Emilio Colla

It is with very heavy hearts that the family of Emilio Colla aged 82 years old peacefully passed away at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on the evening of Thursday January 24th surrounded by his loving family. 

Emilio was born on February 15, 1936 in Meduna di Livenza, Italy. At the age of 19 years old, being a brave and strong man he ventured to Canada alone where he saw opportunity to make a better life for himself. Emilio started his journey in Toronto and found work in construction and was relocated 5 years later to Thunder Bay, Ontario.

In April 1962, Emilio met the love of his life, Lina Foresta and married later that year on December 15th 1962. It truly was love at first sight. They soon welcomed Marlene and Andy then 15 years later they welcomed Tammy into this world. His primary focus was building a solid foundation for his family. Spending time with family and friends surrounded by laughter, food and drinks he lived life to the fullest. He always looked forward to travelling with our family and friends during the winter months to Mexico. Emilio and his family have travelled to Italy on a number of occasions and Emilio ensured he was in contact with his family in Italy always keeping that family connection alive. Emilio and Lina recently celebrated 56 blessed years of marriage. They did absolutely everything together. He was an amazing husband to our mother Lina. He always put his family's best interests before his own, he was strong yet gentle, and he was always there to lend a helping hand without expecting anything in return. Emilio loved to make people laugh, he rarely complained about anything and he always made people who he met feel like family. Emilio wanted to see everyone happy and he would do anything he could to ensure they were. 

Emilio was a very humble man wanting to keep the Italian traditions alive. He loved his garden that would feed his family and friends, he enjoyed fishing, wine making, preserving tomatoes, and making sausages. Seeing his grandchildren always seemed to make his days brighter. He was loved by everyone and was known for treating everyone with love and respect no matter who you were or what you did. 
During the past few years, life seemed to slow down for dad. He was trying to find hope in medical treatment however he continued to face many obstacles that set him back. He embraced his challenges with courage and was comforted by receiving love and support from family, and friends. Everyone who knew Emilio, can attest that he had the biggest heart and was a gentle soul. 

His passing leaves a tremendous void in all of us. He is deeply mourned as he leaves behind his loving wife and soul mate Lina of 56 years, his daughter Marlene Donadel (Gary) and precious granddaughter Brittany; his son Andy Colla (Sue) and precious granddaughters Cassandra and Stacy; daughter Tammy Leadbeater (Steve) and his ever precious grandsons, Parker and Ayden. 

He was predeceased by his parents Angelo and Carolina Colla, his brothers Nino and Carlo (Giovanna), and sister Lisa (Tranquilo). He is survived by his sister in law Ermenia, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services celebrating Emilio's Life will be held on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at St. Anthony's R.C. Church where Family and Friends will gather for Funeral Mass beginning at 11:00 am with Rev. Luigi Filippini presiding. Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to service time at the church. A private Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Northern Cancer Research Foundation of Thunder Bay or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.

Though you cannot see and touch me, I will be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you will hear.
All of my love around you, soft and clear.
Then when you must come this way alone,
I will greet you with a smile and a welcome home.