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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
MAURO, Vic - passed away peacefully on July 12 at Delta Hospital in Ladner, BC. Loving and missing him are his wife, "Vee"; daughter, Dianne (Wilfre); son, Ken; step-daughters, Darlene (Michael) and Cheryl-Lyn; and all his nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Vic was predeceased by his parents, Guiseppe and Concetta; sisters, Nellie and Julia; and brothers, Pete, Nick and Tony. Victor was born in Nordegg, Alberta, to hardworking Italian immigrants. The family moved to Vancouver in 1926. Upon graduating from King Ed high school , Vic began working at Vancouver Plywood Company. At the start of WWII, Vic took a leave of absence from Vancouver Plywood in order to enlist with The Royal Canadian Navy. He was chosen to instruct signalmen prior to his serving as a signalman aboard the frigate HMCS Matane, during the Battle of the North Atlantic. After the war, Vic was grateful to return to a job at MacMillan Bloedel. A rewarding 44 year career would follow. Vic would specialize in safety instruction on Vancouver Island and, being a strong union man, took a leave-of-absence to work for the IWA as a union organizer. In his last 7 years with MacMillan Bloedel, Vic enjoyed working out of the "Bute & Pender" personnel office hiring for the logging camps. At the time of his retirement, Vic saw a need for advocacy for retirees. He co-founded with his good friend, Ernie Rooney, the "MacMillan Bloedel Salaried Retirees Club" and became its first President in 1980. During his retirement, Vic would become one of the longest serving volunteer "Loaned Representatives" at The United Way of the Lower Mainland. Vic and "Vee" enjoyed their extensive road trips to reconnect with their roots in the following years, including trips to Italy. Vic loved sports and as a young man performed in a roller skating act at The Commodore. He, along with his brothers, was a player, coach and umpire in Men's "Senior A" baseball, often on opposing teams. He was known locally as a quarterback for the Vancouver Blue Bombers. And, individually, he bowled a perfect 5-pin game. Vic became an avid golfer at age 40 and made a hole-in-one at age 83 to the delight of his McKee House golf members. Vic would play golf for a further decade, highlighted by the annual "Four Generations" golf tournament in Kimberley, BC, organized by his son. Vic was a loyal sports fan, a BC Lions season ticket holder, and a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. At age 12, Vic had listened to the Cardinals win the World Series so with wonderful enthusiasm for his Cardinals, Vic would visit St. Louis at age 93 to watch a "home game". Vic loved music, enjoyed classic movies and was a skilled Bridge player who also did a daily crossword puzzle. Vic could entertain with a card trick, reciting "Casey at the bat" or a song-and-dance routine at the annual "Mauro Meatball Festival" in Oliver. Vic always had a fondness for animals, and in his last decade, he was devoted to his SPCA rescue dog, "Sir William", whom he credited with adding years to his life with their daily walks. A Memorial Bench may be visited at Rotary Park in Ladner. In respect of Vic's wishes, there will be no service. (The Vancouver Sun 23 Jul 2016)
Ships served in: VANCOUVER DIVISION RCNVR - Enlisted 10 Jul 1941. Commenced Active Service 07 Aug 1941 HMCS COURTENAY - Served in Courtney 26 Jun 1943 - 07 Jul 1943 and 17 Jul 1943 - 02 Oct 1943 as a O/Sig, RCNVR HMS CHELMER - Served in CHELMER 06 Oct 1944 - 15 Oct 1944 as an O/Sig, RCNVR HMCS MATANE - Served in MATANE 28 Oct 1944 - 22 May 1945 as a O/Sig, RCNVR HMCS DISCOVERY - Demobilized 19 Jul 1945
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