Konstantinos Giannakopoulos, 66, of Kirkland Lake, passed away peacefully in his home on July 11, 2024.

Konstantinos, known as “Kostas”, was born on October 6, 1957 in Chrysovitsi, Greece and later emigrated to Canada where he started his career as a self taught restaurant entrepreneur.

It was in Newfoundland that he learned to make pizza, opened his first restaurant and had recruited the love of his life, Anna, to become successful partners in business and in life. Together they shared over 35 years of love and companionship.

Kostas is survived by his children, Sarah Athanasia (Matt), Stash Anastasios (Cheryl) and his grandchildren, Cailyn, Kylee, Gweneth, Grace, and Quinton. He is also survived by his siblings Dimitrios Giannakopoulos (Soula), Eugenia Papaioannou (Spiro), Marina Karras (Billy), and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife Anna, and his parents Athanasia and Anastasios.

Kostas was known for his talent in the kitchen and had a reputation for serving the best food in town. Together he and Anna left their mark on the residents of Kirkland Lake through Mama’s restaurant, a pillar in the community. When he wasn’t in the kitchen, you could find him working on the restaurant. He was a true MacGyver when it came to fixing things on the fly and had a vision like no other. There was no problem too big or small that he couldn't fix with his resourcefulness and creativity.

The restaurant had been home to Kostas and Anna, and stood as a living tribute to their enduring bond and the memories they created together. Now, with his passing, he has been reunited with her. Their love story, marked by resilience and devotion, comes full circle as they are together once more, leaving behind a legacy of love and community.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 6, 2024 at 2 pm at Northern College in Kirkland Lake. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Blanche River Hospital.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.