Dr. Anastasios Anastasopoulos, Professor Emeritus in Economics
Anastasios Anastasopoulos, Professor Emeritus in Economics, departed this life in July 2024 at the age of 90. He is survived by his loving partner of 63 years, Susan Fairman Anastasopoulos, and daughter, Vanessa Anastasopoulos, who deeply miss his presence.
Anastasios (Tasos) was a survivor of WW II occupations of Greece and the Greek Civil War. He graduated from the Athens University of Economics and Business as an accountant, then served as a NATO officer with the American Air force, before attending graduate school in the United States.
He received his MA in Economics from Vanderbilt University and his PHD in mathematical Economics from the University of Rochester. In 1965, Anastasios became Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of Western Ontario. He left for greener pastures and arrived at Montreal's Concordia University in 1967. He became Associate Professor and worked there until his retirement.
He was a key member of the Institute of Applied Economic Research, where he guided a major study analyzing the probable economic consequences of Quebec separation from Canada. The work was highly influential in the economics community and led to journal publications.
He taught economic theory and mathematical economics at both graduate and undergraduate levels. In the Department, Tasos was loved for his intellect and good humor by both colleagues and students. His mind never ceased to churn. Even at 90, he was passionately engaged in economic problems and economic theorizing, frequently with the help of AI. He loved intellectual discussions and disputes, and at the same time had the gift of making everyday encounters feel special.
Tasos was extremely devoted to his family both here and in Greece, returning there in the summers to be amongst his relatives. In earlier years he had loved nature walks, snowshoeing, and canoeing at the Laurentian cottage. He was a talented photographer. The many dimensions of his presence in the Department are missed.
With thanks to Ian Irvine for writing this tribute, with kind help from Vanessa and Susan.
Photo credit: Anastasopoulos family