Mario Camarotto – loving husband, father, "Momo," brother and friend – passed away in peace, listening to Dean Martin with his youngest son at his side the morning of June 1st, 2015.
Mario came into this world ready to share his special gifts the night of November 6th, 1940. We can still hear him saying, “I was born at night, but not last night!” The son of hard-working parents Luigi and Antonietta, Mario immigrated to Canada from Udine, Italy on July 14th, 1953.
He was a true Westfort boy, cultivating lifelong friendships that helped shape his values of loyalty and generosity; “you get out what you put in”- just one “Mario-ism” we live by.
During his high school years at Selkirk, Mario excelled in football and mathematics. He also took home the proud title of Homecoming King, no doubt earned in part for his charm and athleticism.
At the age of 16, the family lost Mario's father, leaving behind a significant role to fill. Selflessly and without question, he declined college and stepped up as head of the family, caring for his mother and younger sister.
A career spanning 30 years with Ontario Hydro brought Mario to Kenora, where he met “the girl down the street”, Arlea Warner. They were married on April 16th 1966 and eventually moved to Thunder Bay to plant roots, where they raised their three children, Patrick, Lisa and David. Family was everything to Mario. He took every opportunity to share his passion for hunting, fishing and gardening with the kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews and all other children that crossed his path. And ever a believer in giving back for life's blessings, he took great pleasure in coaching hockey and shaping young minds - even though he couldn't skate.
Mario is survived by family who meant more than anything to him, including his best friend and wife, Arlea; his three children of whom he was fiercely proud: Patrick (Sue) and grandchildren Cayden & Parker, and their mother Tina, Thunder Bay; Lisa (John) and grandchildren Madison & Mya along with their father and family friend Cameron Steadwell; David (Marcy) and grandchildren Holden & Sophia, Edina, Minnesota. Also surviving, mother-in-law Phyllis Warner; sister Emma Lovis (David); sisters-in-law Nancy Wright (Neil) & Sandy Warner (Gordon); numerous relatives in Italy, as well as nieces and nephews across Canada.
Mario is predeceased by his father Luigi, his mother Antonietta and father-in-law Earle Warner.
Mars, your legacy will live on in all of us. Thank you for instilling such strong family values and teaching us about what matters most in life. “That man is successful who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much, who has gained the respect of the intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it...”, Robert Louis Stevenson. And so on and so forth.
A celebration of Mario's life will be held on Thursday, June 4th, 2015 at 11:00 am, St. Dominic's Catholic Church, 130 Redwood Ave W. Cremation has taken place. In recognition of Mario's fight against cancer, memorial contributions in his name are welcomed via the Northern Cancer Fund through the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
