Ted Pavlakis

TED PAVLAKIS, age 58 passed away July 7, 2013. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emanuel G. & Christine F. Pavlakis. He was an inspirational brother to George (Holly) Pavlakis, Jim Pavlakis, Laura (Tom) Wolf, Maria (Jon) Tschetter and Peter (Lisa) Pavlakis. A loving uncle of Tom (Karen) Wolf, Peter Wolf, Jennifer Tschetter, Michael Pavlakis, Nicole Tschetter, Eva Pavlakis, Lexi Pavlakis, Nick Pavlakis, Jonathan Tschetter and Sophia Pavlakis as well as a Great Uncle to Tommy Wolf. Nephew to Mary (Jim) Lamatis, Pete (Dolores) Pavlakis and Mary Cooksey and many cousins. In addition to his extended family and many friends he was greatly supported in his care by Martin Anih, Christy Luth Andrisen and his nephew, Peter Wolf.

Ted was born in Denver, Colorado on August 11, 1954. He graduated from Cherry Creek High School in 1972, and he continued his studies at the University of Colorado - Boulder where he graduated in 1976 with a degree in Business. He worked in the family business, Pavlakis Realty, as a commercial real estate broker for many years. Also, for a summer, Ted was the general manager of Rabbit Ears Lodge near Steamboat Springs, Colorado where he oversaw the operations of a fabulous mountain retreat. He participated in all outdoor activities, travel and generally enjoyed spending quality time with his family and friends.

At the age of 30, Ted was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and he began his valiant fight against this crippling disease. The MS was progressive and eventually he was unable to continue his real estate career. As he sought other options, he realized there was a tremendous need for employment services to assist the disabled. Ted made it his mission in life to help other disabled people find employment and he launched a non-profit, Disability Careers, Inc. where he was successful in promoting and securing employment for many, many disabled individuals.

As the disease progressed, his physical abilities rapidly deteriorated. He became more dependent upon outside help to assist him in functioning thorough his daily life. His brother Jim was his best friend and devoted side kick throughout the remainder of his life and Jim helped Ted manage his healthcare needs with tireless love and devotion.

In spite of all the adversity he faced for the last 28 years of his life, Ted was an inspiration to his family and many friends. He conveyed true character, perseverance and a positive spirit to all who knew him. He touched many, many people with his courage and determination.

Ted's life will never be defined by the terrible disease that afflicted him. Instead, he will always be remembered for a life of inspiration, devotion to his faith and family and an attitude that always brought a smile to others' lives. He will be missed very, very much.

MAY HIS MEMORY BE ETERNAL.

The Trisagion Service will be Thursday, July 11 at 7pm at St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church, 5555 S. Yosemite Street, Greenwood Village, CO 80111.

Funeral Services will be Friday, July 12 at 10am at The Assumption Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 4610 E. Alameda Avenue, Denver, CO 80246. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in the name of Ted Pavlakis to the Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Building Fund (address above), the Assumption Cathedral Capital Building Campaign Fund (address above) or the St. Spyridon Building Fund, 745 E. 5th St, Loveland, CO 80537.