Gaston Kalesniko passed away on April 7, 2021, at the age of 83. He was born on a farm in Porcupine Creek, (between Ymir and Salmo) on Oct 11, 1937 and was the youngest child of Gaston and Anne Kalesniko.
His first language was Russian, and he attended a one room schoolhouse in Ymir before going to high school in Salmo.
Gaston married Roberta Webb in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho on July 27, 1957, after a brief courtship that began at a dance in Ymir, BC. Gaston's first job was at Hearns Brothers Sawmill where he worked his way up to sawyer. Because of the working conditions at Hearns Sawmill, Gaston with the help of Jack Munro, future I.W.A. president, organized the first union there which not only benefited his own father but countless other workers.
In 1965, Gaston went to work for the municipality of Tadanac and continued there after its incorporation into the City of Trail. Driving truck, plowing snow, and sweeping streets, Gaston worked there for 30 years until his retirement in 1998.
Because many of Gaston's coworkers were Italian Canadian, Gaston taught himself Italian. He became so proficient in the language that many older Italian Canadians would ask Gaston which part of Italy he came from. He would reply, "No, Russo."
A self-taught man in many trades, his pride and joy was the house he built with his family on 5 acres in Beaver Falls. Gaston loved the outdoors with one of his greatest passions being prospecting.
Gaston was a loving son, husband, and father. A believer in dreams, he encouraged his sons to follow their passions. He was the foundation of his family and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Roberta, his three sons, Mark (Jennifer), Michael and Glen, his granddaughter Misha and sister Helen Holuboff. He is predeceased by his parents Gaston and Anne Kalesniko and eldest sister, Mary Zaitsoff.
There will a private service. Gwen Ziprick of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online register at www.myalternatives.ca
Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services
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