September 1, 1927 - August 29, 2020
Luigi died shortly after transfer to Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, B.C. from New Vista Care Home in Burnaby, B.C. His death was peaceful with his daughter by his side. In Canada, Luigi is survived by his wife of 68 years Maria, daughter Mara, son-in-law Ian MacLean, grandson Nicolas MacLean, son Rick and daughter-in-law Mary-Anne.
In Europe, Luigi is survived by his youngest sister Dalia in Tenero, Switzerland and many nieces and nephews in Switzerland, Italy and Spain. He was predeceased by parents Giovanni and Margherita, and siblings Natale, Dario, Silvio, Corinna and Carlo.
Luigi came from humble beginnings, born in the village of Caoria, municipality of Canal San Bovo, province of Trento, Italy. In 1945 he made his way to Bolzano finding employment at Lancia Automobile Manufacturers as a machinist. He met Maria in 1950 and they married in 1952.
Not happy with opportunities in Italy at the time, Luigi applied to emigrate to either Australia or Canada. Accepted by both countries, he chose Canada.
Departing from Venice on the SS Saturnia Luigi arrived in Halifax on May 18, 1956 and travelled across Canada by train to the West Coast where there were mountains that would so remind him of his hometown in the Dolomites. His first jobs included maintenance on the PNE roller coaster and mill work in a logging camp for Crown Zellerbach in South Bentinck, B.C. It was there that Luigi reunited with his wife Maria and daughter Mara after they emigrated in April 1957. In March 1958 the family moved to Ocean Falls, B.C.
To further his education and skills Luigi moved the family to Vancouver. In 1963 he accepted a job as an electrician for Ellis Hughes Electric and the family moved to Terrace, B.C. It was there he was able to open his own store Kalum Electric in 1966. Luigi took on electrical jobs and Maria sold appliances.
Doing well in his own business enabled them to travel to many interesting places around the world as well as trips to Italy and Switzerland to visit relatives.
In 1988 Luigi and Maria planned for retirement in warmer climes, getting a bit tired of shovelling the winter snow in Terrace. They chose Abbotsford and lived there happily, joining St. Ann's Parish, Knights of Columbus, the Trentino-Alto Adige Cultural Society, going to Canucks games and tending to their large garden.
Sadly, both Luigi's and Maria's health declined necessitating a move to New Vista Care Home, Burnaby in August 2017 where they were able to continue life together.
Many, many thanks to the caring and dedicated staff on Cypress Grove who looked after Luigi and continue to look after Maria.
For a year before their move to New Vista, they were assisted at home in Abbotsford by support aide workers who enabled them to stay safe living there. Thank you all.
There will be a funeral mass for family only due to COVID-19 restrictions and Luigi will be laid to rest in Hazelwood Cemetery, Abbotsford B.C. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. or to New Vista Society in Luigi's name would be much appreciated.