It is remarkable what an impact a few Greek Canadians had on the community they called home.
In 1931 Nick Alexis came to work for John Haros, one of the owners of the National Café, the National Ballroom (now Towne Theatre), and the Haros Kandy
Kitchen.
In his first years in Vernon, Alexis learned every aspect of the restaurant business, and in 1939 purchased Haros’ share in both the National Café and the Candy
Kitchen.
In those days the National Cafe was open 24 hours a day to accommodate a constant stream of train passengers from the east, and sternwheeler traffic from points south.
In the 1930s, long before community sports programs were available, Alexis and his associates formed a softball team, the National Aces (later Nick's Aces).
By 1938 the partners sponsored a basketball team, followed by baseball, boxing, and soccer.
Alexis, active in every aspect of organization, became a friend to countless young men and women.
When the Second World War broke out, he tried to enlist but was refused for medical reasons. However, Alexis and his partners enthusiastically supported the interests and entertainment of the thousands of service personnel who passed through the training programs at the Vernon Army Camp.
In 1944 Alexis married Helen Haros, who was born in Vernon. The couple had two children, Nick Jr. and Margaret.
In 1946, Alexis, Fred Gaven, Curly Pulos and Gus Haros formed Vernon Homes Ltd., a 150-acre development on Mission Hill and the first major housing project
following the War.
Four acres were donated to the school board for Mission Hill Elementary School, and a further eight acres for a neighbourhood park.
Realizing there were not enough playing fields in Vernon, Alexis purchased the property now known as Alexis Park and donated the land to the City of Vernon.
Alexis' quiet retirement in 1975 became the reverse when he was made Freeman of the City. He soon joined the Hospital Board, became a director of the Historic O'Keefe Ranch, and began work on his Okanagan Mainline Sports Hall of Fame, which became a reality in 1982.
He also helped John Topping to organize the Funtastic tournament, still Vernon's premier sporting event.
Alexis died in 1990 at 75, leaving an enduring legacy for Vernon and its sporting community.