BANGOR and PERRY – Brig. Gen. George P. Christakos, U.S. Air Force, 66, died July 20, 2007 at home from complications of gastric cancer. He died the way he lived, stoically and fearlessly, surrounded by his cherished family. He was born Dec. 15, 1940, in Bangor, son of Peter and Rena (Predaris) Christakos. George was the grandson of Greek immigrants. He graduated from Bangor High School, Class of 1958. He received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration from Husson College and also earned a stockbroker’s license. He began his military career as a second lieutenant in 1963, as a supply officer. After a six-year active duty, he joined the Maine Air National Guard in 1970, until his retirement Jan. 1, 2001. Some of his assignments included, chief of supply, commander of the 101st Resource Management Squadron, commander of the 101st Support Squadron and support group commander. He assumed the position of assistant adjutant general for air in 1998, where he remained until his retirement. Some of his major awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and the Legion of Merit. In addition, he was honored by Husson College as an Outstanding Alumni. George was an unassuming man, known for his humble, no-nonsense personality. He was a man of purpose and integrity. These qualities were evident in all that he did. He was fiercely patriotic and loyal to his country, which he served with honor for 37 years. He loved to hunt, fish and sail. He was also an avid golfer and enjoyed playing in courses all around the country and the world. Hunting season always brought with it a flurry of activity and planning the trips, the menus, etc. We were never sure how much hunting went on, but the stories of those trips were family entertainment for years and have added some colorful pages to the annals of our family history. George was a life-long member of St. George Orthodox Church, where he served as a board member, as well as president. He was a steadfast supporter of his community and he worked as a board member of the Historical Society, for the United Way, the YMCA, the Rotary and the Conservation Club. Upon his retirement, he built his dream “Camp Ariel,” Perry. He then built a new home on the beautiful Cobscook Bay, where he enjoyed spectacular sunsets, ocean views and where he died. He leaves behind a sad, but proud family, his son, Peter Christakos, M.D., and his wife, Deborah Stowe Christakos and their children, Alessandra and Nicolas; a daughter, Demitra Carstens and her husband, Ron, and their much loved dog, Guinness; his only sister, Paula Christakos Page and husband, Brian and their children, Karen Irwin and Stephen Page. In addition, he leaves behind two dear aunts, Tassie Predaris of Sebastian, Fla., and Anna Pangakis Stanley of Treasure Island, Fla. He has too many cousins to mention by name, but he loved them all and kept in close contact with nearly all of them, even though they are scattered throughout the world; and finally he leaves behind his wife, Dianna Yalouris Christakos, with whom he shared 44 years of love and adventure. They married July 20, and he died on July 20. It seems unreal that we will never again hold him in our arms, but we know that we will always hold him in our hearts. So, until we meet again, “Goodnight sweet Prince and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” Friends may call 5-8 p.m. Monday at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, where a Trisagion service will be held 7:30 p.m. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 90 Sanford St., Bangor, with the Rev. Adam Metropoulos, presbyter, officiating. Interment with full military honors will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Bangor, after the service. Donations in his honor may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 90 Sanford St., Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com
BRIG. GEN. GEORGE P. CHRISTAKOS
