Bill Gonis OAM remembered by family and community as a loving, generous and selfless man

An influential Greek community leader has been remembered by his family in touching tributes.

Bill Gonis pictured in front of the Cathedral Church of Archangels Michael & Gabriel in 2020. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Kind, compassionate, generous and supportive – that’s how Betty Gonis will lovingly remember her late father and Greek community leader Bill Gonis.

Mr Gonis OAM died on Tuesday only days before his 63rd birthday, after health complications that were unexpected to his community, but not to their family, Ms Gonis said.

He was the president of the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) since 2015 and also served as the “go-to man” for the SA Taxi Council for many years.

It was for his service to the taxi and transport industry and the Greek community that Mr Gonis was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2006. He also volunteered at the Julie Farr Centre at Highgate every Christmas since 2004, assisting residents at the disability centre with transport and gifts.“He’s changed history with the work he did, with how he helped people,” Ms Gonis said.

“Every Christmas as a memory for me, Dad didn’t spend with us, it was at Julia Farr taking them lollies, presents, making sure they got access taxis, just making them feel special.”

But Ms Gonis, 40, of Plympton, said her dad “lived for his family” and was “the best” father.

She said one of Mr Gonis’ “happiest memories” was that he, his wife Christine and Ms Gonis all lived on the same street. Mr Gonis’ other son and Betty’s brother Peter, 37, also lived nearby.

“That was really important to him because family meant everything to him,” Ms Gonis said.

“It was the most important thing, like I said, that’s what he lived for, a very family orientated man with family values.”

Mr Gonis and wife Christine. Picture: Supplied

Family was everything to Mr Gonis. Picture: Supplied

GOCSA remembered their president as humble and passionate.

“Mr Gonis was a humble man, an exemplary leader with a vision (and) he will be sorely missed,” a statement read.

“We are deeply saddened and still in shock as is the rest of the multicultural community with his sudden passing.”

Tributes flow for family man and community leader Bill Gonis. Picture: Supplied

Mr Gonis with his friend Mary, who he helped get from the Julia Farr Centre to spend Christmas with family, along with dozens of other residents. Picture: Supplied

The community offered their deepest condolences to Mr Gonis’ family. President of the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission and Mitcham councillor Adriana Christopoulos remembered Mr Gonis as a “genuine” and “humble” community leader.

“Bill was always looking to connect with multicultural groups within our state through a common recognition of cultural and linguistic diversity, always promoting acceptance, understating and respect for all South Australians,” Mr Christopoulos said.

“He was passionate about celebrating not only past Hellenic accomplishments but mentoring, supporting and celebrating the next generation of Hellene South Australians.”