Carlo Brizinello

1924 - 2024

The family of Carlo Brizinello, beloved husband of the late Anne Brizinello, sadly announce his passing in Lethbridge on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at the age of 99 years.

A private Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, Taber on Sunday, February 4, 2024. Burial followed at the Taber Memorial Garden.

He is survived by his children Mary (Dave) Balfour of Pincher Creek, Virgina (Brian) MacGillivray of Barrhead and Peter (Jodi) Brizinello of Lethbridge; six wonderful grandchildren Ian, Kate, Lindsay, Justin, Megan and Samantha and five beautiful great grandchildren, David, Alex, Colin, Ryan and Emma. Carlo was the rock upon which this family was built. His family adored him and will cherish his memory.

Besides his loving wife, Anne Brizinello, Carlo was predeceased by his parents, his brothers and sisters, all in Yugoslavia. Anne’s mother, Nona, always a favourite of Carlo’s, also predeceased him, in Taber.

Although born on February 12, 1924, in Mali Banovac, Yugoslavia, Carlo was an Italian citizen, the son of Pietro Brisinello and Luigia Furlan. He grew up on a farm in Croatia, fueling a deep passion for rural life.

Carlo had a hard life, including years as a prisoner of war in a Nazi labour camp near Berlin. After the war, he found his way back home on foot and by bicycle through the surrounding devastation. Despite his hardships he was a kind, humble, fun loving and compassionate man loved by all who knew him.

In 1946, he married the love of his life, Anne Brida. Together, they set sail for a new life in Canada, arriving on a converted troop ship at Quebec in 1949. From there they travelled west where an aunt sponsored them on a farm near Taber. After two years of service, Carlo went to work at the Taber Sugar Factory and never looked back. He bought his farm two miles south of Taber and proudly paid it off in seven years. He worked two jobs his entire working life. He loved work, through which he made many, many friends.

Carlo and Anne flourished together, sharing seventy one years of love, laughter and companionship, building a farm and family he was extremely proud of. He was a man of many interests. Carlo enjoyed hunting, bowling, accordion music, socializing and travelling to Creston, British Columbia each summer as well as to Europe periodically. His wisdom and kindness will never be forgotten, not only by his family but by his entire community. Carlo was the “go to guy” for advice on a Sunday afternoon.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Carlo’s name may be made directly to the charity of one’s personal choice.