It is with sadness we share the news of the passing of our dear Dad, Mauro Centrone. Born, February 13, 1930 in Caporetto, Italy, he had an extraordinary life. His mother, Eva, raised him and his four siblings, Mara, Enzo, Ducci and Elsa. They were brought up to love family, music, and she helped develop Mauro’s passion for cooking. There was not a lot of money in his childhood home but plenty of love. During the Second World War Mauro was a youth and shared many stories of hardship and adventure with his family over the years. He left home early and found his way to Canada in 1951, his brother Enzo followed him to build a life in their new country. They remained close until Mauro’s passing. Upon arriving in Canada he was sent to a logging camp in Quebec to work in a camp kitchen and his career as a chef began. Mauro moved west and worked in many areas of the Northwest Territories, Yukon and British Columbia, Iran, Iraq, Newfoundland, on a ship from Vancouver to Scotland, finishing his career in Hibernia in early 1997. He became a proud citizen of Canada in 1958. Dad’s work supported many significant projects in BC. In 1960 he married the love of his life, Carol Nakonechny, in Vancouver, BC. As a married couple they moved often, following Mauro’s work. Together they had four noisy, busy, children, Laura, Marc, Michael and Dean. They finally settled in Nelson, in 1972 to raise their family. Mauro was passionate about hockey, fishing, gardening, and cooking. Although he did not have a formal education he was a life long learner, and loved talking about religion, politics, history, geography, and nature. Throughout his life Mauro was always teaching friends and family how to prepare delicious food, particularly dishes from his beloved Italy! He was loved and loved well. His favorite pursuits throughout his life were hunting, gardening, huckleberry and mushroom picking; just being in “the bush!” He was an avid fisherman no matter the weather or season. He was a simple man, determined to live life his way. He was very devoted to his family, and made many sacrifices for those he loved. He was most proud of his eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He will be missed!
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Best Western in Nelson, on Friday, February 21st at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, 565 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, V5Z 9Z9 would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be expressed at
www.thompsonfs.ca
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of
Thompson Funeral Service Ltd.