Elio Piccin born February 12,1929 passed away peacefully
Sunday March 8, 2015.
My Dad was born in Vittorio-Veneto, Italy. He lost his mother at the age of three. He started working for his father at the age of nine in the woods, cutting trees for firewood. At the age of 18 my Dad joined the Partigianni and was very proud to be an Alpino and to fight with them to defeat the fascist in the mountains of northern Italy. After the war my father returned to the mountain town of Cargnacco to help build a monument in honour of those who died in World War Two.
He came to Canada at the age of 25, and found employment in the mines in Wells BC, near Barkerville. My father wrote to his cousin in Italy and she suggested that he correspond with a girl name Alba. After a short courtship via mail, he asked Alba to marry him. She said yes and Dad went to Italy to meet and marry my mom. Mom came back to Wells and a short time later, I, Cristina was born. Mom left Dad to return to Italy as the environment was too lonely and rustic for her. My Dad had opportunity to come to the Island and lived in Campbell River for the remainder of his life, continuing to work at Westmin Mines, until his retirement in 1994.
Dad enjoyed his retirement with his friend Rose, whom encouraged him to join the Elks, where many happy memories were made, enjoying good friends and good beer. My Dad was also a proud member of the Campbell River Italian Cultural Society, and seldom missed a meeting, as the fellowship, food, and opportunity to speak Italian was much enjoyed.
Elio's family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to New Horizons staff for the wonderful care he received during his stay. Also, special thanks to close friends, that unfailingly came to visit.
Friends are invited to join Cristina, to remember Elio at the home of Dan and Robbin at 4660 Discovery Drive on Friday, March 13th at 2pm.