Vassili Ioannou Spyropoulos

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Vassili Ioannou Spyropoulos. Born August 1, 1973 at St Joseph’s Hospital in Toronto, Vassili died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of February 13 at the Baycrest Centre where he had resided since 2021.

Vassili grew up in Weston, met his future wife, Lori, at Weston Collegiate and went on to earn his honours B.A. from York University, summa cum laude. He earned his Masters of Psychology at Laurier and his law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School. After being called to the bar, he quickly became a partner in Fraser, Simms, Reid and Spyropoulos where he built a successful career in estate and real estate law. A talented athlete, he continued to play hockey, travel, and explore his artistic talents.

And then Parkinson’s struck. Despite the support of his family – his wife, Lori and her family – particularly her mother, Mary, and brother, Joseph, his parents, John and Barbara, his brother, Dimitri, sister Litsa, their spouses, Jennifer and Kevin, and children, John, Iris, Sam, Hailey and Cameron – Vassili’s condition deteriorated to the point where he needed a team of professionals to care for him. Baycrest welcomed him and nursed him back to a semi-stable state where he had at least a modicum of independence. Thanks to his many friends who supported him – especially his core group (Alan Carrera, Rob Hewitt, and Kevin McIntyre) who made sure he had his ‘weekend nights out’ that kept up his spirits.

Parkinson’s may have taken his ability to play hockey and practice law and eventually his life, but it could not take his spirit. He remained an intelligent, witty, and generous individual, always up for some fun. He continued his love of art and created interesting abstract art, even if some of the paint spilled onto his surroundings. It could not remove the laugh that was always just under the surface, waiting to bubble up.

The family is extremely grateful to the staff at Baycrest, his personal support workers (his ‘girls’), and the many friends and strangers who showed him kindness. May the world be full of such people.

Vassili was predeceased by his sister, Angela. His spirit will live on in the memories of all those whose lives were touched by him.

Friends and family may choose to donate to Baycrest or to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Click here to donate to Parkinson Canada

Click here to donate to Baycrest Hospital