Mario was born in Arzignano, Italy and married our mother in 1957. In 1964, with their two young daughters, they made the difficult decision to emigrate to Canada because they wanted more opportunities for their girls. They arrived with very little money or language, but they had a lot of strength, determination and optimism.
Our dad never complained of the opportunities not afforded to him. He never complained about much actually, he just moved on and did the best he could. In everything. And he embraced new technology. He was the first of his friends to get a super 8 film camera. Later, he loved using his ipad.
After he retired, he took on the role of caregiver when our mom slipped into dementia. He looked after her until he broke his hip earlier this year. When he couldn’t see her in person, he was comforted by seeing her on Facetime.
Mario was predeceased by his brother (Ugo) in Italy. Mourning his passing are his wife of 63 years, Graziana and his daughters Doriana (Mike Hall) and Franca (Michael Jones). His grandchildren Justine Hall (Alex Balay), Jacob Hall (Kyla Dimaggio), Jacinta Jones, Adrian Jones and Kieran Jones. And his great grandchild Mario Balay. Along with nieces and nephews here and in Arzignano.
Special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at the palliative care ward of Burnaby Hospital and Crossroads Inlet Centre Hospice. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Burnaby Hospital Foundation would be welcome.
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