Niko Andronikos Tzanakakis

Niko Andronikos Tazanakakis, 81, of Hagerman, passed away May 6, 2014 at his home. He was born in Elefsina, Megara, Greece the son of Andronikos and Sophia Tzanakakis. His father was a Christian Orthodox Priest. Niko served in the Greek Air Force as a pilot and later in the NATO Forces in Turkey. He resided in Greece until coming to New York in the 1950's, with his first wife Lilo and their twins. After moving to America he became a naturalized citizen. He and Lilo later had another child and later divorced. Niko then went onto become a Registered Nurse. This was a profession that help provide a life for he and his family, but was not the vocation he loved. He later went to work for PG&E as and Equipment Operator. This was the career choice of his life, he loved to operate equipment. In 1983, in Athens, Greece he married Gwendolyn Pearson. They were later married again on July 29, 1993 in Reno, Nevada. Niko was always the life of the party and during his time with PG & E he was often called on to "emcee" their company events and retirement parties. In addition, he was a Boy Scout Leader, director of the Sacramento Bowling League, and sports director for PG&E. After his retirement he and Gwen moved to Hageman. His life style then changed, from a man who wore a suit and tie daily to a relaxed man who enjoyed the laid back Idaho lifestyle. Surviving are his wife Gwendolyn of Hagerman, children - Catherine (Dave) Hernandez of Sacramento, CA, Christine (Frank ) Balderrama of Citrus Heights, CA, Anthony "Tony" (Jill) Tzanakakis of Lowell, Oregon, Christopher "Chris" (Sandy) Loaiza of Elk Grove, CA, Karen (Jose) Garcia of Sacramento, California, one brother - Nanos Tzanakakis of Athens, Greece, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren, along with several Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and four sisters. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. A visitation will be held at Parke's Magic Valley Wendell-Gooding Chapel, 380 First Ave. East in Wendell on Sunday, May 11m 2014 from 5 - 7 P.M. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, May 12, 2014 at 10 A.M. at the Hagerman Christian Center, 2750 S 900 E, Hagerman, ID. Burial will follow at the Hagerman Cemetery. Those who wish may share memories and condolences on his memorial page at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.