Lou Albinati, 91, peacefully passed into eternal life on the morning of October 27, 2019 at home in Victoria, BC.
Lou’s life was defined by faith, hope, and charity – virtues that he demonstrated, alongside the characteristic twinkle in his eye, until his final moments.
As he often recounted, Lou was born at the far end of the field near Bezanson, AB, at which point he carried his mother back to the house post-labour. This was not hard to believe, given his strength, energy, and force of will. At age 13, Lou assumed the reins of the family’s threshing operation, managing a crew of men during the harvest season while his father (Oscar) was away working on the construction of the Alaska highway. During high school, he moved to Grande Prairie where he apprenticed as a body man, and after completing his trade, opened Lou’s Auto Body in 1953. His enterprising spirit blossomed in various endeavours including a gas station, a Jeep dealership, chainsaw distributorship, and eventually property management and real-estate development. As his brother once said: “Lou would get more done after dinner than most people would do all day.”
A lifelong Rotarian, the motto “service above self” was a guiding tenet of Lou’s life. He was proud to be active in the community; he served as a trustee of the Grande Prairie Catholic School Board, sat on the St. Joseph’s Parish Council, was a member of the Knights of Columbus and contributed his energy to countless initiatives throughout his life.
Lou had a great love for the outdoors and the bounty that the land provides. Harvesting, hunting, foraging, and fishing consumed his hobbies. Even into his final months, he was interested in the state of this year’s salmon runs and relished the blackberries he picked along the train tracks close to his home. Passionate for travel, Lou and his wife Josephine, enjoyed vacations in Hawaii, RV-ing to Mexico and spending the winters in Arizona.
Although diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma 9 years ago, Lou enjoyed a great quality of life right to the end, no doubt due to his optimism and his love of life. He especially enjoyed retiring to Victoria three and a half years ago.
His family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers that provided exceptional care over the term of his illness.
Lou is survived by his wife Josephine (54 years), and children Beverly (Jim), Evan (Debbie), Marcene (Yves), Arlie (Bob), Natalie (Darrel), Chris (Jacqueline), and Stephen (Kate), as well as several nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents Oscar and Lidwine, first wife Anne, sons Daryl and Ronald, granddaughter Nicole, and great-granddaughter Harper.
A short prayer service will be held at McCall Gardens Sequoia Centre, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at 7:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Andrew’s Catholic Cathedral, 740 View Street, Victoria, BC on Thursday, October 31, 2019 at 10:30 am with interment to follow at Royal Oak Burial Park. An afternoon reception will immediately follow in McCall Gardens Sequoia Centre for family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent De Paul Society of Victoria in his memory.
Condolences to the family may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Ben & Danuta Domaradzki
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Wilma Kilarski Dear Joe & family,
Sorry to hear of Lou’s passing. A quote I found to help me “GRIEF IS JUST LOVE WITH NO PLACE TO GO ”
God bless
Wilma Kilarski & family
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Martha and Leo Dawson We were shocked to read of Lou’s death…a case of postponed intentions to visit with Jo and Lou. We remember so many good times and great conversations. Lou was a good and helpful friend. Our sincere condolences go out to Jo and the whole family.
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Larry & Gail O’Connor Sorry to read about Lou’s passing. Treasure the many happy memories you all can share.
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Helen We’re sending all of you our love and prayers as you say farewell to Lou.
Helen and Kevin Walker
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Colleen Godziuk May Lou Rest In Peace and May God hold you in the palm of his hand as you say farewell.
Sending hugs to Jo, Steven, Kate, Debbie, Natalie, and the rest of Lou’s cherished family.
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Glenda and Bob Nixon Lou was a good man and I loved reading some of the details of his remarkable life in his obituary. All the Albinatis are being held in prayer at this time of sorrow. We send our love. God bless you.
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Jay Anderson Uncle Lou was such a strong, proud man. The last time I saw him he was crawling around under his SUV installing a trailer hitch. I recall thinking how remarkable it was for an 88-year-old man to even be able to lift a trailer hitch, let alone install it all by himself. He was an inspiration.
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Kathleen Lewanczuk Dear Marcene and family. With deepest sympathy in the loss of your dear Dad.May he rest in peace. I have many fond memories of him and your family in Grande Prairie.
Blessings and love, Kathleen
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Lorena Carrillo de Sanchez Dear Jo and family ; we are so sorry to hear about Lou passing away ; Lou was a great Rotarian and a wonderful man ; it is such an honor for us to have met him and spend many hours together talking about Rotary and family . Thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers . Hugs from all of us ✨
Pepe y Lorena Sanchez
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Tim Conrad My condolences to the Albinati family. Thinking of you all.
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Rob MacLeod Chris & Family,
Condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father
From the obituary it appears you will have lots of cherished memories
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you lay your father to restRob & Brenda
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Leslie Brooks (Crerar) Lou was a memorable and inspiring man in Grande prairie, he left a legacy to the business world as he was so successful in all his endeavours,a very charming man with a great attitude for life,my condolences to his family and friends he will be missed.
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John de Haan Donna and I extend our deepest sympathy to all of Lou’s family. The satisfaction of a life well lived may not dull the pain of loss, but may it bring a smile to you in the future as you carry on with your own lives. I knew Lou only a short time as a neighbour and coffee shop companion, but his ready smile, gentle manner and a trove of life stories served as his passport to any gathering.
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Danielle and Jim Lightner I first met Lou Albinati about 29 years ago when he came into our jewelry store to purchase a surprise gift for his wife. He wanted to know all about the piece he selected and the artist who had designed it. He particularly liked the name of the piece, “Infinately Yours.” He was one of the most thorough shoppers I’d met and even wanted to be sure it was specially wrapped for this special occasion. Attention to detail, and an obvious love for his family. We became friends over the years and we even got to watch young Stephen grow through the years when they would visit Kona. My husband Jim enjoyed having Lou at the Kona Rotary luncheons. We, very much, enjoyed being with such a loving couple, and sharing life stories and current events. We know how fortunate we were to have had them in our lives. To Lou’s family, we share your sorrow, and will include all of you in our prayers. To Jo, there is a warm hug for you in this message. To Lou, Aloha nui loa, we will miss you.
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Paul Hunt Chris and Family,
My sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father.
God bless and comfort you all.
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Ambi Wrzosek Remembering good visits in Mexico – saying goodbye is always hard but hold good memories close to your heart. ❤️ Ambi & Jennifer Wrzosek
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Reg and Caryl Sallows So sorry to hear of the passing of your father, husband and grandfather. Our condolences to the entire family. Sending love, prayers and hugs to you all. RIP Lou. ❤️
Reg and Caryl Sallows and family
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Alice Brick It is with deepest regrets that I heard of Lou’s death. He was a kind and thoughtful man.His family can be very proud of the many things that he accomplished.It will be a big void in your lives but I am sure you all realize that he is at peace with God now in his heavenly kingdom. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Blessings.
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Ambikesh shukla Dear Jacqueline,
So sorry to hear your loss, during your India visit , many times you talk about your Dad and that shows how close you were with him. My deepest condolence. May god will give you strength to bear this loss and may his soul will rest in peace. Sending my prayers from India.
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Eddie and Suzanne Sandboe With our deepest sympathy and much love at this sad time. Thinking of you all and keeping you in our prayers. ❤️
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Rosann Semchuk Please accept our prayers and deepest sympathy Nat and family. While I never met your dad, I knew your love for him is very, very strong based on how often you talked about him while we were in college and during our time together in Victoria. I know your wonderful memories will keep him in your heart forever. Hugs. Ray, Roe and boys
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John Parkinson Stephen, Kate and family
I am sorry to hear of Lou’s passing. Although I only met him a couple of times, I was struck by his zest for life and his deep devotion to family.
I know he will be missed & remembered fondly you and the family will.
Deepest condolences
John Parkinson
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Jenn and Steve Edwards Natalie, Darryl and boys
Hugs to you all. My condolences to you and may your memories be vivid.
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Brenda Kingston Chris, Jacqueline and family,
Our deepest condolences to you and your entire family on the loss of your father. He sounds like a fabulous man that was certainly loved by many. A beautiful obituary.
Andrew and Brenda Kingston
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Rebecca Adair I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Lous passing. I loved the time spent with him and his family growing up just down the road from you all. I will always remember his smile, and his friendly welcoming demeanour. Sending you all love.
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Connie Reimer I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayer, good energy, and a boatload of hugs.
Josephine we are so sorry to learn of your Dear husband ‘s passing. May the fond memories that you hold dear to your heart comfort and strengthen you during this most difficult time for you and your family.
Take care and God Bless!