He was much loved and between him and Mum, created the Legacy of our Family.
There is so much to say about him, our father who so very much influenced our lives right up to his passing.
Dad was born May 3/1932 in the Village of Halghaxaq (phonetic is HALASHA) Malta. He was born to Carmen and Marie Zammit and was orphaned by the age of 6 then raised by his older brothers and aunties during very difficult war time years.
At age 18 he left for England on September 1/1950 with 30 pounds currency in his pocket. He arrived in London and soon obtained a job in the Hospitality Industry.
By 1953 he met our Mother at The Irish Club, music he learned to love. He was smitten by her at first sight. In fact, when I asked him the night prior to his passing “What is your most favorite memory of your life?”, without hesitation he said “Meeting your Mother”.
They soon were engaged and by January 15/1955 they married. 2 boys followed: Charles 1956 and Robert 1957. Then the decision was made to Emigrate to Canada known as a land of opportunity. They left in short order and arrived in Montreal November 6/1957 after a 7 day voyage of the newly built ship Empress of Britain. They then by train went on to Toronto given a job was waiting for Dad. He was hired as a Painter for the CNE Buildings where he worked a short time and then obtained a job as a Machinist and Pipe Fitter at Grinnell Industries
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where he worked till retirement. He also worked several years as an Industrial Roofer on the weekends. To this end he was soon able to buy a house in Toronto. In short order 3 daughters were born: Elizabeth 1959, Barbara 1960, and Susan 1965. This was where his children would grow to adulthood and thrive.
Why, because he demonstrated to us what a strong work ethic, the love of Family, and a work/life balance – before we ever even heard of the term was the path to success.
He worked hard but ALWAYS made time for his Family making sure we embraced Family Time, especially on Sundays. He took us to High Park, Sunnyside, Wasaga Beech, Fishing, Niagara Falls, skating, tobogganing, the Airport to see the planes, Center Island, Museums, The Art Gallery, and made sure we appreciated nature and culture. Sunday always commenced with Mass and he made sure we knew our Faith and gave thanks to God. He was a man of strong Faith and made it known to us how grateful to God he was. After our outings, our home was filled with music by the contemporary artists that he and Mum would dance to teaching us to love dance.
When color TV came out, he made sure we had it in our home. We were the awe of the neighborhood.
He was a lover of animals and had several Dogs over the years whom he loved dearly. He loved The Maple Leafs and games were a Saturday night vigil. He loved movies, especially Westerns and War themed.
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His hobby of raising Rabbits – The Cow of Malta (roasted, stewed and such) was a thing we as children abhorred except that he saved one special one for us as a pet … Georgie. We were mortified at his final fate, a dinner nobody would eat !
He did make sure we had treats like Tonino’s Pizza, KFC, Maltese Pastizzi, English Fish and Chips, amongst others. One of the most interesting would be his famous Maltese Hobpizet which was a Tuna Sandwich with Tomato Paste and Olives that to this day we still all enjoy.
He was a man of strong core values that embraced his life to the fullest. He was so happy about his Family and as we all later moved to Mississauga, he and Mum soon followed. They bought a home with a pool and he was meticulous about upkeep so that we would all enjoy it which were days of BBQ’s , fun and laughter always. That was his joy, that we would all be together. Together included his beloved Son In Laws: Walter and Alex and Daughter In Laws: Irene and Julie all of whom loved him back. His Grandchildren brought him so much joy and then his Great Grandchildren. He felt the happiest with them all around. He had an ever present smile at these times.
He was a physically strong powerful man for most of his life until the last few years. However he fought his illness valiantly until he could no longer. After entering hospital on Christmas Day 2018, he fought for 17 days but succumbed to the call from Jesus despite the vigil of his Family at his side throughout. He is now in the arms of our Lord and at Peace.
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He leaves his loving wife, our Mum Pat, 5 children, 14 Grandchildren, 5 Great Grandchildren. We will miss him dearly. His Legacy and love of Family will live on through us
So Dad, we say farewell today, remember we love you, and thank you for all your sacrifices and love you shared with us. We will never forget you. Your loving wife and Family.
