Livio Bandiera

It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Livio Andrea Bandiera on Monday, February 20, 2017 in the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, with his family by his side.

Livio was born in Cavasagra di Vedelago, Treviso, Italy on November 26, 1930, the first of six children born to Genoeffa and Alphonso Bandiera. As a young boy, after the end of WWII, Livio was sent to live and work in France on his Uncle's farm. He returned home after his 18th birthday to serve his mandatory time in the Italian army, where he was part of a tank battalion. He also earned his mechanic's licence during that time. Following his army service, Livio arrived home to discover little to no work in his home town. Livio and his cousin, Massimo Bandiera, made a decision to apply to various countries for visas in hopes of finding employment. Canada was the first to reply to Livio and he accepted, only to find out two weeks later that Australia also accepted his application. 

Livio arrived at Peer 21 in Halifax, Canada in his early twenties. He embraced his new country, while never forgetting his Italian roots. Livio spent several years in Halifax working as an interpreter at the Customs Office, utilizing his French and Italian language skills, before heading west to Fort William. Livio briefly rented a room in a house on Fort William Road during his first stay. This is where he first met Ileana who was in Canada, with her parents, visiting family and friends. After spending a few months, in what would ultimately become his future home town, Livio continued travelling and working his way west passing through Winnipeg and The Pas, Manitoba, Burnaby and Vancouver, British Columbia. During all of Livio's travels for work, he kept in constant touch via letters with Ileana as was customary in those days. Several years later, Livio returned to Fort William where he and Ileana were married on December 15, 1957 in St. Anthony's Church, on Banning Street, in Port Arthur. 

He worked in Port Arthur as an automotive mechanic at Dominion Motors, as well as at a garage in Atikokan. Livio also held various other jobs during his early years in Thunder Bay, including repairing rail tracks, and cement finishing. After a couple of years, he and Ileana had enough money saved to purchase their first home on Brodie Street. Livio eventually went to work at Barbini Construction as both a driver and mechanic. He retired early from Barbini to own and operate Thunder Bay Auto Body with his brother. Livio spent the latter years of his career at Rugged Air and finally, Lakehead Roofing, as lead mechanic before his retirement in 1993.

In 1957, Livio was one of the founders of The Labours' International Union of North America Local 607, in Thunder Bay, where he remained in good standing until his passing. From 1957 to August of 1993, he was a member of Local 607's executive board where he served as Member, Vice President, and President. Livio always fought for the rights of the working man and he was both well-liked and well-respected by union members. He was elected as the Delegate to represent Local 607 at the LIUNA Ontario District Council from 1974 to August of 1993. He also served as a delegate to the LIUNA General Convention. When Livio retired, Local 607 established, in his honour, a yearly scholarship: The Livio Bandiera Scholarship Award. 

Livio built his dream home on Mapleward Road during the late 80's. Anyone could stop by Livio's and Ileana's home and expect to have a glass of his homemade wine and share stories of days gone by. Christmas at the house on Mapleward was always full of laughter, home-made food and plenty of wine. Dad and mom travelled to Italy, Vancouver, Toronto and the U.S. to see family as well as the many friends they had made throughout their years together. 

Livio and Ileana renewed their vows on their 50th Anniversary at the same church they were originally married in. 

Livio was predeceased by his parents Genoeffa and Alphonso; in laws Antonia and Silvio Grebaz; younger sister Santina Grebaz and brother Fred Bandiera, brother in law Silvio Soligo, as well as his niece Denise Bandiera. 

He will be greatly missed by his wife Ileana, with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage on December 15, 2016. Also left to mourn are his son Alessandro (Isabel Wagner), son Maurizio, daughter Antonella (Jim Hoffman) and son Paolo (Marcia); grandchildren Steven Bandiera (Alana), Celina Bandiera (Francois), Brian Jacques (Jen), Michael Jacques (Kelly), Sydney Bandiera (Josh Brister), Emily Bandiera, Connor Sblendorio and Casey Sblendorio; great grandchildren John-Michelle Jacques and Olivia Bandiera; his brother Luigi (Maria), and sisters Luciana and Rita (Fernando) in Italy; brother in law Aldo Grebaz, sister in law Della Bandiera, as well as numerous nieces and nephews in the 3 Western Provinces of Canada and various towns in Northern Italy. 

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Masoudi, and Dr. Miller and all the staff on 3B for their care of Livio during his brief stay at Thunder Bay Regional.

Funeral Services for the late Mr. Livio Bandiera will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2017 with family and friends gathering in St. Dominic Roman Catholic Church for the Funeral Mass at 10:00 am, celebrated by Father Maurizio Maifredi. A private family interment will take place in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held on Friday evening after 5:00 pm in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James, with Vigil Prayers offered at 6:00 pm.

Should friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Society in memory of Livio.