Kate Hagan Gallup 3/1/13 Kate Hagan Gallup 3/1/13

Lawyer as Secular Priest

While Fr. Kouklis conducted baptism or funeral services in the church, his son was in court for an adoption or a will probate. With three generations of priests before him, it is no surprise that John Kouklis sees his work as providing meaningful, if not spiritual, services to his clients. As a priest’s son and an attorney, John draws some interesting comparisons of his and his father’s service in Tacoma, Washington.

Greeks of Washington 2/1/13 Greeks of Washington 2/1/13

Float Like a Butterfly

The butterfly collection in Ethel Barbas’ home illustrates her joyful and optimistic visits with family and friends as she travels the roads in western Washington. Testimony to her travel is her 1997 Honda del Sol with over 350,000 miles. Born in Tacoma, Washington, Ethel (Anthe) Evans (Evangelou) has roots in Everett and Seattle as well.

Greeks of Washington 2/1/13 Greeks of Washington 2/1/13

My Dear, You Have the Knowledge.

“MY DEAR, YOU HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE.”

This is the reply Elly (Helle) Protopsaltou Pangis received when she humbly said she was not qualified to teach Greek school.

Greeks of Washington 1/1/13 Greeks of Washington 1/1/13

Brothers From Blyn

The three Kravas brothers, Bill, Harry and Gus, grew up on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. They were poor by today’s standards but never knew it, thanks in large part to parents who provided them with a loving environment and a deep appreciation of their Hellenic heritage.

Greeks of Washington 11/1/12 Greeks of Washington 11/1/12

A Whole Second Life

The 1950s in Port Angeles, Washington, was a time of assimilation and conformity for Christina Caris (Kakouros) Siaterlis. But living in Greece and a Greek husband have enriched her life and have given her a full appreciation of her Greek heritage.

Greeks of Washington 10/1/12 Greeks of Washington 10/1/12

Bringing the Cooking Back Home

Born, raised and educated in Washington State, Theodora Cokinakis Geokezas spent 31 years in Minnesota raising her family, serving her community and polishing her culinary skills. Back in Seattle since 1999, she continues to contribute her skills to her church and community.

Greeks of Washington 10/1/12 Greeks of Washington 10/1/12

Finding Good Fortune

For the three Carkonen brothers, a learned work ethic, emphasis on family values and strong relationships within the Greek community have aided their success in both business and in life.

Greeks of Washington 10/1/12 Greeks of Washington 10/1/12

Down By The Riverside

West Seattle was home for a large number of Greek families when Thalia and Kiki Denos were growing up. Their family home was a center of activity for many friends and relatives.

Greeks of Washington 9/1/12 Greeks of Washington 9/1/12

The Brothers Three

George, Andrew and Angelo Ballasiotes’ youthful escapades were occasionally overlooked as their father Christos was well known and respected in Aberdeen, Washington. The three brothers grew up at a time when the Grays Harbor logging camps and sawmills provided significant wealth for its residents and where a surprisingly large number of Greeks settled. Their love and admiration for their father who they say was the kindest and most generous person you would ever meet permeates their stories.

Greeks of Washington 8/1/12 Greeks of Washington 8/1/12

Close Cousins

The John Gregores and Nick Carras families lived near each other in Seattle, Washington, among a large number of Greek families. Two of their children, cousins Basil Gregores and Vicky Carras Kangles, share their memories of growing up in the Greek community.

Greeks of Washington 8/1/12 Greeks of Washington 8/1/12

A Cinderella Story

As the only Greeks in Walla Walla, Washington, Georgia George Sakas (nee Roumeliotis) and her husband Frank made a significant impact through their hard work and friendly manner.

Greeks of Washington 7/1/12 Greeks of Washington 7/1/12

The Great Head of the Family

Great yiayia (grandmother) was too long to say for Willene (Vasiliki) Delegans Allison’s great grandson, so the name for this family matriarch became simply “Great.”

Greeks of Washington 7/1/12 Greeks of Washington 7/1/12

Family Comes First

The walls of Tom Cassis’ basement recreation room contain a family history of plhotos beyond imagination. For him as long as the family comes first, everything else will fall in line. His memory of names, dates and places shows how important those relationships have been in his life.

Kate Hagan Gallup 6/1/12 Kate Hagan Gallup 6/1/12

The Light of My Life

John and Penny Sakellaris’ summer home on Blue Lake in central Washington has, according to Penny, “as much electrical wiring as The White House.” More impressive is the warm and bright manner in which they interact with people.

Greeks of Washington 6/1/12 Greeks of Washington 6/1/12

A Sister and Brother Act

Born just a year apart, Dina (Constantina) Salagianis Baker and Pete (Panagioti) Salagianis recall their early life in Yakama and Spokane while they enjoy retirement in Walla Walla, Washington.

Greeks of Washington 6/1/12 Greeks of Washington 6/1/12

From Katafigi to Kaiser

John (Ioannis) Theodoros Gormanos has written extensively about his life beginning with his childhood in northern Macedonia through his long journey to Spokane, Washington. He has documented the history of his family in Greece, his experiences coming to Washington State, the story of his Uncle Paul and Aunt Mary who sponsored him and the story of his petherika (in laws) George and Vasiliki Deliganis.

Kate Hagan Gallup 5/1/12 Kate Hagan Gallup 5/1/12

Making a House a Home

Soap Lake, Washington, had about 2000 people when Sandra (Cassandra Athena) “Sandy” Marlene Pappas (Papaioanos) grew up there. Her parents’ friendships and civic activism led to the family’s success in this small community. Sandra has used her parents’ examples to become successful in the Seattle real estate field.

Greeks of Washington 5/1/12 Greeks of Washington 5/1/12

Learning the Hard Way

Thomay (from Thomas) “May” Fenerly grew up in a small cottage on Sequim Bay on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula without a road until 1937 and without electricity until 1955. Despite the challenges of living and learning in a remote location May successfully pursued and developed a career in education. She has also meticulously documented the family history in words and photos.

Greeks of Washington 5/1/12 Greeks of Washington 5/1/12

Making Sweet Music Together

For 58 years, Peter Evans Jr. and Anna Damoulou Evans have maintained their faith, their vows and their musical interests. They recall many activities in their Greek Orthodox Church, in their community and with their family where music and singing have played an important part.

Kate Hagan Gallup 4/1/12 Kate Hagan Gallup 4/1/12

Making Good Parea

For Terry (Sotiros) Nikolaos Karis (Kanakaris) making good parea (companionship) has been the key to a successful life in Seattle’s Greek community. It is clear that he has sought to maintain these friendships with old and young alike to keep his Greek culture and traditions alive.