“To tolmon nika” or “to succeed with the impossible and always try for the best.” – these were the words Theo Mimi was taught when he was in the Green Beret and these words carried him through life. Theo Mimi said it best when he said,“It was a very difficult task, I have to say, but it did teach me hard work and determination and helped me get through all the challenges and difficulties I faced in my life from then on.”
Life in Thessaloniki Greece in the 1940s and 50s could not have been easy, but when you are raised by a devoutly religious mother and father with very little financial means, and you are the youngest of 6, you quickly develop a resilience and a confidence that takes you far in life.
And that is just what my uncle, Dimitrios Bozirikidis did, he went far in life. Armed with a love for God and family, and an endearing sense of humor our Theo Mimi as he was affectionately called developed into a successful family man, businessman, and entrepreneur.
He sailed into this land of opportunity at age 29, worked odd jobs and with the help of his beloved sister Vicky, he met the right people and began to save his money so that he could purchase apartment buildings and turn them into hotels.
He met the love of his life Elpis Dimopoulos, got married and had a beautiful daughter Pandora whom he cherished.
Never comfortable sitting still and possessing an intense love for his Greek culture, he became active in Greek organizations such as The Thessalonekean Society and Pan-Macedonian Association, and most importantly the Pan- Macedonian Study Center of which he was extremely proud.
But I think the most endearing thing about Theo Mimi was how real he was, if he made a mistake he would admit it and apologize, he never held grudges and he was always there for us during the hard times and during the happy times. Rest easy Theo Mimi. You will remain forever in our hearts.