FREDERICK FLORAS, Q.C.
January 17, 1924 – June 11, 2016
It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Frederick Floras at home in his 93rd year with his family at his side. Loving husband of Victoria for 63 years, father of John (Anita Karrys), Judy (Tim Rance) and Stan (Lynn Mark), proud grandfather of Alexandra (Ben Concessi), Stephanie, Vanessa (Ted Benstead), Andrew, Caroline and Claire, and great-grandfather of Sophia. Brother of Patricia Aman (deceased) and Rose Hilson.
Born in Antartikon, Greece, to John Elias Floras and Caliope Nikolaou, at the age of 4 he sailed with his mother on the Arabic to Canada to join his father who had found work at Toronto’s Canada Packers. Indelibly shaped by the depression, he believed strongly in the importance of work, honesty, and self-sufficiency.
When he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force after graduating from Runnymede Collegiate, he did not anticipate that his World War II service as an officer, stationed in Britain, would lead on decommissioning to the opportunities provided by the Veterans Rehabilitation Act. He became the first in his family to attend University (Toronto) and after graduating from Osgoode Hall in 1951 may have been the first Greek-born lawyer called to the Ontario Bar.
Over the next 45 years he practiced real estate, corporate, and commercial law, principally as advocate for generations of Greek and Macedonian immigrant families. He was present and supportive at significant moments in their lives, where he was easily distinguished by his height, his smile, and his dry bilingual humour. Respected by loyal clients and colleagues for his integrity and efficiency, in 1971 he was honoured by his peers with Queen’s Counsel.
His principal passions were family, golf, the enjoyment of life-long friendships, his vegetable gardens, history, contemporary fiction and his cottage. His enthusiasm for golf began as a teen when he caddied at St. George’s and concluded when he relinquished his long-time membership of Thornhill Golf and Country Club at the age of 89. He travelled through Europe, the British Isles, and Jamaica with Victoria and their extensive circle of friends, and to Japan, where seniority placed him in the seat of honour.
Special thanks to Drs. Vishal Kukreti and Gary Newton and their colleagues.
The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES – NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) on Tuesday, June 14th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. with prayers at 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the Chapel on Wednesday, June 15th at 10:30 a.m. Interment Prospect Cemetery, 1450 St. Clair Avenue West.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation or the Kidney Foundation of Canada. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thestar/obituary.aspx?n=frederick-floras&pid=180309586&fhid=9911#sthash.5g2m5bh7.dpuf