Silvio FORNASIER

Silvio was born on October 4, 1932, in Michel, British Columbia, to Italian immigrants Giovanni and Adele Fornasier. He was a devoted husband, father, Nono, brother, uncle, and friend whose greatest joy came from spending time with the people he loved. He believed that life’s richest blessings were found not in possessions, but in faith, family, friendship, and the simple moments shared together.

A lifelong servant of his church and community, Silvio joined the Knights of Columbus in 1955 through the Fernie Council and later helped establish the council at St. Michael’s Church in Sparwood in 1957. For more than 60 years, he faithfully served as Financial Secretary, becoming a respected mentor, trusted steward, and valued friend to generations of Brother Knights. His quiet leadership, generosity, and unwavering dedication left a lasting legacy.

Silvio had a sharp mind and a passion for investing. He loved discussing the stock market and was always quick to ask family and friends, “So… what about those stocks?” Yet his greatest investments were never financial; they were the people he loved.

He found peace in God’s creation, whether casting a fishing line into a river, searching the forests for huckleberries and shaggy mane mushrooms, or gathering around a campfire to enjoy the day’s catch. He cherished hockey trips, family adventures throughout Europe, and every opportunity to create lasting memories with those closest to him.

Perhaps his favorite title was Nono. His six granddaughters will forever remember fishing trips, laughter, and his famous distraction: “Look… there’s a bird!”—a phrase that often resulted in a mysteriously smaller piece of pie or ice cream. One of his greatest joys in recent months was becoming a Bisnono (great-grandfather) this August. We have no doubt he was already looking forward to stealing dessert from another generation.

Silvio’s legacy lives on in the values he quietly taught by example: work hard, serve others, put God first, treasure family, enjoy life’s simple blessings, and never pass up a fishing trip.

He will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of many years, Rosalie (Bonin) Fornasier; his children, Lisa (Michael) Christen, John (Rosalind) Fornasier, and Liana (Dwayne) Bohn; and his six cherished granddaughters, Ania (Lane) Janz, Abbey Bohn, Jenny Bohn, Lilia Fornasier, Evelynn Fornasier, and Kayla Fornasier. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Ruck, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Giovanni and Adele Fornasier, and his brother, Oswaldo Fornasier.

The family extends their gratitude to everyone who has offered prayers, love, and support during this difficult time.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Silvio’s life will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Sparwood, British Columbia, on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon in the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council #4455 at St. Michael’s Parish in Sparwood in Silvio’s memory.

The family invites everyone to honor Silvio by sharing a story over a cup of coffee, casting a fishing line, or simply taking time to enjoy God’s beautiful creation—just as he did.

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