Athanasios C. Daftsios

Athanasios Constantine Daftsios

July 17, 1930 - October 23, 2020

Place of birth: Nigrita, Greece

Education: Masters of Science, Purdue University

Today until forever we celebrate the life of fallen hero Athanasios Constantine Daftsios. Hero to his wife Fotoula, daughter Katerina, sons Constantine and Chris, grandson Thanassi and canine comrades Seamus and Charlie. Hero to the Greek communities he fought for and enriched as residing president of AHEPA in St. Paul and Ann Arbor. Innovator in chemical analysis whose practice with such giants as Warner Lambert and 3M made safe new pharmaceuticals and, in so doing, kept safe millions of consumers across the globe for over four decades. 

These accomplishments were rivaled only by the immense love and adoration that consistently surrounded him as planets do so draw to the majesty of the sun. His poetry melted hearts. His sly cheshire grin and dancing brows transformed pessimism to hope. And his voice- (that voice!)- was simply and completely a remedy for what ailed us. Even the most faithless fortunate enough to witness his rendition of "Oh, Holy Night" found it impossible to deny the presence of God. The presence of God soaring like swan shaped trumpets from the depths of his form. 

But it was the love he gave that defined him best. Everything he did, every feeling felt, every thought entertained was for his family. He loved them totally and completely. His love for them made his heart so big it ached, made him dizzy with pride, kept the child within him alive who gave with complete abandon. 

And at the end what brought him most pleasure were the moments: morning coffee with his daughter, spotting a ripe tomato from the garden he planted, wrestling a squeaky toy from the mouth of his puppy, a kiss from his wife. It was his joy of the moment that we will remember until we can again be joined in the soft, glowing arms of his laughter. 

You did good, Saki. We look to you always.

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