March 15th 1944 – December 30th, 2024
Our dear Niko died peacefully at home on December 30th, 2024, surrounded by the loving care of his family, friends, and professional healthcare team. A beloved partner, father, brother, and adored Papou, Niko was a resilient and stoic man. He is survived by Penny Stratas, his spouse since 1975, his children Blair and Lee, their spouses Ben Braconnier and Raneez Singh, his adored grand-daughter, Reese Ophelia in British Columbia, and his sister, brothers, and their families in Ontario. He is profoundly missed and remembered deeply, with much love.
Niko was born in Athens Greece to Panos Polychronopoulos and Maria Alexopoulos on March 15th, 1944. He immigrated to Canada in 1954, residing in Toronto. He flourished at Jesse Ketchum PS, Central Technical HS, and went on to earn his Civil Engineering degree at the University of Toronto. Niko was a proud engineer and professional consultant, strong in academics and keen to provide professional mentorship. He and Penny moved to Ottawa in 1975 and later Vancouver in 1999, where he volunteered and coached community sports.
He shared a love of the arts with his wife Penny. Together they filled their home with the works of Canadian and international artists, he loved music, especially Greek Bouzouki music, classical, and jazz, and enjoyed ballet and theatre. He was a wonderful host and cook; his Lamb Shanks and Osso Bucco were legendary.
There will be a celebration of life at a later date. Condolences and memories can be shared below.
Donations in Nick’s memory can be made to Doctors Without Borders or a charity of your choice.