Anthony "Tony" Nickachos, beloved life companion and husband of Annanelle "Ann" Hardt, died Sept. 30, 2006, in Athens, Greece. He had suffered a ruptured aortic aneurysm on July 28, at the conclusion of a Greek island cruise with Ann, and died nine weeks later from complications following emergency surgery. Tony was the youngest of the five children of Athanasios "Thomas" and Theodora Tsikos Nickachos, and was born in Portland, Oregon, on April 10, 1920. He attended Abernethy Grammar School and Washington High School in Portland before taking a degree at the University of Oregon. There he was a long-distance runner, although he laughingly said, "Coach called me the caboose." He enlisted in the Navy during World War II, training at Notre Dame, and served in the Pacific as captain of a small vessel. He was always willing to set an example by doing the lowest dirty work. He later served in Memphis TN, Virginia, Newfoundland, and elsewhere, before retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After discharge from the Navy, he attended Arizona State University and taught junior high school for many years in the Roosevelt School District, Phoenix, AZ. He was always a giving person, often helping others, including a former student, with his problems after he left school. Tony loved animals, and once owned a champion Yorkie. He showed dogs, or assisted, at American Kennel Club shows, at least once serving as a judge. He resided in Mesa, AZ, at the time of his death. After buying his home there, he enjoyed being a fixer-upper and a do-it-yourselfer. Tony and Ann were married on Aug. 22, 2006, at Hygeia Hospital in Athens, in a religious ceremony conducted by the Rev. Elice Higginbotham, a long-time friend of the couple. Although Tony and Ann grew closer in their attitudes over 35 years of loving partnership, they were attracted early on as opposites in many areas like religion and politics. Tony was a good listener, and made helpful comments as both he and Ann became centered in their views. Ann, who lives at Friendship Village in Tempe, AZ, will miss his loving kindness, tenderness and strength, quietness, courage, humility, graciousness, consideration of others, helpfulness, generosity, and support. Several nieces and nephews also survive him. A Greek Orthodox funeral, including a U.S. Naval service, was held October 3 in Athens. A second-generation Greek-American, Tony was granted honorary Greek citizenship following his death. A memorial service will be held at noon, Tuesday, April 10, 2007, at the New Fountain Methodist Church and Cemetery near Hondo, TX, where his remains will be interred in the plot of the Hardt family. Contributions in memory of Tony Nickachos may be given to: Arizona State Foundation/ Religion, Conflict and Peace Studies, Account 30-X-MLRSOO32, P.0. Box 873004, Tempe, Arizona 85287-3004.