It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the Marchi family announce the passing of their beloved husband, father and grandfather, Nino “Nay” Alfonzo Marchi. Nino passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on Tuesday, March 24th with his family by his side.

With his father arriving in the Elk Valley in 1907 from Castions, Province of Vdine Italy and starting a family of his own, Nino was born on September 19, 1929.

Nino lived and grew up with his 7 siblings above the coke ovens and lived there until the family was forced to relocate off the mountain and move down into Natal.

At 15 years old, Nino went to work the logging industry in Cranbrook with CFI, where he stayed with his oldest sister Vellia and worked for a short period.

He then returned to Natal where he worked for the town and would eventually become Natal Fire Chief.

He started his mining career with the Crowsnest Coal Company Industry in Natal and would continue in the coal industry with Kaiser Resources, B.C. Coal and Westar, retiring in 1982 at the age of 62.

He married his soul mate, Clara Chala in 1953 and had 5 children, Stephen, Mark, Barry, Michael and Dawn.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Nino spent a lot of time enjoying the fabulous Elk Valley and all of its splendor. He was also co-owner of Koko Claims which he partnered in with Andy Billy. Nino was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus and B.C. Wildlife Federation.

A very dedicated and loving family man, Nino’s first priority was family and was until his last days. To his family, Nino was more than a good husband and father, he was a great man. One that will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

Nino is survived by his loving wife Clara of 62 years, sons Stephen (Angi) Mark (Dawn) Barry, Michael (Kathy) Dawn (Preston), his grandchildren, Alise, Melissa, Brett, Daylan, Taylor and Paige.

Also survived by his siblings, Bruno (Itala) Orlando (Pat) and Norma.

He was predeceased by his parents, Pietro and Rosie, brothers Ray, Eddie and sisters Vellia and Leicha.