Tributes for in for The Admiral

A fixture of downtown Brantford, Harilaos “Harry” Chatzis is being remembered as a kindhearted gentleman who never forgot a face or a name.

Article content

Chatzis, founder of Admiral Submarine, died Nov. 7, 2023. He was 86.

Article content

Better known locally as The Admiral, Chatzis was always at his post ready to feed truckers, clubbers and the homeless from his Dalhousie Street restaurant.

“He was born pre-Second World War in 1937 so when he was young the Nazis came through Greece,” his son Gus said in an interview. “Greece was not a powerful country and the Nazis came in and helped themselves to whatever the Greeks had.

“At that time Greece was poor and became poorer still because it was now feeding the German army.”

Hunger was something Chatzis experienced as a child. When a customer in need of meal came into The Admiral, Chatzis would recognize it, Gus said.

“He believed that if he could fill someone’s belly, that person could then focus on other things, other problems be they emotional or physical,” Gus said. “Our portions were big and that is the basis for that.

Article content

“He’d give a sandwich to someone who was homeless and he could tell if someone was genuinely down on their luck.”

Growing up in Greece, Chatzis earned a Grade 11 education. At 17, he decided to come to Canada after learning about the many opportunities here from a cousin who lived in Toronto.

Upon arrival, Chatzis found the city too big and noisy. He came to Brantford after hearing from another cousin.

Chatzis worked in several restaurants, saved his money and opened Admiral Submarine in 1988.

Many customers of The Admiral have posted their memories of Chatzis on social media. Lori MacNeil is one of many to post in the online memory book created by McCleister’s Funeral Home.

“Harry was always so kind…so giving to those less fortunate. Enjoyed our Friday night stops at the ‘Admiral’ for his delicious food,” MacNeil said in her tribute.

Article content

Scott McMillan described Harry as “a kindhearted gentleman” and a fixture of the downtown.

“His food was always tasty and you could see the pride he had in his food,” McMillan said. “He had a great memory and would always say hi and never forget anyone’s name.”

Gus called the special tributes and his daughter Anique said the family is learning more about her grandfather from the posts.

“He was such a humble guy who didn’t really talk much about himself,” Anique said. “We really appreciate everyone sharing their memories with us.

“We don’t know a lot of these customers but we’re learning more about him from them and it’s really quite beautiful.”

Chatzis was the father of Gus and his wife Cindy and John. He was the proud Pappou to Costa, Anique and Aleura.

The family will receive friends and loved ones on Thursday, November 16 from 5-8 pm at the McCleister Funeral Home, 495 Park Road North, Brantford. A funeral service will be held at the Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, 475 Park Road North, Brantford on Friday at 11 am Interment to follow at Oakhill Cemetery.

Donations to the Brantford Food Bank in Chatzis’ memory would be appreciated by the family.

[email protected]

twitter.com/EXPVBall

Article content