This scholarship is offered in the memory of the late Christos Nicolaou.

 

Christos Nicolaou,( Sparti, Laconia Greece , May 5, 1943 – April 15, 1993 ) immigrated to Canada in 1969, bringing with him his wife Ekaterina (February 20, 1946 – December 19, 1983) and two sons Kostas and Yianni.

 

He eventually settled in East Vancouver, British Columbia where his family still maintains a strong foothold.

 

By trade, and at the time he immigrated, he was a painter and specialized in interior finishes specifically in the area of plaster architectural castings and details.  

 

In late 1973, having developed an allergic condition to paints and solvents, he re-invented his skills to becoming one of Vancouver’s foremost and well-known manufacturers for kitchen and bathroom cabinetry. He opened and operated Christ Cabinets Ltd from 1974 until his untimely passing in 1993 – roughly three weeks before his 50th birthday.

 

Christo and Ekaterina eventually had two more sons, Nicolaos and Panagioti, who along with Kostas and Yianni, all learned the woodwork business and worked their family business.

 

To honor his love and dedication to his family, his craft, and his Greek Canadian Community, a Trade Scholarship has been created in partnership with A.H.E.P.A. District 26th to support upstanding Greek Canadian youth who aspire to carry on the skills, professionalism, dedication, pride and commitment that define “People in Trades”.

 

This Scholarship Program is currently maintained by Kostas Nikolaou, Vancouver BC.