It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of THOMAS GIACCHETTA, one of the last pioneers of the Readymade District. Thomas passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital with family by his side on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at the age of 88.

He leaves to mourn his sisters-in-law, Georgina (Felix - deceased) Giacchetta, their daughter, Diane (Norman Sincennes), their children Santina and Graysen. Marianne (Jim- deceased) Giacchetta and their children Bruce (Wendy), Rod and Lori, as well as many extended family.

Thomas's life journey was full of hardships and blessings. Thomas was born October 28, 1925 in Sessano, Italy. At the young age of 10, Thomas immigrated to Canada to join his father. The first obstacle was to learn a new language. The process began with a mile walk to and from a one room school. At home it was listening to hymns and country songs, especially those sang by Wilf Carter. On Sunday, the farm was the place to be for many Italian families with plenty of good food, homemade wine, a game of cards or a competitive game of Bocce.

Thomas farmed with his father and later in partnership with his brother Felix for more than seventy years until health issues prevented him from continuing. That didn't stop him from supervising and whistling while YOU worked. Farming had its trials too, droughts, hail and dust storms, and financial hardships. To this day, the farm remains International RED for the help the family was given many years ago.

Thomas was proud of his Italian heritage and helped to preserve it by helping to construct the Romulus et Remus Italian Canadian Club, served on its Board of Directors and held the position of vice-president for many years. He was a past member of the Readymade 50+ Club.

Thomas took great pride in ALL his nephew's and niece's accomplishments. You could find him at sporting events, skating carnivals, and Christmas concerts. Thomas enjoyed his weekly lunches with his brother Jim, which usually meant going for Chinese food and discussing the baseball game from the night before.

Thomas had a heart of gold, and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. We would like to express our sincere thanks to the Sunny South Lodge and St. Therese for the genuine care Thomas received while there. To Drs. S. Low and E. Mueller for the excellent care you gave to Thomas as well as the kindness and support given to our family. God Bless you all.

A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Friday, April 25, 2014 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Ray & Ellen Wagner, Prayer Leaders.

A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1513 - 23 Avenue, Coaldale on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Thomas Vadassery, Celebrant.

Interment will follow at the Coaldale Community Cemetery.

In memory of Thomas, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.