Constantine “Taki” George Kortidis

November 1, 1937- June 25, 2008

Child & Family Services of Michigan, Inc., is saddened to announce the loss of long time associate and current Board President, Constantine "Taki" George Kortidis, who passed away suddenly June 25, 2008. Mr. Kortidis dedicated himself to helping provide a better life to those children most in need and was a valued member of our organization. His absence will be deeply felt by all.

On the morning of June 25, 2008, at the age of seventy years, Mr. Constantine "Taki" George Kortidis was tragically killed in an automobile accident. Born in Kavala, Greece, on November 1, 1937, Mr. Kortidis resided in  White Lake, Michigan, the last ten years of his life. 

In 1948, along with his mother, Stamatia, and younger sister [who died at a young age from unknown causes], Taki immigrated to Jordan to be with his father, George Kortidis. As a young adult in Jordan, Taki was employed by the United States Agency for International Development in the audio/visual department, where he was the first non U.S. citizen to hold a department head position. Taki met and married his first wife, Mary Lou (Ploe) Rolik in Amman, Jordon. In 1965, they immigrated to the United States and settled in Dearborn, Michigan, where Taki was promptly hired by the Graphic Arts Department at Ford Motor Company.

In 1977, Taki learned to fly and earned his private pilot’s license. The following year, after  dissolution of his first marriage, he married his second wife, Julie Adams. Although Taki and Julie eventually divorced, the two embarked upon, and continued until his death, a life-long close personal friendship. In 1982 Taki retired from Ford Motor Company and utilized his multiple aviation licenses to teach others how to fly the “Taki” way. He was unceasingly devoted to helping his students become the best pilots possible.

Taki had a deep compassion and concern for the thousands of abused and neglected children in Michigan, and was associated with Child and Family Services of Michigan, Inc., for more than thirty years as a donor, committee person, committee chairperson, and board member. At the time of his death, he was serving his third year as President of the Board of Directors. Children, friendships and helping those in need overrode other interests in the life of a man who dedicated his time, energy and resources to commitments of the heart. Taki Kortidis leaves behind many close personal friends and business acquaintances, as well as a legacy of love in his commitment to the creation and continuance of CFSM's Operation Good Cheer program.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the "Child and Family Services Constantine Kortidis Memorial Children's Fund" which provides for the special needs of children in foster care. Contributions may be mailed to:

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