Peter Tashos

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Peter Paul Tashos of Oakville, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, stepfather, friend, and true gentleman.

Peter leaves behind his loving wife, Sharon Tashos; sister, Helen Hayes, his sons, Jonathan and Joseph Tashos; his stepchildren, Krista Tompkins (Jeremy) and Kyle Turpin (Kim); and his cherished grandchildren, Tillie, Beau, Alexandra, and Jason. 

Peter was predeceased by his mother, Frances Tashos, his father, Paul Tashos, and his beloved Yaya, whom he carried in his heart throughout his life and spoke of nearly every day.

Peter attended Wilfrid Laurier University, where he earned a degree in Geography. Although his education may have pointed him in one direction, Peter ultimately continued in the family restaurant business, where his natural warmth, charisma, and love of people made him perfectly suited to the hospitality industry. Over the last 40 years, Peter owned and operated 9 restaurants, remaining in the business until his retirement in 2018.

To say Peter was a “people person” hardly does him justice. He genuinely loved people, and people loved him in return. After a lifetime in the restaurant business, it seemed there was hardly an airport, city, or destination where someone didn’t recognize Peter or stop to say hello. He had an extraordinary ability to connect with people and was deeply loved and respected by those who knew him.

Above all else, Peter loved his family and friends fiercely. He was loyal, generous, protective, and would do just about anything to make the people he loved happy. He loved to hold court, surrounded by family and friends, telling stories, sharing memories, making people laugh, and enjoying the company of those around him.

Golf was one of Peter’s great passions, and he was a true gentleman of the game. Over the years, he taught countless friends and family members to play, always encouraging and supporting them—even when they became his competition. Golf also became the perfect excuse for travel. Sharon knew that if she wanted to plan a trip, all she had to do was show Peter one of the world’s top golf courses. Before long, the trip would be booked and friends would be joining them.

One of the most beautiful chapters of Peter and Sharon’s life together took place in 1999 at Kapalua, Maui, where they were married at sunset on the Plantation Golf Course. In a moment perfectly suited to Peter, they celebrated their marriage by teeing off into the ocean—a memory that captured so much of the life they shared: love, friendship, adventure, laughter, and, of course, golf.

Peter was also a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan. During his restaurant years, Sundays often meant working a double shift, but Peter refused to let that interfere with his football. With a laugh, he would remind Sharon that, thanks to the restaurant’s 27 televisions, he was actually watching football all day. Somehow, between serving customers, checking on the kitchen, and keeping everything running, Peter managed to keep one eye on the games. It was classic Peter—turning a long day of work into something he enjoyed.

His love of sports extended well beyond football. Peter was a loyal Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Blue Jays fan, and he rarely missed a game. He followed the schedule closely and made sure Sharon’s mother, “Winnie” always knew exactly when the Leafs or Jays were playing so she would not miss a moment. He might call out the date and time with the seriousness of a sports broadcaster, making sure she was prepared and in her seat. It was a small gesture, but it captured Peter perfectly: thoughtful, attentive, and always looking for a way to make someone else’s day a little brighter.

These are the moments that made Peter unforgettable. He lived fully, loved deeply, laughed often, and gathered friendships and memories wherever he went.

Peter’s passing leaves an enormous void in the hearts of his family and the many friends whose lives he touched. Tillie and Beau will certainly miss their Dodo. While that absence will be deeply felt, so to will the love, laughter, stories, lessons, and memories he leaves behind.

Peter was well loved, deeply respected, and will be forever loved and missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his honour to the Ian Anderson house in Oakville, Ontario : https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/65374 

Details for a Celebration of Love and Life will follow.

Rest in peace, “Honey"