“I once told Ap that I was scared of everything, scared about life…He wrote to me {The secret is that everyone is. People will always be scared of something about their future, because the unknown make us uneasy. The key is accepting the chaotic and turbulent nature of life and relinquishing your deep-seated desire for an idealist future which does not exist. Develop the facet of your being that you take silent pride in. Do not burden yourself with the goal of becoming a better person tomorrow or next year, as this will leave you just as you were before, but guilty. Instead, focus on emphasizing traits of yourself that make you feel good every day; be kind to others, offer and provide aid to those who may need it, satisfy your creative pursuits, even if you may not be proud of them. Doing this will allow you to develop an identity you will want to occupy, a reflection you can look in the eye. Your fear is a healthy reminder that you are not complete, but also that you are aware and smart enough to recognize it. It is thus a gift as much as it is a curse. Do not fret, you are not lost and you’re not broken…by Apostoli Marinakos.} We lost a genius that day, and not a day will go by that I won’t miss him.”  Luka

Ap pursued a wide range of passions; building, repairing, music, instrumentation, mathematics, modeling, timepieces, electronics and cars to name a few, always striving to learn and deepen his understanding of the world around him. His love for his Greek background was evident in his pursuit of and appreciation for the Greek language, music, community, and dance. He was involved his Church, participated in Greek and Sunday School, and volunteered at various community events, demonstrating his commitment to fostering a sense of connection and support within his community. His diverse interests and dedication to service highlighted the rich tapestry of his life and the values he cherished.

Apostoli was honored to receive a scholarship from the Calgary chapter of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) upon graduating high school, a testament to his dedication and achievements. Proud of his Hellenic heritage, he carried a deep appreciation for his roots, culture, and religion throughout his life. In line with this passion and his lifelong gift of inspiring others, we are in the process of creating of an award or scholarship in partnership with the Canadian Order of AHEPA District 24, aimed at empowering and supporting young people in Western Canada. This initiative reflects his commitment to fostering the next generation's connection to their heritage and encouraging their academic pursuits. This award is still in development and is not yet funded.