Bruno Rinaldo and Franca Spagnol

Bruno Rinaldo was born on August 19, 1934 in San Zenone Degli Ezzelini, Treviso, Veneto, Italy.  His father, Bortolo Rinaldo, was a construction worker, and his mother, Domenica Baschiera, was a home maker.  Bruno was brother to Lidia, Severina, Antonio, Prescilla, Silvana, Maria Rosa and Bortolo. Bruno immigated to Canada in August of 1954, landing in Montreal, Quebec, before heading to Calgary, Alberta.

Franca Spagnol was born on July 21, 1940 in Zara, Dalmazia, Italy, now Zadar, Croatia.  Her father, Francesco Spagnol, was a business man and her mother, Maria Ambrosi, was a homemaker.  Franca was sister to Ines Medvedic and Tosca Spagnol. At age eleven, Franca arrived with her family in October, 1951, landing in Halifax, Nova Scotia, before heading to Calgary.  Franca worked for the Italian Consulate in Calgary.

Bruno and Franca met in Calgary and were married in 1962. They have four children: Lidia (Earl Moodie), Anna (Blaire Franko), Davide (Helen Weiler) and Dino (Rosaura Echeverria). 

They spent three years in Calgary before making their way to Kelowna, BC.  In Kelowna, Bruno worked as a bricklayer and Franca as a sales person. Bruno has left many works of stone and marble, including the Empress Hotel in Victoria.   While in Qualicum Beach, BC, their love of gardening has resulted in winning several awards.

In 1985 Franca and Bruno bought and ran a motel in Chermanus, BC. Although they are now retired, they both reside in Victoria, BC.

Don Rampone, KCIC Heritage Committee