Ezio Bortolussi

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Cav. Ezio Bortolussi, who left this world on November 4, 2023. Predeceased by his parents, Natale and Maria Bortolussi, Ezio will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Kimberly, stepson Caleb (Erika), and grandchildren, Emiko and Kylen. Also left to mourn his death are his siblings, Silvano (Dovi), Adelio (Marcella), Vania (Luciano), nephews, Manuel (Laura) and Ivan, nieces, Tatiana (Natalino) and Francisca, and great nieces/nephews, Sara, Ciara, Sophia, Adele, Luca, and Charlotte, as well as numerous friends and colleagues. Ezio’s presence impacted the lives of many worldwide. He will be deeply missed.

Ezio was born on September 25, 1943, in Arzene, Italy, a small town within the Friuli region where he cultivated and maintained many lifelong friendships. These enduring friendships are a testament to his devotion to his loved ones and commitments. From Italy, Ezio moved to Switzerland, Ottawa, Qatar, and Calgary before permanently settling in Vancouver. His international experiences formed and amplified his bigger than life and generous personality which influenced all those around him.

Ezio’s vitality, determination, and expertise ensured success in his vocational pursuits. He began his career as a semi-professional soccer player, scoring many goals and winning many matches before trading his cleats for a hardhat. In 1979 with his brother, Adelio Bortolussi, and friend, Enzo Zanelli, he established B&Z Construction in Calgary. This business experience provided the framework for Ezio to establish Newway Forming with Sal Giantomasso in 1984. Based in Vancouver, Newway Forming went on to become one of the industry’s leaders in high-rise concrete forming, known for their capabilities and experience in the construction of tall reinforced concrete structures throughout Western Canada and Western USA. Under Ezio's guidance, Newway Forming completed more than 400 large buildings over the past 35 years, with a portfolio of projects in B.C., Alberta, Washington, California, Hawaii, and the Bahamas. Ezio Bortolussi contributed to the skylines of many cities, including some of the tallest, most impressive high-rise structures such as the Shangri-La and the Bow, as well as managing the largest continuous concrete pour in Canada. Newway Forming’s reach included the Nassau Airport, with Ezio receiving compliments from the Bahamas’ Prime Minister, Alexander Ingraham. Ezio’s leadership was also instrumental in the Google Campus New Office Building in Kirkland, Washington, which received the award for Best Green Project from Engineering News Record. Ezio was an Italian immigrant who had the courage, enterprise, and grit to challenge the unknown and to reach admirable heights of success in a foreign land.

Newway Forming’s work in Seattle during the spring of 1987 would, by far, bring Ezio the most joy. While in the city overseeing a project, Ezio spotted a beautiful barista who owned an illy coffee cart outside of Bellevue Square. Kimberly immediately stole Ezio’s heart and became the love of his life. Their journey together was filled with endless love, admiration, and support. They had many romantic adventures throughout North America, Europe, and Northern Africa; they celebrated important milestones with family and friends; and they supported each other during life’s difficult times. Their devotion to each other was unwavering, especially during the final years of Ezio’s life while Kimberly lovingly cared for him.

Ezio Bortolussi made immense contributions throughout his lifetime, giving back to the communities within which he worked and lived. His generosity, philanthropy, and commitment to excellence has been honoured with numerous awards. Some of these include: In 2005 Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, President of the Italian Republic appointed him Knight of the Italian Republic; Ezio was awarded Honorary Presidency of the “Friends of Ferrari”; the Columbus Soccer Club also named him Honorary President; he was elected President of the COMITES (Committee of Italians Abroad) in Vancouver; he received the “Friuli Aperto” award in Friuli; he received from the President of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, the Silver Medal “for honouring the homeland of Friuli and Italy”; Ezio was awarded the title of Italian Canadian of the year in 2013; the municipality of Valvasone Arzene awarded him honorary citizenship; and on July 26, 2019, the University of Udine conferred the honorary degree in Civil Engineering on Ezio Bortolussi for the levels of excellence and innovation achieved in the field of reinforced concrete construction of tall buildings. The memory of Ezio will live on through all that he has generously contributed to his community near and far.

On behalf of Ezio and his family, we would like to thank Josephine Apdon and Renz Valdez for their care of Ezio during his illness and Lina Fronzo from Annie’s Place for providing the caregivers and always finding solutions to help Kimberly with Ezio’s care. We also extend a very special thank you to Liz Morrison and Jorge Arroyo for their love, devotion, and commitment to Ezio which was invaluable.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a charity of your choice or to the Blessed Sacrament Elementary seismic upgrade. Cash or cheques can be given directly to Blessed Sacrament School, or donations can be made online at CanadaHelps.org.