Gus Coutrakis

June 3, 1939 - Aug. 31, 2014

Gus Coutrakis, 75, who left his unique fingerprints on our world, passed away August 31, 2014. Vicki (Seagraves), his beloved wife and best friend of 30 years, and their dog Tula were at his bedside at their home near Lake Don Pedro.

Gus was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Maria Coutrakis, his prideful youngest brother George, who gave his life at age 19 in 1967 fighting in the Viet Nam war, and his first wife of 24 years, Carol (Cardoza).

Gus was born in the home of his parents on June 3, 1939 on the island of Crete, Greece. He began his life in the United States at the age of 8 when his family immigrated to San Francisco. Shortly thereafter they made their home in Ripon. Gus and his brothers Steve, Tony and George, along with their two sisters Despina (Silva) and Helen (Caetano), all attended Ripon Elementary School and Ripon High School.

Gus had a passion for the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman even after his first stroke, which left him partially paralyzed 16 years ago.

The fingerprints Gus left behind were those of a caring, sharing and loving father. He lived his life as a hard worker and was an emotionally strong individual; Gus was never, ever, a quitter and he was generous to all others while encouraging his family to make our world a better place. His children, Gus Coutrakis Jr., Joseph Coutrakis, Arlene Machado and Julie Mayfield are alive with his memories.

The next generation, his grandchildren, inherited the fun times, good food, strong mind, loud gatherings and stubborn nature of the Greek people from this one man. You may think of Hercules or Zeus but for our family it was Papa Gus, our Pappou (Greek), but any way you say it there are many reasons we are proud to call him Grandfather. Alive and loving you forever are Kalie, Kamie, Keaton, Evin, Emily, Kristopher, Kaitlynn, Brandon and Bryce.

Gus' children are honoring his request to have a private family celebration.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in his memory to the Alexander Cohen Hospice House or your favorite charity.

-Ceres (Calif.) Courier
Wednesday, September 24, 2014