George James Kanelopoulos

George James Kanelopoulos, age 80, of Blaine, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, this week in Bellingham. George was born in the Bronx, N.Y. in the summer of 1931 and later moved to Bayside in Queens. He entered the United States Air Force where he served our country for four years. George’s raw athleticism enabled him to play baseball for the Air Force. He also served overseas in Scotland and the Philippines. After being honorably discharged, George met the love of his life, Beverly and soon married. He was multi-talented which led to a diverse employment path including hairstyling, carpentry, roofing, and engine/ transmission rebuilding. He entered drag racing in the 60’s and raced against the likes of Jimmy Nix. George also owned and operated discotheques, and later started the famous sandwich shop, “Village Heroes” located in Jericho, Long Island. George also worked in real estate for the company that developed Marco Island, Florida. In 1971, George’s entrepreneurial engine was supercharged. He was not racing dragsters any longer, so the next best thing to satisfy his adventurous spirit was to sell everything and move the family to Marco where he expanded his entrepreneurial skills by owning and operating businesses in real estate, home building, restaurants, and men’s/women’s clothing shops. He even bought a 1957 Chevy drag car and started racing again. In 1990, George and Beverly traded the ocean and sunshine for the beautiful northwest when they moved to Blaine to work with Henry Hinn Ministries.

George was a devoted son who honored his parents. He was a true patriot who dearly loved the U.S.A. He was a man of good courage who was not afraid to press on when the odds were against him. He probably had a little Nitrous Oxide in his blood because he worked very hard for many years and never gave up. He deeply loved his wife and best friend, Beverly, but is now holding her hand. He taught his children and grandchildren well, and always loved and encouraged them. He was a faithful friend who was loved by many. He loved fast cars, food buffets (especially those with crab), and Greek food. He had a unique personality, a strong New York accent that will never be forgotten, and a faith in Jesus Christ that was unmatched. George was a wonderful man; a great loss for all who knew him. Please share your thoughts and memories on-line at www.sigsfuneralservices.com

George was preceded in death by the parents he loved dearly, Anthony and Amelia Kanelopoulos, his lifelong sweetheart and wife, Beverly Kanelopoulos, older brother, Gus Kanelopoulos and younger brother Nick Kanelopoulos. He is survived by his son, George J. Kanelopoulos, Jr. and his wife Gina (his favorite daughter In-law); daughters, Corinne and Nancy Kanelopoulos; grandchildren, Geordan, Gabriel and Chloe Kanelopoulos; Alexandrah, Caleb, Joshua and Katie Ann Pahl; brother, Jimmy Kanelopoulos, and his sister, Olga; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of loving friends. Visitation will be at Light of the World Prayer Center at 10:00 AM until service. A funeral service will be held Friday, March 16, 2012, 12:30 PM, at Light of the World Prayer Center, 710 E. Sunset Drive, Bellingham, WA. Burial to follow with Military Honor’s, Monumenta Cemetery, Lynden. Arrangements are under the care of Sig’s Alternative Funeral & Cremation Services, Bellingham, WA, 360-656-5459.