On Friday, January 8th, 2021, Nicholas D. Kolias lovingly known as "Nick" to his friends and "Grandpa Nick" or "Papou" to his grandchildren peacefully passed away at 79 years of age. Originally born and raised in Kansas City, MO Nick later moved to Chicago, IL and became an irreplaceable member of his communities there. He will be forever remembered by his wife, children, precious grandchildren and family.   Nick was a modern Renaissance man, something that was not immediately clear since he was also incredibly humble and committed to enjoying the present sharing selflessly in each of our life stories.    His journey started with The Mayflower diner which his family owned since his early childhood. He supported their efforts delivering groceries. It is impossible to describe without writing volumes the rich and amazing journey that follows and that has positively affected many along the way. Befriending Casey the elephant at the Kansas City Zoo, obtaining marksmanship medals, acting in counter-espionage training films were some of his early adventures that would one day take him to walk the same Athenian streets where his future wife lived. It's not until later that as they both explored their love for art that they would find each other in Chicago.   He was a talented artist, a professional photographer who later expanded his illustrious career as an award winning and passionate film/video editor and motion picture cinematographer. We were blessed with his beautiful photography from vibrant steps in the Greek islands, observing birds around the neighborhood, to his professional production work in commercial, educational and documentary films. As his family grew, Nick's story begins to showcase his best traits and his family became his priority; at the end of the workday, he would call without fail to let them know he was on the way home. He loved nurturing his children's interests, diving into a world of model railroads and RC airplanes, sharing his love of classic movies, biking, or just being the designated driver for the music concerts.    Nick had a gift for being able to share experiences with others and as always dedicate himself putting his heart and soul into the experience. His grandchildren became the joy of his life and he loved just being with them, Grandpa Nick or Papou was a regular at the playground. His thoughtful love and caring nature was always steady and reassuring and it clearly extended to his many dear guinea pig, dog, and cat friends whom chose Nick as their favorite napping companion. He was extremely organized with labels and notes; he meticulously labelled picture folders and CDs such as the Fall Leaves picture collection he and his wife created. Lovingly we will rejoice over the years to come sharing with each other our stories about Nick, just like he loved sharing his life story with us. It will be through video that we will be best able to share Nick's smile and laughter that are so representative of his loving nature and we will hold in our hearts forever.     "True happiness is found in unselfish love, A love which increases in proportion as it is shared" Thomas Merton