July 19, 1923-February 24, 2016
Born in Crocetta del Motello, in the Province of Treviso, located about 50 kilometres northwest of Venice, to Emilio and Eufrasia Brufatto, and was the youngest of seven siblings.
Claudio was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Teresina (Teresa), on October 20, 2014 and is survived by their three sons Ferdinando (Fred), Loris and Dino; six grandchildren Tania, Traci, Tim, Tina, Tony and Danielle and six great-grandchildren Kaylee, Liam, Braden, Rhys, Ocean and Jade.
After serving in the second World War and being imprisoned in Germany, Claudio married his wife Teresa in their hometown of Crocetta, where they had their first son. He and cousin Armando sought work in Vancouver, BC in 1950, eventually ending up on Vancouver Island and settling in Campbell River. Teresa with son Fred would later join - and this became home. Claudio worked in construction on the original John Hart Generating Station, and the Elk Falls Mill, leading into his long career in residential home construction.
During his retirement, he enjoyed raising canaries, gardening and building furniture and concrete yard decor. The beautiful gardens were lifelong projects, enjoyed by many, especially his beloved wife, where she enjoyed tea time and entertaining, with the pride and joy being her gazebo. The landscape they created earlier in life on 4th Avenue and later on 5th Avenue were both featured in a local magazine at the height of the season, in full bloom and compared as a mini “Butchart.”
Everyone who knew Claudio was well aware of his huge, kind and generous heart. In the end of his life, his big heart would not sustain him. He passed away peacefully while sleeping. He will be sorely missed and remembered by many.
Mass will be held in Claudio’s honour on Monday, March 14, 2016 at 11:00am at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church. Celebration of his life to follow at 2:00pm at Berwick by the Sea in the Tyee Lounge.
The family would like to sincerely thank Campbell River and District General Hospital, the staff of Berwick by the Sea. We would like to especially thank Dr. Douglas and Dr. McPherson. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation.