Armando Ralph Lazzarotto passed away peacefully on Sunday June 1, 2014, at Mount Cartier Court, Revelstoke BC, surrounded by family. Armando (Mondo) is survived by Olive, his loving wife of 67 years, and sons Lorne (Georgina), Eric (Anne), Arne (Leslie), Norm (Julie), daughter-in-law Tracy (Ralph) and 9 grandchildren; Tadd, Christian, Erika, Martin, Jeff, Brooke, Brent, Justin, Ashley and great grandson Kody. He was predeceased by his son Ralph, brother Arthur, and sisters Clelia and Alma.
Mondo was born on July 4, 1923, in Revelstoke BC and graduated from the local high school in 1942. During the war years he served with the RCAF, stationed in Summerside PEI. After the war he returned to Revelstoke to continue his employment with the CPR. He held positions as a welder, brakeman and conductor. He retired after 42 years of service, as a Conductor on the Via Rail passenger train.
In 1947, he married his high school sweetheart, Olive Turnross and became the proud father of 5 sons. He was an avid mountain climber, fisherman and gardener, passions he shared with his sons. In 1956, they purchased lakefront property at Swansea Point on Mara Lake and throughout the years it became a favourite gathering place for the family. He spent countless hours with Olive over the years developing and making many improvements to the cottage. Mondo was a man of many talents and he participated in several athletic activities. He was a member of the high school hockey team and local baseball team. In 1946, he was a member of the Revelstoke hockey team that participated in the Coy Cup in Prince George BC. In the early 1960’s, he served as the president for Revelstoke’s Little League baseball organization. In his retirement years he took up curling and golfing. The CP Rail slow-pitch tourney each September long weekend was a highlight for him. His sons, grandsons, granddaughters and other family members played for the “Uncoachables" team. It became an annual tradition for the family to gather at Emo's restaurant following the tourney for an evening of close family kinship.
During his last few months, Mondo resided at Mount Cartier Court, where he received exceptional care from the medical staff. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Armando to the Mount Cartier Court Foundation, c/o Bag 5000, Revelstoke, B.C. V0E 2S0. Family and friends are invited to an afternoon come and go reception at the Revelstoke Senior’s Centre on Friday, June 13, 2014 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm.
Messages of sympathy may be sent to Mondo’s family by viewing his obituary at www.brandonbowersfuneralhome.com.
Cremation arrangements are in the care of Brandon Bowers Funeral Home, Revelstoke.