Elio Scian passed away peacefully on the evening of January 1, 2018 at the age of 82. He leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Berenice (nee Pitton), and children Anthony, Steven (Lisa) and Sandra. Grandchildren Linnea, Peter, Sydney and Carter. Survived by his family in Italy, older brother Augustino (Gusta) and family, and younger brother Vittorino (Emma) and family.
Elio was born in Cordenons, Italy to parents Antonio and Angelina Scian on July 7, 1935. As a youngster, he saw first hand the devastation of WWII and never could forget the pain it caused. In September 1953, at the age of 18, he crossed the ocean by boat with a group of men that would become his dearest lifelong friends and surrogate family. Starting out in Toronto, Elio became enamoured with the town of Barrie where he could find lots of work as a bricklayer and plenty of places to go ice fishing with new friends. It was during a visit home that Elio met the girl he would marry. After writing letters back and forth to Berenice, they finally tied the knot in 1962 coming back to Canada to settle in Barrie. Their new life was enriched by their three children along with their extended family friends making wine and sausages every year.
Building homes in Barrie, Elio took a lot of pride in his work as a master bricklayer. In fact, one of the most significant examples of his work in Barrie is the St. Mary’s Church and the curved wall of the sanctuary. After retiring, he enjoyed his garden, his cherry tree, ice fishing, playing euchre or briscole with friends, and a round of darts. One of his favourite past times was sitting on the back deck enjoying a glass (or 3) of his wine, chatting to Berenice and watching the birds and squirrels.
Although he was strong and healthy his whole life, Elio suffered a massive stroke almost 4 years ago. Since then his life and function changed, but his sharp sense of humour never left him. His legacy will live on in all of us. “A day without wine is like a day without sunshine.”
Funeral Mass will be held from St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 65 Amelia Street, Barrie on Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 10 o’clock a.m. with visitation from 9:30 a.m. Memorial Donations to the RVH Foundation would be appreciated by the family.