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Obituary of Elio Natale Baisi
December 24, 1928 - Vagli Di Sotto, Italy
October 13, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Elio Baisi beloved husband of the late Ilia Anastasia Baisi of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, October 13, 2023, at the age of 94 years.
Elio was born on December 24, 1928, in Vagli di Sotto, Toscana, Italy. Elio, the youngest son of Eugenio and Assunta Baisi. He married Ilia Fortini on September 22, 1951. He immigrated to Canada in 1957 via New York, USA. Ilia and their two sons, Doriano Antonio, and Guiseppe (Joe), followed two years later to reunite the family. The family stayed with relatives until they could rent a bungalow in Hillhurst.
Elio continued working in masonry construction for Rempel Construction. Gunter and Manfred employed him for over 25 years. Elio learned numerous construction skills from his employment, and he applied them all around his home. When he retired from construction, he went to work at Field Aviation at the airport. He worked there until age 65, and mandatory retirement forced him out of the workforce.
In 1967, Elio and Ilia purchased their first family home in Varsity Acres, Calgary, AB. Elio set to work building a garage, putting in a walled garden, and building a decorative well. He also built brick planters in the front of the house so Ilia could plant the flowers she loved to grow. He added a stone fireplace to the back yard.
In 1974, Elio and Ilia bought their forever home in Silver Springs, Calgary, AB. Elio set about applying his brick laying skills to put his own unique spin on things. He built a double garage at the back of the house and put in a large garden next to it. He laid brick walkways including a back patio. He added a field stone fireplace to the back patio. He carried on adding brick pillars around the front yard. He added brick planters to the front of the house for Ilia’s flowers.
After purchasing their Silver Springs home, Elio and Ilia rented the Varsity Acers home to their son Doriano. That November 4, they welcomed their first grandchild, Jennifer. Elio was afraid to hold her until Patricia sat him down in a chair with sides and placed Jennifer in his arms. He was smitten. What a sweet memory to cherish.
Walking up to Elio’s home, you could see his love of fruit trees; about a dozen graced his yard; maraschino cherry, apples, pear. Elio also made wine from grapes purchased at the Italian store. A labor-intensive endeavor, but one filled with love to the delight of family and friends.
When Doriano and Patricia introduced their new papillon dog to Elio, he fell in love with the breed. He purchased Leo, a lemon and white papillon who lived to a ripe old age. After babying Leo for so many years, Elio was lonely, so he purchased Lili, a black and white papillon. Lili lived until Ilia was in the nursing home. Elio became depressed and begged us to get him another dog. We did and Joe and Tricia graciously took on the responsibility of helping with Hottie’s care. (Dog was renamed Leia by Elio). She cuddled up next to Elio during his last hours.
Elio was predeceased by Ilia, his loving wife of 69 years and by his granddaughter, Jennifer Elaine Milat. He is survived by his sons, Doriano (Patricia A,), and Giuseppe (Patricia F.); his grandchildren, Cynthia Holborn (Dennis), and Annette Baisi; his great-grandchildren, Samantha Anne Holborn, Spencer Antonio Holborn, Joshua Doriano Baisi, Isabelle Evelyn Baisi. He was predeceased by his parents Eugenio and Assunta Baisi, his brother Giuseppe Baisi and his sister Dina Trombi.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB) on Monday, October 23, 2023, from 6:00PM to 7:00PM.
Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McInnis & Holloway (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB) on Monday, October 23, 2023, at 7:00PM.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. Luke’s Catholic Church (1566 Northmount Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2L 0G6), on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 11:00AM. Reception to follow at the church. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.
In living memory of Elio Natale Baisi, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.
