We are saddened to announce the passing of Mario Furlan on Friday May 6th, 2011 after a lengthy illness and a short stay at Talarico Place, Castlegar, BC. Mario was born December 16, 1925 in Azzano Decimo, Province Pordenone, Italy and arrived in Canada on February 19, 1952 with his first home being in North Forks, BC. After a short stint with the CPR, Mario moved to Castlegar in 1953 when he started work at Waldie & Sons Sawmill, then Celgar Sawmill and retiring after 34 years of service in 1987. Mario lived a simple and contented life tending to his home and garden, making wine, an avid hockey fan, raising two sons and visiting with his many friends and relatives.
Mario is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lina, sons Claudio (Ronda) Furlan of Vernon, BC, and Fabio (Cheryl) Furlan of Laguna Niguel, California, granddaughters Andree Furlan and Sonja (Dan) Caryk, sisters Maria (Enrico) Franzon of Calgary, AB, Luigia (Rino [deceased]) Zilli of Cuzano, Italy, brothers Sylvio (Nives) Furlan of Castlegar, BC and Valentino (Dianna) Furlan of Calgary, AB along with many nephews and nieces and a close group of friends. Mario is predeceased by brother-in-law and sister-in-law Luigi and Concietta Borean of Hamilton, ON.
Even though Mario was not born and raised in Canada, he adopted this great country as if he were. He passionately enjoyed our great sport of hockey and lived and breathed the game like a true Canadian. Mario grew up in a farming community and he transferred these early year skills to his home on 10th Avenue. Friends and relatives came from far and near to enjoy the many fruits and vegetables that his small plot of land would grow. His greatest joy from this small plot of land was growing grapes which were made into wine that he proudly served to his family and friends. Mario was a long time member of the Cristoforo Colombo Lodge and could be seen at many Lodge events in Trail socializing with his lodge co-members. A kind and gentle man, Mario will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.
A celebration of life and funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Castlegar, BC at 10:30 AM with Father Clarke Celebrant. Cremation in care of Castlegar Funeral Chapel with entombment in the Nose Creek Valley Mausoleum in Calgary, AB.
Mario’s family extends gratitude to Dr. Merritt, the Doctors, Nurses and Caregivers in Castlegar, Trail, and Kelowna and friends and relatives that have helped his family through his illness. In lieu of flowers and other condolences, Mario’s family urges donations in Mario’s name to either the Kelowna Cancer Lodge c/o the Canadian Cancer Society, BC Yukon Division, Attn: Donor Services, 565 West 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4J4, www.cancer.ca or Talarico Place c/o 709 10th Street, Castlegar, BC, VIN 2H7, www.castlegarhospitalfoundation.org.