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Bruno Zanini Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Bruno Zanini
7 Entries
Bernard Filice
September 14, 2009
I met "Mr Zanini" for the first time, at John's office (the original one on Fieldway). It was as if we had always know each other - in a spiritual sort of way. I felt the sort of feelings one gets when you return home after a long trip and you are glad to be back; or when you meet a great uncle that up to then was only the subject of many family tales, and he is everyhting you wished he would be. Such was the effect of this sensitive, kind gentleman. At that point I had not known of his history, and it was only on other visits (as I waited for John) that he graciously spoke with me about some very moving moments from his history - which are touched upon in his obituary - as well as some of the more important things in life . This was a great and special man; how I wish we had more time...Arrivederci Signor Zanini.
My sincerest condolences to all of the family.
Joyce Mintzer
September 2, 2009
I was honoured on several occasions to have Bruno over to my home for Christmas dinner. He was always very passionate about telling stories of his past and of course opera....Bruno had an unbelieveable way with children. He loved to sing Santa Lucia to Matthew and in return Matthew would sing it back to him.
I always felt Bruno was making sure everything was ok when he would do his drive-by's, stop to say hello and chat about whatever was on his mind, and you usually couldn't get in a word edgewise. You would never, ever think of Bruno as being old because his passion for life was so youthful.
Bruno you will be greatly missed!
John my thoughts are with you.
Fondly,
Joyce
Ugo Gagliardi
September 2, 2009
Dear Bruno ,I am listening to one of your signature songs "Torna a Surriento" as i write this goodbye to you .I will always remember your passion,it defined your life.You loved opera but you deeply understood the classic Neapolitan love song,it spoke to you of sentiments that are timeless.If there is such a place as heaven, it will have you singing with Caruso, Gigli and Del Monaco. Farewell ,your loss will be felt forever.
Nicole Marriott/Zanini
September 1, 2009
Grandpa Bruno came to Calgary in 1982 just after I was born. He held me the entire time. My mother told him to put me down because he was “spoiling me”, but he didn’t, and I cried for two weeks after he left. I was spoiled by grandpa, so was Mike and Crystal. We are his loving grand children (Lenny’s kids).
Grandpa would bribe us with $100 to let him teach us 3 opera songs. Santa Lucia, Ave Marie, Yours is My Heart Alone. And then he’d make us stand up in a beautiful Italian Restaurant and sing one of the songs. We’d make Crystal sing an extra song by herself. But it was fun learning Opera from Grandpa, we all knew he was talented, and we didn’t want to disappoint so we did what were told. I’m honored to be taught by the best.
Bruno was the type of Grandfather who expressed his love to us. He always called me “Marielle”, he said I reminded him of her, in my appearance especially my eyes and forehead. He would be by our side during visits, even come to the airport to get us, even when he couldn’t drive and was a passenger. Grandpa taught us about good food, music, and stretching. He would frequently take us on walks to “keep us fit”. He was a very active older person, and didn’t really slow down much. I will miss his amazing back massages. Those who’ve had one know what I’m talking about. He would explain how he was “manipulating your nerves”. It’s true, and no one can replicate his massages. I will miss Grandpa Bruno, and he will be in my heart forever.
Pamela MacDonald
September 1, 2009
I met Bruno over 15 years ago through his son John and friend Ugo. He was a charming, exhuberant gentleman dressed handsomely in a suit and tie. He nearly swept me off my feet when, during a dinner discussion at Johns', it was revealed that I was an Opera Singer!! (Anyone who knew Bruno, knew that Opera was his passion.) I found that out when in a flash the conversation went from "rock climbing" to great operas and opera singers. Before I knew it he was up out of his chair and singing for us.(truth be told I'd like to think he was singing for me!!! Ha Ha) He had a great voice. That, combined with his enthusiasm (love if you will) for music made him an inspirational figure to me. So many musicians get to a point where they take their talent for granted and simply focus on making a living rather than making music. I was at that point. Everytime I saw him we would chat about opera,and he would sing some fabulous aria or Italian art song (High C's and all). He clearly got joy from the world (his world) of music. It seemed to be a place of comfort for him. We lost contact, however I often thought of him and his wonderful gift of unabandoned singing. I know that he is spreading his joy of music to the angels, his arias will be missed here on earth.
Sincerely, Pamela MacDonald
Gail Zanini
September 1, 2009
August 31, 2009
I am deeply saddened by my Uncle Bruno's passing. He was a great and caring man. I would often see him at funerals,weddings and hospitals through the years. I had not seen him for many years but often thought of him. For the last 9 years i have been battling 3 cancers and had lost touch with family.
He always talked of his wife when we would meet, reminissing, still saddened by her death. And she was a beautiful woman by the way. I still have pictures of her with Bruno, John and Lenny with me and my brother Gary. The good old days now just memories in our hearts, never to be forgotten.
And opera, yes, his favourite thing to do, SING. And what a voice. I always told him he should have been an opera singer. He would just smile and bellow out this wonderful tune for me. That would always make me smile.
Rest in peace Uncle Bruno, the world has indeed lost a wonderful man.
Love You
Your niece Gail Zanini
Sherry Kuhn
August 31, 2009
Bruno made a real impression on me as a young girl. I met Bruno through John when I was 19. They didn't have much. I didn't know what Bruno did and John was attending University. The one thing I do remember is Bruno consistently telling me how much he loved his wife, how beautiful his wife was and would share photos of her with me. I would watch him as he cooked his wife food and took it to the hospital and he took me too. He would feed her, rubbed her down with moisture cream, massaged her gums so she wouldn't loose her teeth and then he'd hold her cigarette so she could do something she enjoyed that she couldn't do for herself. I'd never witnessed such caring as I witnessed when we went to the hospital. I always thought he was an amazing husband and that he was a rare find. I went to play pool with Bruno as well. He taught me a few shots and I had a great time. He was very enjoyable to be with, full of enthusiasm, knowledge and he certainly had a love of opera. He use to always sing and talk about singing opera. I lost touch with Bruno when I lost touch with John but ran into him in the Junction and he came to visit me just after my daughter was born. I was quite touched that he took the time to visit. This was very significant to me since my father had ceased talking to me and I was really grateful for Bruno. After losing touch with Bruno we met again when he was 83 through a mutual acquaintance. Unfortunately his memory was failing but he is one person that touched me in my life and I thank him for that. I realize that many people have lived, worked and encountered Bruno with his high profile as a labour leader but I bet they never saw the side of Bruno that I experienced. I will always cherish my memories of Bruno and I'm so glad to have had him in my life if only for the moments we spent together.
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