Vasili “Bill” Chrisanthopoulos

It is with deep sadness and great love that we announce the passing of Vasili “Bill” Chrisanthopoulos (known to many as “Barpa Bill”), who passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, in Banff, Alberta, at the age of 81.

Bill was born on January 2, 1945, in Nikolaiika, Greece, to Maria and Andreas. In Greece, he studied accounting, served for two years in the Greek Air Force as a cryptographer, worked for the Greek postal service, was a salesman for Fix Hellas beer in Athens, and spent time as a chanter in his local church. In his younger years, he was also an enthusiastic track and field and soccer athlete, an excellent swimmer, and a lifelong lover of sports.

In 1973, Bill came to Canada and began building a remarkable life. He worked in restaurants in Toronto, Calgary, Atlantic City, Jasper, and Banff, eventually settling in Banff, where he and his beloved wife, Yianna, built a life together and owned and operated Banff Pizza and Barpa Bill’s Souvlaki. To many, he became simply “Barpa Bill”.

Bill was a man who gave it to you straight. He was honest, direct, hardworking, generous, and deeply loyal. He valued family and freedom, lived with a strong sense of honour and responsibility, and was always willing to help those he cared about. He had a wonderful sense of humour, loved to talk and laugh, and had a way of making people feel welcome.

Above all, Bill was a family man. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Yianna, the love of his life and his partner in just about every adventure; his son Andreas, his partner Srey, and their son Alex, his much loved grandson; and his son Michael and his wife Karen.

Bill loved life, his Greek heritage, sports, music and dancing, travel, animals, and the mountains he called home. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, friendships, and memories.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his big heart, strong character, Greek spirit, unmistakable smile, and the love he gave to his family.

Bill, you lived with Filotimo, loved with Kapsoura, and embraced life with Kefi. We love you and miss you dearly. 

Rest peacefully, Bill. Kalo sou taxidi kai kalo paradiso. Sagapame poli kai mas leipes yia pandta.

Family and friends are warmly invited to join us on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. for the funeral service at St. George in the Pines Anglican Church, 100 Beaver Street, Banff, Alberta.

A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:00 p.m. at The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre, 100 Norquay Road, Banff, Alberta.