Dr. Bryson and staff, Dr. Woods and the Quinte Hearing Centre that took good care of Ted. The family would also like to thank to the first responders, front line emergency room staff, attending nurses and PSW’s at Belleville General Hospital for their care and compassion.