Greek Australian entrepreneur John Bourdamis, who migrated to Australia in 1954 and made Geelong his home from 1970, is being remembered as a man of determination, integrity and deep community spirit.
Over the course of his life, Mr Bourdamis built a number of successful businesses in Geelong, including Primrose Fruit Supply, Corio Bay Road House and the Hot Potato eatery.
His entrepreneurial success was shaped by hard work, resilience and a belief in the opportunities Australia offered to migrants willing to take risks and persevere.
Beyond business, he was known for his strong sense of family and service to others. A proud supporter of the Geelong Cats, Mr Bourdamis retired at the age of 51 but remained actively involved in the Hellenic Orthodox Community, regularly driving members to church and helping cater community and social events.
His daughter, Suzy, described him as a man who was proud of his Greek heritage and grateful for the life he built in Australia.
“Fortune favours the brave,” she told The Geelong Advertiser. “Dad never envisaged that he would be his own boss, but he loved being the master of his destiny.”
Mr Bourdamis, who passed away in December last year aged 90, is fondly remembered by his wife Angela, his children Suzy, Greg and Jamie, and his five grandchildren.
Source: Geelong Advertiser.
