It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of our husband, father and nonno, Giovanni De Vita.
He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years Giuseppina, his children Carla, Dan (Marian) and Rita (Paul) Roberts, and four adored grandchildren Maria, Angela, Jason and Jordan. Also mourning his loss are siblings Erminia and Fausto (Alba) De Vita, sisters-in-law Antonietta and Ermilinda, and their respective families.
Giovanni was born in Bagnoli del Trigno, Italy, on February 12, 1931. He immigrated to Canada in April 1951 and started his 40-year career with the Powell River Company on May 1, 1951. He held many positions but is best remembered as “Johnny,” the respected jiggerman in G4 and as a relief supervisor.
Dad was a proud, yet humble man with a quick wit and a bold sense of humour. He welcomed everyone into his home and enjoyed sharing his wisdom and life experiences with those who had the privilege to be in his company.
Dad revelled in family time, especially maintaining traditions such as wine and sausage making, hunting, and of course, gardening. Dad took pride in his perfectly manicured garden, while always taking especially good care of the fig, chestnut and hazelnut trees. He loved to share the fruits of his labour with family and friends.
Dad was a 72-year member of the Italian Community Club and helped build its hall. He was also a founding member of the Gardens of Rest Mausoleum at Powell River Regional Cemetery, where he was laid to rest.
Dad loved life and enjoyed travelling to many places around the world, including several trips back to his homeland in Italy. However, their home away from home was the Four Paddles in Waikiki, where they met lifelong friends spanning more than 33 years.
The family would like to acknowledge the compassionate care Dad received from Dr. Charles Van Zyl, and the comfort and support from the staff at qathet General Hospital. Even in his last days he was making new friends from his hospital bed, and became especially fond of “Barry the Greek” and looked forward to his visits.
Thank you, Father Patrick Tepoorten, for spiritual support, and the Assumption Parish for their prayers. A very heartfelt thank-you to our Zio Fausto, dad’s brother and best friend who was with us every day.
Funeral services were held on August 14, 2023, at Church of the Assumption. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Giovanni’s honour to Powell River Hospital Foundation or Four Tides Hospice Society.
