 Jim Tasikas, founder of Galaxy Floor Machines |
Galaxy Floor Machine founder Jim Tasikas passed away on January 6 after a brief illness. He was 65. Jim started Galaxy in 1970; it was literally a family effort to grow the business over the years to where it is today. Galaxy's floor sanding equipment is now distributed in North America, Europe and Australia. Jim was a well-loved personality both as an employer and as a colleague in the wood flooring industry, where he was known by many as "Jimmy the Greek." He was looked upon by many of his past and present employees as a father figure, and viewed by all as larger than life. "Jimmy was passionate about his business and the hardwood flooring industry. He contributed his time and his equipment to schools to help in the education of contractors and anybody else that wanted or needed information," said Dura Seal's Bill Costello.
"He was a real gentleman, extremely innovative and a master of the sanding machine … He will be missed," said Dimension International's Richard Poirier. "Jim leaves behind a legacy of dedication and excellence in the industry. He taught his family well, and we are proud to carry on the Galaxy tradition in the floor sanding industry," the family said in a statement. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Sick Kids Foundation, Alzheimer Research Foundation or to the Council of Canadians. Condolence messages for the family may be left here. For more information with regards to the visitation and the funeral service, go to www.galaxymachines.com and click on "Press."
