Gust Kanas

Gust was born in Garfield, Utah on February 3, 1923 to parents William and Katina Kanas, who had recently immigrated from Greece with sons Andy and Pete, leaving brother Nick behind with his grandmother. In Utah brother John and sisters Electra and Helen were born. After a brief stint in Washington they settled in Portland. Brothers Andy and Pete rallied to work and support their family after the Depression and the death of their father in 1942. At the age of seventeen Gus began fulltime work at the 7-Up Bottling Company earning fifty dollars a week, which he proudly handed over to his struggling mother. After working at the shipyards in 1942, Gus enlisted in the Army where he was commissioned a Lieutenant in the Infantry, serving in the South Pacific, the Philippines, and in Japan. Before the war Gus fell in love with Antoinette Mattia, and during a leave before shipping overseas they were married. In 1945, while stationed in Japan, son John was born. After adjusting to civilian life, Gus and brothers Andy and Pete opened a grocery store and meat market. In 1948 son Steve was born and in 1950 Gus and Toni became the proud parents of their only daughter Kathleen. The beginning of the Korean War caused Gus to liquidate the grocery store and become a fulltime student at the University of Portland, where he graduated Cum Laude in 1956. Gus began his teaching career at Jefferson High School as a math and science teacher, counselor and Athletic Director. In 1962 the Kanas family was devastated by the loss of son and brother John to cancer. As the Athletic Director, Jefferson was a dynasty in Oregon with teams winning state titles in football, basketball and several track events. Several of his Jefferson athletes continued on to excel in college and professionally, and included eventual Heisman Trophy Winner Terry Baker. Gus continued as the principal at Grant, Jackson and Marshal High Schools. Gus retired in 1983 to spend time building a second home in Lincoln City, salmon fishing on his boat the Ya'ssou, and more time with his devoted wife Toni. Gust was always known for his straightforward approach to life, his devotion to his family and his generosity to others. Gus is survived by his wife of 65 years Toni, son Steve, daughter Kathleen, and grandsons John, Mark and Brian and great grandson, Anthon

Trisagion Service

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
3131 NE Glisan Street
Portland , OR US 97232
Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 7:00 PM

Funeral Service

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
3131 NE Glisan Street
Portland , OR US 97232
Wednesday, April 14, 2010, 11:00 AM

Cemetery

Rose City Cemetery
5625 N.E. Fremont St.
Portland , OR US 97213-1754
Wednesday, April 14, 2010,

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