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Giovanni (John) Caferra

December 26, 2005

July 13, 1939 - Dec. 26, 2005

John, loving Husband, Father and Nonno passed away peacefully at the age of 66 after a short battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).  Left to mourn him is his loving wife and best friend of 41 years, Anna, his son, Gaetano (Tammi) and granddaughter, Jadyn of Williams Lake, daughter Gina and granddaughter, Gabriella Valachy of Kamloops.  Also his brother Mario (Lorraine) Caferra of Queensland, Australia, father-in-law Nick Pullano of Kamloops,  brothers-in-law Sam (June) Pullano of New Hazelton, Aldo Pullano of Kamloops, sisters-in-law Maria (Victor) Pagnotta and Ada Gallis of Kamloops and numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends throughout Canada, Italy and Australia.

John was predeceased by his father and mother, Gaetano and Anna-Maria, brother Tony, mother-in-law Rosaria Pullano, brother-in-law Terry Gallis and son-in-law Michael Valachy.

John was born July 13, 1939 in Celano, Abruzzi Italy.  He was orphaned at a very young age and was raised by his aunt and uncle in Italy.  When he turned 18 he immigrated to Canada in August of 1959 arriving in Burns Lake to live with his Aunt and Uncle Assunta and Frank Rossi and cousin Sabino Rossi and family.  He worked for the CN on a Bridge Gang from 1959 to 1962 between McBride and Prince Rupert.  While working in New Hazelton, he met his wife Anna where they began their 41 year partnership.  They were married on April 18, 1964 and started a family shortly after.  He started his career in the logging industry as a bucker man and then spent 40 years as a loader operator in the bush and various sawmills.  John worked very long hours and he loved his job.  He took pride in his job as he did with all aspects of his life.  While in Hazelton he belonged to the Volunteer Fire Department, enjoyed curling, watching hockey and enjoyed the outdoors fishing, cutting wood and going for family Sunday drives around the area.  He had many friends in the small community and everyone respected and got along with J.J. as he was known in he Hazelton’s.

In 1992 John found work in the logging industry in Kamloops and he and Anna finally made the move from the small town to the big city.  They built their dream home in Batchelor Heights and he continued to live there right up until the time of his passing.  Together he and Anna landscaped and created a beautiful garden.  One of their favourite past time was walking around McArthur Island and along Schubert Drive.  John also enjoyed hockey and attended Blazer games when possible.

John was very proud of his family, with the highlight of his life being his two granddaughters.  He had the most patience and loving ways with his “girls”, and whenever either girl was spoken of his eyes would sparkle.

We love and miss you with all our hearts -

Please rest in Peace

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, December 30th at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and Entombment followed at the Sage Valley Mausoleum.  The Eulogists were Gina Valachy and Gaetano Caferra, with the pallbearers being, Sam Pullano, Aldo Pullano, Victor Pagnotta, Tony Cuglietta, Lino Cuglietta and Massimo Guercio.  In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations be made to the ALS Society, #119-1600 West Sixth Avenue, Vancouver, BC   V6J 1R3.

 We would like to take this time to thank all of our friends and family from the Hazelton’s who called, sent cards, flowers and especially to those who travelled the long trip to be with us at this difficult time.   We all have very found memories of our life in the Hazelton’s and it meant a lot to have your love and support.   Thank you - Anna, Gaetano, Tammi, Jadyn, Gina and Gabriella.



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