Nikolaos ( Niko, Nick) Fournarakis
April 1, 1944 - August 15, 2013
Obituary
Nikolaos (Niko, Nick) Fournarakis
Niko Fournarakis passed away on August 15, 2013 at the age of 69. He was born in Iraklion, Crete, Greece on April 1, 1944 to Michali and Katerina Fournarakis. He grew up in Crete with his sister Marina. After high school, he served for 18 months in the Greek army. He then moved to Athens, where he went to the merchant marine academy and became an Officer in Radio Communications. He worked for six years on Aristotle Onassis’ ships, visiting the major ports of the world several times. He met the love of his life, Dora, on bus 82 in Athens in 1968. He followed Dora to Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1971 and married her on December 5th of that year. They eventually had three sons, Bill, George, and Christo. Nick completed his BS degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Wyoming. After being recruited by Boeing, he moved his family to the Seattle area. Nick loved his job, working as an engineer for Boeing for over 35 years.
His highest priority in life was always his family. He spent endless hours helping his children with their school, coaching their soccer teams, and attending their numerous extracurricular activities. He was exceptionally proud when his oldest son graduated from medical school, when his middle son successfully took over the management of the family restaurant, and when his youngest son graduated with his BS degree in construction management. He was overjoyed at George’s marriage to Jovanka and was eagerly awaiting the upcoming marriage of Christo to Olya. Nick was involved with his Greek community, running the lamb booth for 17 years at the annual St. Demetrios Church Greek Festival. He also worked with both the Mike Dukakis and Paul Tsongas presidential campaigns, serving as a delegate for Dukakis at the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta in 1988.
His friends will always fondly recall his outgoing personality, his generosity in hosting numerous parties at his home, his kindheartedness in always helping others, and his expressiveness. His wife, children, sister, and extended family will always remember his steadfast support and unending love for them. He will be dearly missed. Kalo taksidi agapimene Niko mou, patera, adelfe, theio, filo, kai magka. AIONIA H MNHMH SOU. Safe journey beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. MAY YOUR MEMORY BE ETERNAL.
The trisagion service will be at 4:00pm, Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at Bonney-Watson Funeral Home in Capitol Hill. The funeral service will be at 11:00am, Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle followed by the makaria meal at the Church’s community hall and the interment service at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery in Seattle.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Monastery in Goldendale, Washington .
My favorite memories of Nick are the Easter parties at the Fournarakis house. He was always so eager to share the joy of the occasion during this time and in every other area such as restaurants, real-estate, boating, and camping when we were kids. I’m so happy to have known Nick for over 20 years.
Dear Bill,
I am so sorry to hear of your Father’s passing. Although I did not know him I understand the sadness that you are feeling, as I have lost both of my parents and just this Pascha my last sibling.
May his memory be eternal and may our Lord give peace to you and your family.
We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is a second family to our son Evan, who considered Nick his freind and mentor. We will miss his humor and his wisdom. Dora remember that you are surrounded by many children who you have taken under your wing, let them confort you at this time. If there is anything we can do, don’t hesitate to call.
Kalo Taxidi, Niko
Nick & Holly Poulias
My Condolences.
I worked with Nick at Boeing for many years. He was a pleasure to be around. He had a great attitude and an outgoing personality.
We will always remember Mr. Fournarakis as a very friendly, courteous and outgoing person greeting you with his smile. He genuinely cared for people; Of course,he was the portrayal of the Greek ideals and ethics and especially of his birth place the incredible island of Crete , the birth place of so many prominent politicians and nationals of Greece. His sons are the proof of what a wonderful and caring father he was. I had two of his sons, Christto and Basil in my Greek School classes. They were both so enthusiastic in learning the language and the traditions of their parents’birth place. Basil used to recite some very long and difficult Greek poems setting the example for the rest of the Greek School students. Christto was younger then, more playful, but determined to learn the Church prayers in Greek.May God give NIKO rest and peace .He left a legacy of a genuine friend, patriot and family man. We will never forget you,Niko.
Sad to see you left us so soon….
may your soul finds Gods comfort and sooth the pain to the ones you left behind.
God Bless always.
From a long time coworker at Boeing, I used to visit your Church once a year when you were always cooking the lamb.
I always enjoyed your sense of humor.
For believers in Christ we will all meet again soon.