In Loving Memory of

Vittorio Calaresu

of Edmonton

Vittorio Calaresu was a true renaissance man.

Born September 17th, 1942, in Venice, Italy, he received his degree in Aeronautical Engineering before immigrating to Canada in 1965. In Montreal, he worked designing air conditioning and heating systems before coming to Edmonton in 1968. On Canada Day 1971, he married Barbara Baronsfeather, and in the following year graduated with a B.Ed.

In 1972, the couple moved to Nigeria where they taught at a teacher training college for three years before returning to Edmonton. In 1978 and 1979, two children arrived in the Calaresu household, and in 1984, Vittorio became a stay-at-home father. Afterwards, he began a teaching career where he particularly enjoyed teaching science and mathematics.

Over the years, the family traveled across Europe, Mexico, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. When not overseas, they spent significant time camping throughout the Rocky Mountains and the B.C. coast. Vittorio also enjoyed sailing with friends.

After retiring in 2000, the couple volunteered with organizations such as YESS, WIN House, and Catholic Social Services refugee programs. They also volunteered annually at the Edmonton Folk Festival. In addition to travel, Vittorio's interests included: cooking, carpentry, camping, yoga, swimming, motorcycle riding, scuba diving, skydiving, gardening, and cultivating earthworms. He was also fond of Edmonton's Philosopher's Cafe, which he attended for over twenty years.

One of his greatest lifetime passions was reading. As a child, he was captivated by tales of a Malaysian pirate named Sandokan. As he grew older, he read across subjects spanning politics, history, anthropology, biology, and social justice. He was also enamored with authors Hermann Hesse and Leonard Cohen.

Vittorio had an active social life and forged long-lasting bonds with many. He was an innate humanist, who cared deeply for both people and the world that we inhabit.

He will be deeply missed by family and friends.

A Celebration of his Life will be held on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in Foster McGarvey Funeral Home 10011 114 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Vittorio's name to YESS (Youth Empowerment and Support Services) 9310 82 Ave Edmonton AB T6C 0Z6.