Emilio Pasquale Valentini

Better known as 'Buffy' to his family and friends, passed away peacefully at 147 Elder Street February 20. For 84 years, Buffy enjoyed his life to the fullest extend. He was born in Sora, Italy and came here in 1929 at the age of six years old. As a teenager, he had a shoe shine business on College Street and loved to describe himself as being "just a little immigrant trying to make good". He started a land development business with his late father, Sabatino Valentini, under the name of Valentine Enterprises Ltd. He was a great success and was admired for his honesty and trustworthyness. He was instrumental in resurrecting the King Edward Hotel and the company earned the Governor General's Award for building Fisherman's Wharf in Oakville. He served on the board at St. Alban's Boy's and Girl's Club and was with the Knights of Columbus for many years. Buffy was a remarkable man and had a zest for everything life had to offer. He will be missed by Renee, Pat and Vicki, Rudy and Lil, his sisters-in-law Chris and Gloria Isenberg, and by Herby and Shirley Fruitman. He was predeceased by his brothers Jim and Eddy and by his sister Lidia. He will always be remembered by his many nieces and nephews for his generosity, affection and his wonderful smile that would light up a room. Special thanks to family and friends who were there to support us through these last few years and continue their visits to Buffy to the end. Heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Ben and Roz Schultz and to all the staff at 147 Elder Street for the care they provided to Buffy, the understanding and the patience, the kindness and loving care. He was treated with dignity and respect and was kept painfree at all times. Friends will be received at the R.S. Kane Funeral Home (6150 Yonge Street, at Goulding, south of Steeles) on Friday, February 22 from 6-9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 23 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Wilfrid's Church (1675 Finch Avenue West). Cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated.