March 14, 2021
Early Sunday morning, March 14th, long time Abbotsford resident and music instructor Victor Guidone moved on to his next song at the age of 96.
Born of immigrant Italian parents and youngest of six, Vittorio is fondly remembered for his quick wit and musical talents. He held the distinction of being the final member of his generation and most senior living member of the family.
His musical involvement began at an early age where he was a member of the Trail marching band as a drummer, while also becoming a versatile pianist. He was a jazz enthusiast, later playing with the "Serenaders" big band and a Dixieland band.
Victor played a part in the war effort, working in the Vedder army camp and driving military trucks. While living in the Fraser Valley, he built three houses, which often involved midnight construction. He recounted one such occasion while up in the rafters and working by the light of a gas lantern, a moth dove into the mantel, plunging everything into a very dark Cultus Lake night and ending work for the day.
It was there that Victor met his bride to be (Josephine Pells), marking the start of 76 years of matrimony. They had three children (Melody, Cary, and Rico). Victor is survived by two of his children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
He moved to Abbotsford with his family in the summer of 1966, where he founded Guidone Music Studios and went on to teach the language of music to hundreds of eager students, young and old. He was a natural teacher and sharing his love of music remains one of his greatest legacies.
Josephine continues on in Vernon. The family would like to express gratitude to those at Polson Care Center for their ever-thoughtful care these past few years. Special commendation is also due to Melody, who helped so much through the later part of Victor's life.