Armando Padovan passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on March 30th, 2018 after a brief illness. Armando was born in Conegliano, Treviso, Italy on August 13, 1931. In his youth, he loved cycling to the mountains and hiking with friends in northern Italy.
In 1955, he came by ship to Halifax, by train to Vancouver, and then by ship to Victoria, BC choosing the farthest place in Canada he could go. He was a welder and steel fabricator by trade, working at Hafer’s Machine Shop, then at Harjim, and lastly at BC Forest Products.
In 1995 with Gwen by his side, he began his second career as the owner, maintenance man and driver for Master Clean Dry Cleaners. A member of the Victoria Italian Assistance Centre for over 50 years, he enjoyed many social events at the Da Vinci Centre. No matter where life’s path took him, he enjoyed meeting people, making friends and sharing a laugh.
Armando’s pastimes included gardening, raising chickens, winemaking and beginning many home improvement projects. Nonno loved being surrounded by his family (especially his grandchildren), enjoying wine and a meal, and playing a game of bocce.
Predeceased by his parents, Angelo and Emilia, his wife Gwen, his sisters Luciana and Pierina, and brothers Roberto and Guido. Armando will be missed by daughters Laura (David) and Debbi (Ian), brother Mario (Betty), sisters Adriana (Pietro) and Maria (Giancarlo), granddaughters Emily, Sarah and Sophia, and nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff of 7 East at the Heights at Mt View for their compassionate care over the last few years.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 1:00 p.m in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Bonnie Enns
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Denise Dear Laura and Debbi,
I am so sorry about Armando’s passing, He was a beautiful, beautiful man, I will miss him so much, he always was smiling, laughing and loved making others laugh. So full of life and energy- a light in this world. I will always remember the last time I saw him at dad’s birthday party it was so good catching up with him. Sending love and prayers to you all and will light a candle at church for him and Gwen.
With much love Denise Lefley(Flora) & Franco Flora
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Brena Robinson Debbie, Laura, and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Uncle’s passing. He was so charismatic and funny, I have many fond memories of him. Do you remember that Christmas when he laid out his Xmas gifts: clothing to form a human and where he put the bottle of alcohol? He laughed so hard. He was so good to Barry and took such joy showing him the sprinkler system and such for his grapevines.My family has a cultural ceremony on Sunday. I wish I could be with you at Uncle’s celebration of life. Please know I’ll be sending thoughts, prayers, and love to you all. Big hugs!
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Ivan Our condolences to your wonderful family. Armando was a great man. He always made you laugh or had something nice to say, so full of energy. It was a great pleasure to have him come to my father’s surprise party. Seeing him so happy that day I will not forget. Armando has left many memories with my family and he will be in our hearts forever. I know he is back with his wonderful wife living in bliss. Bless them both and to you as well. The Flora family.
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Marisa Flora I am saddened to hear this news. Sending lots of love to the entire family. Whenever I think of Armando, I think of the happiness and smiles he brought with him everywhere he went. Such a character…and that laugh!!
A good man with a kind soul.
May his spirit rest in peace
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Corinne Robinson Laura and Debbi – We have been thinking of Armando in these passing days and will always remember his robust laughter, his love of food, wine, and first and foremost his love of his children, grandchildren and his Gwen…He will be missed immensely.
Auntie Corinne and family
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Liana Tinker Our condolences to everyone. Armando was full of life….we always enjoyed his sense of humor and his smile. A very special man. I will never forget him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Liana Tinker and family
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Dennis Swain Dear Padovan family, I’m deeply sorry for your loss of Armando. I had the privilege of working with Armando since 1969 he was always a diligent hard working and caring person on and off the job site. The skills I acquired from working with Armando served me well through my career as a trades person. Armando was a excellent teacher and roll model of what a tradesperson should be…Rest in peace my friend, you will never be forgotten. Denny Swain.
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Shannon, Greg, Caitlyn and Owen. Debbi, We’re sorry to hear of Dad (Nonno) passing. You, Ian and Sophia are in our thoughts and prayers. ❤️ The love you had/have for your dad was always very apparent and l can only assume he must have touched many people’s lives in a passionate and caring way. I’m sorry l never had the chance to meet him, however I’m sure he will live on in many peoples memories.. xoxo
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Steve Flora Our hearts and prayers go out to Armando’s
Family. He was loud and full of life and I can’t remember a single conversation with him where he did not make us laugh or smile. His infectious laugh will be missed.
Steve, Dawn and Ava.
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Tracy Sutton We were saddened to hear that Armando passed away. We wish you moments of peace and comfort as you remember his joy of life and jovial disposition. Our family is keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
The Suttons
So sorry to read of your dad’s passing. Worked with your mom for 10 years and became good friends. Hadd many a happy times with both of your parents. I to have lost my father in 2016 at 94 and my brother in 2017 at 69.
So condolences girls, thinking of you often. Love Bonnie Enns