It’s with great sadness and sorrow we announce the loss of our family patriarch, Basil Tasikas.  He passed away peacefully on Friday June 6, 2025 after a brief battle with Lung Cancer.

He was an incredibly kind man and devoted husband to Dimitra. Together, they built a life rooted in love, tradition, and unshakable commitment. They shared not only a home but a partnership, filled with laughter, sometimes in disagreement, but with resilience, and an unwavering bond that we all admired.

As a father, Dad meant everything to his kids, John, Bob, and Andria. He was strong and proud, sometimes stubborn in the way only Greek fathers can be, but always filled with love and a deep desire to see his kids thrive. He showed his care through action, through long hours and his tireless work in the family restaurant, and through the way he made sure his family always had food on the table and a roof over their heads, and that guests never left the house hungry.

He welcomed his kids’ spouses, Sasho and Julie, not just as in-laws, but as his own children. And as a grandfather, he absolutely lit up around Alannah, Matthew, Sofia, William, and Nicholas. They brought him so much joy, and he loved nothing more than to see them laugh, to sneak them treats, and to cheer them on in everything they did. He proudly bounced each of his grandkids on his lap as babies, singing his famous Greek lullaby “Dum de de dum de de dum”

Dad’s heart belonged to the Toronto Maple Leafs. It didn’t matter the year, the record, or the playoff heartbreak, how much he yelled at them to play harder, he never gave up on his team.  He watched every game like it was the Stanley Cup final and passed that passion down to all of us.

But Dad wasn’t just a hard worker or a hockey fan, he was a man who knew how to live. He loved to dance. When the music played, especially a good Greek tune, he was the first one up, arms stretched out, pulling others into the circle. And he loved to raise a glass, not just for the drink, but for the celebration. For family. For friendship. For life.

Dad was born in Greece, and although he left as a young teenager, his homeland never left him. The language, the food, the customs, they were all carried with him into his life in Canada. Here in Toronto, he carved out a life not just for himself, but for all of us, blending the strength of his roots with the opportunities of this country he came to call home.

Today, we say goodbye to a husband, a father, a father-in-law, a grandfather, a brother, an uncle and a friend. We remember his hands, calloused from work, but always ready to hold. His voice, sometimes loud, often passionate, always full of heart. And we remember his love for us, for his heritage, and for every beautiful, messy, heartfelt moment life had to offer.

Dad, thank you for everything. Thank you for your sacrifices, your laughter, your lessons, and your love.

We will miss you terribly. But we will carry you with us in every family gathering, every Leafs game, every dance, every toast.

May your memory be eternal.

We love you❤️

If you would like to pay your respects, there will be a viewing at De Stefano Funeral Home at 1289 Keith Ross Drive, Oshawa on Friday June 20th from 2pm-4pm and from 6pm-8pm.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday June 21st at De Stefano Funeral Home starting at 10:30 am followed by a burial service at Thornton Cemetery at 1200 Thornton Rd N, the NW Corner of Taunton Rd and Thornton Rd in Oshawa.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

LIVESTREAM

Please join the family on Friday, June 20th from 2:00 pm- 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm-8:00 pm as we livestream the visitation from the chapel.

ACCETTONE FUNERAL HOME