Obituary of Giovanni Nonis

December 19, 1926 - Codroipo, Udine, Italy

May 29, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Giovanni Nonis passed away peacefully at the Rocky View General Hospital on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the age of 97 years.

Giovanni “Gianni” was born in Codroipo, Italy on December 19, 1926. He was the youngest of seven children. As a young man, he grew up during the hardships of WWII.

Soon after the war, Gianni took an interest in carpentry and learned the trade under the guidance and tutelage of his brother-in-law. He proved to be an excellent student and his enthusiasm for woodworking would become his lifelong passion and profession.

In 1953, like many Europeans he immigrated to Canada, joining his brother in Kimberley, BC. Employment opportunities were limited in BC and, as a result, Gianni relocated to Calgary, AB. There he met his future wife, Maria Nonis (nee Leon). He and Maria were fortunate to live in Banff, AB, for three years. Gianni was an outdoor enthusiast and Banff, AB, provided him with ample opportunities to enjoy skiing and hiking in the beautiful Canadian Rockies.

Returning to Calgary, AB, Giovanni used his carpentry skills in the construction industry, where he was employed until his retirement.

He and Maria enjoyed travelling. Their travels took them to BC, Cuba, Hawaii, and the Dominican Republic. They had a special place in their hearts for Italy and returned to the land of their birth on many occasions.

Gianni was predeceased by his wife Maria in May 2022.

Giovanni will be fondly remembered by his family and friends in Calgary, AB, and Italy.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB) on Monday, June 10, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:55 a.m.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB) on Monday, June 10, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Entombment Services will follow at Queen's Park Mausoleum at 2:00 p.m. (3219 - 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB).

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. or the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 6A8, Telephone: (403) 955.8818. www.childrenshospital.ab.ca

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Giovanni's family here.

In living memory of Giovanni Nonis, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.