In Loving Memory of Peter Arvanetes
Peter Arvanetes, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and long-time Banff resident, passed away on August 30, 2023 at the age of 91.
He was born on January 25, 1932, in Nestani, Greece. The end of World War Il left many families in Greece in desperate circumstances and in 1948 at the age of 16, Peter immigrated to Canada on his own. Peter visited different places in Alberta, BC and the US, but when he saw Banff, he knew he had found his home.
In 1959 Peter travelled back to Greece for the Christmas holidays. He met Helen at church, but their thoughts were not on prayers! In 1960, Peter married Helen, the love of his life.
Peter, along with his brother George, owned Andrianne's, a bustling restaurant on Banff Avenue. The downstairs had booths and a coffee counter, while the upstairs was open in the evenings for formal dining. Homemade candies were made on the premises, and Peter and George baked fresh pies, butter horns and other sweets. A prime Alberta steak dinner with all the trimmings cost $4.99 and a cup of coffee cost 15 cents.
Peter is survived by his wife Helen, who was his heart and soul; his daughter Ulla and son Kosta. Ulla is married to Greg Turner; their son James, brought immense joy and pride to Peter's life. Kosta is married to Wiebke Szalay. They blessed Peter with two grandchildren, Emelia and Nicholas, who filled his life with happiness and love. Peter is predeceased by his parents, three brothers and one sister, and is survived by his younger brother, George, and an extended family in Canada, the US, Greece and Australia.
Peter will be remembered for his good humour, warm heart, strong spirit, and the love he shared with his family. He leaves behind a wealth of memories that will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A funeral service to honour Peter's life will be held on Monday, September 11 at 11:00 am at St. George’s in the Pines Anglican Church in Banff. Father Thomas of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church will officiate. Peter will then be laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery in his beloved Banff.
