November 9, 1932 – September 16, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
We bid farewell to Pietro (Pete) Cragnolini, who peacefully left this world at the age of 90 on September 16, 2023, surrounded by his adoring family. He has entered God’s hands.
Pete’s life story began on November 9, 1932, in Gemona del Friuli, Italy, born to Tarcisio and Elisa Cragnolini.
He was the second of seven brothers, including Duilio, Giovanni, Walter, Guerrino, Luciano, and Arrigo. Needless to say, with a bustling household of seven boys, the Cragnolini family was a lively one.
Pete was always mischievous as a young boy and as he matured, he assumed the role of a dedicated provider for his family, exemplifying an unwavering commitment to his loved ones.
In the years between 1955-1958, Pete embarked on a path to become a shoemaker, laboring north of Milan, Italy. Subsequently, from 1958-1961, he ventured to Paris alongside his brother Giovanni, engaged in the craft of stuccowork on buildings. Then, in 1961, Pete relocated to Montreal in the company of his brothers, Duilio and Walter, still working as a cement finisher.
However, the frigid winters of Montreal, including a particularly memorable snowfall on June 29, 1962, prompted Pete to seek warmer horizons, leading him to Trail, BC, where he contributed his skills to dam construction in the region. For the following three decades, from 1964 to 1994, he undertook diverse roles at Cominco.
It was in Trail that Pete encountered the love of his life, Ida (Marino), during a memorable Colombo Lodge banquet. It was ‘love at first sight’ as Pete glanced across the hall and noticed Ida where he extended an invitation to dance, setting into motion a love story that would endure for a lifetime.
They later married in 1965 and built a beautiful life together in West Trail. Here they were involved in the many community events, having many family parties and weekend picnics. They enjoyed being part of Trail’s Italian community.
In 1996, Pete and Ida embarked on a new chapter, relocating to Christina Lake, where they built their retirement oasis. Pete’s green thumb was evident as he dedicated himself to their garden, a labor of love, to produce all of the vegetables they harvested. Among the first to ripen were his prized tomatoes.
Throughout his life, Pete was an avid hunter and fisherman, sharing cherished hunting trips with friends in Alberta and the Kootenay’s. Pete’s cantina was always open to friends and family, who gathered to share a glass of his homemade wine.
In 2016, Pete & Ida moved back to Trail, but sadly he lost Ida, the love of his life later that year. Pete moved to Ladysmith, on Vancouver Island in 2020, for warmer weather and into an independent living facility. Over the course of four years, he reveled in lively games of bingo, many games of rummy, bus trip outings and exercise classes.
Pete loved dinners with his family usually accompanied with a glass of wine in hand and his indulgence in delectable desserts. Pete exuded a zest for life, finding joy in the company of family, friends and acquaintances.
Pete is survived by his beautiful daughters, Lisa (Russ) Green, Nancy (Gord) Henry, and his exceptionally talented and intelligent grandchildren: Madison, Derek, Meghan, and Kayla. He is survived by his brother, Luciano, and a host of relatives and friends who held a special place in Pete’s heart.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Pete’s dedicated caregivers who provided unwavering support. Dr. Emily Steeves in Ladysmith, palliative care nurses Nicole and Rica, as well as the entire staff at La Rosa Gardens and Dr. Kathleen O’Connor from Trail, who all showed us immense kindness and compassion over the years.
As a meaningful gesture of sympathy, we kindly invite you to consider making a donation in Pete’s honor to KBRH – Orthopedic Enhancement Project at 1200 Hospital Bench, Trail, BC V1R 4M1 or online at www.kbrhhealthfoundation.ca
Your contribution will help perpetuate the values and causes close to his heart.
A Mass of Christian Burial be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 10:30 am with Father Ben Buela, Celebrant.Interment will take place at Mountain View Cemetery in Rossland. Bill Clark of Clark’s Funeral Services has been entrusted with arrangements.
You are welcome to share your personal condolences and tributes on the family’s online register www.clarksfuneral.ca
Though our beloved Pietro may no longer be with us, his profound impact on our lives will forever remain etched in our memories.
Clark’s Funeral Services