It is with great sadness that we announce that we have lost one of the last remaining pioneers of the Readymade District, FELIX GIACCHETTA. Felix passed away with his family by his side on October 24, 2009 at the Chinook Regional Hospital. He leaves to continue his loving and devoted wife, Georgina, their daughter Diane (Norman) Sincennes, their children and his precious grandchildren, Santina and Graysen, brothers Thomas, Jim (Marianne) and their children Bruce, Rod and Lori, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, good friends and neighbors.
Felix was born on June 17, 1924 in Sessano, Italy. In April of 1926, Felix’s dad immigrated to Canada in hopes of a better life for his family. It was ten years later that he was able to join his father. Along with his mother, Elisa, and his brother, Thomas, Felix arrived on the shores of Boston on April 30, 1936, then on to New York. From there, they boarded a train and made the long journey to Lethbridge, Alberta.
As with new beginnings, there were many challenges that Felix had to face. The first was to learn a new language. Throughout his life, Felix saw and faced many hardships, the depression of the 1930’s, the war, food rationing, low grain prices, droughts and even losses of their entire crops. Through out all of this, Felix showed faith, determination and strength. Although life was hard, you could always count on Felix to be there to lend a helping hand.
In the fall of 1936, Felix started school. This began with a one mile walk across the prairie to the Owaking school. Felix met and fell in love with Georgina Krsa and on November 23, 1953 they were married. In less than a month, they would have celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. They were blessed with a daughter and later with a son in law that they were very proud of. Although Felix wasn’t one to show his emotions, he told people how proud he was of Norman, how Norman left his job to come and work on the family farm. With little farming knowledge, Norman learned and with his hard work, helped to make the farm the success that it is.
Then there were his precious grandchildren, Santina and Graysen. How he loved his “little Sunshine” and his “little Cowboy”. He looked forward to the games of hockey and curling in the living room, the hours of playing catch, and for the many art projects that had their special place on the fridge door. Papa always had a joke or article ready for when the “kids” were coming over, and he even didn’t mind the days playing dress up which even included getting his fingernails painted !!!!! Graysen and Papa would always be ready for their friendly bets when it came to the hockey finals, and no matter who won the game, it was always “double or nothing”. Papa looked forward to Graysen riding with him in the combine and sharing their lunches. “Driving Lessons” took place when it was time to move trucks from field to field. Papa would let the kids sit next to him and allow them to turn the steering wheel, just like he did with Diane in the old blue International.
Papa loved to tell stories of the “good old days”, and although they were stories, they were also life lessons. There is one story in particular that they remember fondly. Papa told them that they were working in the fields when the tractor broke down. Papa and their great grandfather took it in to D. Macleod and Sons to be fixed. On their advice, they were told that it was not worth fixing. Papa asked “what are we going to do now, how are we going to get the crop off”. They replied that they had an International tractor in the back but it needed a little work. He told Felix to take it home, fix it up, and get the harvest off, and then they would talk about payment. They did get the crop off that year, and were able to pay for the tractor. Felix felt that if someone could help him out without asking a penny, that meant a lot, and needless to say, our farm has been International “RED” to this very day. The farm was Felix’s whole life and he took great pride in the fact that having just turned 85 years old, he drove the combine 10 to 12 hours a day for the entire harvest and got his crop in the bins. Even after the harvest was completed, he went on to the next job of doing summer fallow. Felix loved to be in the tractor, tilling the land, and watching nature.
Felix was very proud of his Italian heritage, community and farm. Felix was a member of the Romulus et Remus Italian Canadian Club, the Readymade Community and 50 Plus Club. By Felix’s request, a private funeral was held. Although no words seem adequate, we want to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks for the genuine caring and support shown for Felix while in the hospital, especially to the staff on 5B. To Dr. Geers, for his compassion and caring for Felix but also for being concerned and taking time to support Georgina during his stay in the hospital. To our family, friends, and neighbors who came to visit Felix, thank you. For those who sent flowers, food, and called, God Bless you all.
