Obituary of Umberto Buttignol

1930 - 2010

Goodbye old Alpine Soldier

(Addio Vecchio Alpino)

Umberto "Bert" Buttignol was born in Mestre, Italy on January 8, 1930 and passed away on November 30, 2010 at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook.

He came to Canada in 1954 arriving in Kimberley on a snowy January day. His first employment was with Fabro Sawmill. In 1957 he was hired by Cominco, working for a short time in the mine and then transferred to the concentrator where he worked as an operator. Later he was trained as a roofer and did roof repairs during the summer months and worked in the carpenter shop during the winter. Berto retired from Cominco in October 1987 after 28 years of service.

Berto enjoyed his retirement years doing carpentry work, gardening, wine making, visiting his buddy's at the pub, and his favourite pass-time of going out gathering firewood for the winter months.

Berto is survived by his wife, Norma, of 53 years; daughter Kelly Ann; son Marco (Mirella) and grandson Benjamin. He is also survived by his sister Rita Cimolai; sister-in-law Lucina Buttignol of Kimberley, B.C. and two sisters, Lina and Maria of Italy, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his infant daughter, Loretta; his parents, Luigi and Angela Buttignol; brother Miro; his twin sister Giuseppina, and sisters Agatha and Ada.

There will be no funeral service. A Celebration of Berto's life will be held at the Elks Hall in Kimberley, B.C. on Monday, December 6, 2010 from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in honour of Berto may do so to the East Kootenay S.P.C.A., Box 2, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 4H6 or The Salvation Army, 533 - Slater Road NW, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 4Y5 and would be appreciated.

 

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com