Tribute to Panagiotis Takis Dadiotis

TRIBUTE TO PANAGIOTIS TAKIS DADIOTIS -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 30, 2004)

Ms. DEGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the extraordinary life and notable accomplishments of Panagiotis Takis Dadiotis. This remarkable gentleman merits both our recognition and esteem as his community leadership and invaluable service have unproved the lives of our people.

Taki Dadiotis was born in Greece in the town of Aegion where, in his early years, he worked with his father, a fruit vendor. His story is not unlike those of other Greek Americans who came to this country with little more than their optimism and a desire to build a better life. Taki arrived in the United States in 1966 and first lived in Pensacola, Florida, where he sold toothbrushes door-to-door to raise the fare to travel to Denver. When he arrived, he worked three jobs at the same time-at Samsonite making suitcases, at King Soopers bagging groceries and tending bar at the Picadilly Restaurant-to build the nest egg needed to open his first restaurant with his brothers Sam and Pete. He became a proud family man, and he and his wife Vasiliki, raised two wonderful children, Jim and Theoni.

More restaurants followed including the well-known Greek Town Cafe on East Colfax. But Taki had a passion for politics and always found time to be involved in public life. His restaurant became a gathering place for elected officials and influential politicos as well as the site for countless State, local and national fundraising events. Taki had an irrepressible zest for life and no one was a stranger. He was open and genuine and possessed a refreshing lack of artifice. When people would try to put one over on him, he would simply mention that although he lacked a formal higher education, he did, in fact, graduate from the "University of Colfax" and they all got the drift.

Taki was immensely proud of his Greek heritage and preserving the ideals and traditions of Hellenism had great meaning for him. He understood that his native Hellas and his adopted homeland shared common values and that the greatness of America flowed from our fidelity to the Hellenic precept that government derives its authority from the people. Becoming a citizen of the United States was one of the greatest honors of Taki's life. His son Jim recalled how he instilled in his children a sense of civic responsibility and the fundamental importance of voting. Taki once remarked that America stands for the fair treatment of all people, and that providing the opportunity to be successful makes our country better and stronger. Taki loved this country and he wanted to participate in the American experience. He wanted to help make our country better because it gave him the opportunity to live the American Dream.

But Taki never forgot who he was or where he came from. And although he achieved financial success, he always wanted to help, not only Greek immigrants, but all those who were disadvantaged. He didn't want people that were somehow limited or didn't have access to civic leaders and community resources to be forgotten, left out or lost in the shuffle. Taki not only had a big heart, but he was well-grounded and possessed a clear sense of what mattered.

Taki Dadiotis loved his family, his friends his country, his faith and lived a life that is rich in consequence. Truly, we are all diminished by the passing of this remarkable person. There is an old Greek saying that "the passion for freedom never dies." And while Taki has left our ranks, his passion for the American ideal endures in us. Please join me in paying tribute to the life of Panagiotis Takis Dadiotis, a distinguished citizen. It is the values, leadership and commitment he exhibited during his life that serves to build a better future for all Americans.