CASOLIN, Santo Casolin

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Santo Casolin, who passed away peacefully on August 18, 2026, with his family by his side, after a full and rewarding life. Santo was born in Manfron, Torrebelvicino, Vicenza, Italy, on August 9, 1935, to Biagio Casolin and Erminia Manfron, the second of 6 children. He was predeceased by his parents, his siblings, Damiano, Giorgio and Giuseppina; and his nephew, Andrea. Santo will be missed and remembered by his beloved wife of 67 years, Maria; his daughters, Susie (Paolo) and Ivana (Mark); his grandchildren, Danielle (Ryan), Roberto (Ocean), Kieran (Autumn), Talia, and Liam; and his great-grandsons – his beloved “bocete” Giovanni and Lorenzo, as well as extended family and special friends in Canada and in Italy, his sisters, Pia and Lidia, in-laws, nieces and nephews.

It was in Manfron that Santo met his lifelong love, Maria, whose family lived just metres away in a neighbouring contrà. Their love story would span more than seven decades. In 1956, like so many immigrants of his generation, Santo made the courageous decision to leave Italy and come to Canada. He left behind Maria, his family and friends, and a life he knew, embarking on a new journey filled with uncertainty and without speaking a word of English. He returned to Italy in 1959, married Maria, and together they made the decision to return to Canada and build their life together in Vancouver. They embraced their new home and built a beautiful life together, surrounded by the warmth and kindness of friends. Santo was a proud Italian-Canadian. Always with his wife by his side, he contributed wholeheartedly to their new community while remaining deeply connected to, and proud of his Italian heritage. Their home reflected this pride and strong work ethic. There were always beautiful garden areas: a flourishing vegetable garden as well as beautiful flowers, a well-stocked cantina with delicious homemade wine, and a kitchen and fridge filled with preserves and hearty homemade dishes.

Santo was a hardworking and dedicated man who spent many years building a fulfilling life for his family. Throughout his career, he held a variety of jobs, including working on the railway, in forestry, and in construction. He eventually began a respected 29-year career with the Vancouver School Board, where he worked as a gardener until his retirement. He made countless memories together with Maria, family and friends. They gardened, made wine and sausages, greatly enjoyed countless camping and hunting trips, and travelled extensively. They made many trips back to Italy to visit family and friends, enjoyed numerous tours and cruises, and looked forward to their yearly trips to Mexico. After many years of travel and adventure, Santo found great pleasure in the simple comforts of home. He enjoyed his daily walks, tending to the garden, and relaxing beneath the grapevines in the backyard.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at VGH, CAMU, Banfield, and Royal Arch Masonic Care Home for their care. These last six months were difficult, but they do not define Santo’s life. Rather, they serve to remind us of two things that were always at the heart of who he was.

First, family was the centre of Santo’s life. It framed and defined his world. He loved his family deeply, and being surrounded by them brought him great joy and pride.

Second, Santo was deeply loved and respected by his family, his close friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. During his final months, his family was by his side every day. He was never alone. Family and friends remained connected through daily visits, messages and conversations, surrounding him with the love and care that had always been such an important part of his life.

Santo will be forever missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him. His kindness, his stories, his smile and laughter, his traditions, strong values, and the life he built with Maria will continue to be carried forward by his family for generations to come.

Forever missed, but forever in our hearts and memories.

We love you, Daddy. We love you, Nonno Santo.