Rinaldo CANONICO

CANONICO, Rinaldo
Rinaldo Canonico left us on May 24, 2017 after a lengthy struggle with heart disease. His beloved wife, soul mate and his business partner Pat was by his side to the very end. To suggest that Rinaldo, who was generally known only by his first name, was a legend is an understatement. He was a larger than life, excelling at everything he set his mind to. Rinaldo arrived in Ottawa from Lago, Italy as a young man. He thought big – there were no half measures for him. Rinaldo was driven by a determination to succeed and to be the best at whatever he did. He felt if you weren't going to be the best at doing something, what was the point in doing it. Rinaldo honed his artistic and entrepreneurial skills working around the world. He returned to Ottawa, opening his first salon on O'Connor Street in the 1960s. Other salons followed – each one bigger and better. Building a successful business in the hair industry was no easy task. He was instrumental in revolutionizing the hair and beauty care industry, while building an empire. Four franchises carry on his name. Rinaldo was a stylist – he did not simply cut hair. Woe betide anyone who called him a barber. He was a true artist who brought out the best in his clients. He injected his heart and soul into his work. He was a stylist to royalty, politicians, diplomats and celebrities. Prime Ministers Brian Mulroney and Pierre Trudeau, Queen Noor of Jordan, Sophia Loren, Sarah, Duchess of York, and former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher were only a few of his better known clients. Never faddy, Rinaldo was always impeccably groomed and dressed in classic Italian fashion. Respect was very important to Rinaldo – respect for his art and most important, respect for his clients and his friends. Rinaldo was kind, generous, gregarious, charismatic and always charming. He would talk to anyone and everyone. He had a gift for making anyone he was with feel like they were a star. He touched the lives of thousands around the world. His friends and clients have many stories about Rinaldo – they would fill volumes. However, Rinaldo, always the true and discrete gentleman, declined offers to tell his clients' secrets to the world. Rinaldo was an animal lover, a patron and sponsor of fundraisers for Ottawa Humane Society. He was devoted to his Maltese terriers. He has joined Coco and Chanel – while Lola remains behind with Pat. An evening with Pat and Rinaldo was always memorable. Great wine, Rinaldo's osso buco and scampi were world class – as are Pat's crab cakes. Rinaldo discovered golf in 1986 with his shadow and best buddy Mounir (Moe) Boushey. Rinaldo's life changed forever. Stories of his prowess on the golf course abound. Rare for someone who took up the game in his 50s, Rinaldo could and frequently did, until recently, "shoot his age". Rinaldo's salon was voted best in Canada at the 1999 Contessa Awards. His business acumen was recognized by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney who appointed Rinaldo to the Board of the Federal Business Development Bank of Canada. Rinaldo lived his life giving and teaching. He mentored many young hairstylists. He had little patience for those who complained about their lot in life – his view was that life did not owe us anything, and success was due to hard work, not to luck. Rinaldo Canonico, dearly loved husband of Patricia; dear brother of Maria Giordano (Fernando), Gabriel (Franca) and Frank (Maria). Dear uncle to his nieces and nephews. A special thank you is extended to Chris Hawley and Tony Canonico for taking care of Rinaldo during his four-year journey. Friends are invited to participate in a tribute to Rinaldo's life at the Sala San Marco, 215 Preston Street, Ottawa on Monday, June 5, 2015 from 5 – 8 p.m. To donate to the Rinaldo Canonico Fund at Algonquin College in support of students in the Hair Stylist program you can donate online at Canadahelps.org ( Algonquin College Foundation), contact the Algonquin College Foundation at 613-727-4723 ext 6199 or mail donations to the Algonquin College Foundation-1385 Woodroffe Ave C211, Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8. Cheques can be made payable to the Algonquin College Foundation (re: Rinaldo Canonico Fund).
Condolences/Tributes/Donations
Hulse, Playfair & McGarry
www.mcgarry.ca
613-233-1143