Angelo Bontorin

Angelo Bontorin, was born in Romano D'Ezzelino, Italy on May 19, 1931. He passed away in Vancouver on March 17, 2025 at the age of 93. He is survived by his three children, Loretta, Sabina, and Luigi, their spouses, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many relatives near and far. Dad was one of 9 children and is survived by his 6 siblings, Maria, Velda, Francesca, Giovanni, Giuseppe and Bruno.

Growing up, Dad worked on his family's farm and was tasked with making the cheese and wine. At the age of 18 he was drafted into the Alpini Military in the Julia Alpine Brigade (the most important and glorious) of the 3rd Mountain Artillery Regiment, from the Belluno Battalion on which the young people of the Bassano del Grappa district converged, and the barracks were in Tolmezzo in the Province of Udine.

After the military, Dad worked in Italy as a bricklayer, but in 1956 he travelled to Prince Rupert, BC to work alongside his brothers and friends. His heart was longing for home and his sweetheart, Maria. He returned to Italy to court my Mother, and she finally agreed to marry him if he took her to Canada. So, they were married in January of 1960 in Italy and a few months later, they travelled back to Prince Rupert where their three children, Loretta, Sabina, and Luigi were born. Dad worked for BC Packers processing fish and on the weekends loved to go fishing with his friends and sometimes took his eldest, Loretta. It rains alot in Prince Rupert, and the kids were always sick, so in 1966 they decided to go back to Italy and lived in Romano D'Ezzelino for two years. Canada was once again calling so their next move was to Vancouver, BC.

Dad returned to work for BC Packers in Steveston Village in Richmond, BC as the manager of the smokehouse and retired after 32 years. He would bring home fresh seafood of all kinds as well as smoked salmon. The fishermen would ask him to personally smoke their salmon and in return they gave him various fresh seafood.

Dad had a green thumb and his passion was gardening. He would grow plants to sell to the nurseries or give to his neighbors and friends. He saved all his plants seeds, which we found in many places in the house. One year he came to my (Loretta's) house and seeded the vegetable garden not knowing it was already planted. A few weeks later we noticed that the vegetables were growing all mixed together and realized that dad must have come by. We had quite a laugh about that one. When his grandson started his garden, nonno was there in the dirt planting tomatoes.

Dad was an excellent carpenter, renovating his family home for the growing family, and built two other houses as well. We were always tasked with sweeping up the sawdust or pulling nails. He loved to sing and became a member of the Italian Choir of BC and also sang in the St Francis Church Choir. He was also an active member of the Vancouver Alpini Association. He volunteered many hours selling tickets for banquets, encouraging his family and friends to attend events. As children, he took us to see the befana, or gather to go eat castagne. We went on hikes in the mountains for a mass followed by a picnic lunch of sausage and pasta. His favourite dish was a plate of pasta. If he was going out to a party or banquet he had a plate of pasta first. He told us he couldn't go on an empty stomach.

He was a devoted husband, father, and nonno. He loved caring for his grandchildren and when the great granddaughters came to visit he was always trying to get their attention. Dad was a kind soul, and it showed by all the comments we received from the nurses, caregivers, friends and neighbours. His loving and kind spirit will be deeply missed by all.