John and Maria; Joseph and Marie Butt

John Butt with Tina and Tony Borgnetta

Giovanni (John) Butt was born in 1881, in Austria, to Italian parents Biaggio Butt and Teresa Balock.   John immigrated in 1906.  The 1911 census for Rossland shows him working as a gold miner.  By 1917, John was working in Kelowna.  The October 4, 1917 Kelowna Record newspaper states: “Mr John Butt, of Glenmore, has announced an auction sale of his effects, having decided to enlist.”   On his return to Kelowna, he was a labourer, salesman and shoe repair man.  John married Maria Franz, daughter of Ottavio Franz and Anna Foschia.  They had no children.  In the 50’s they sponsored  their niece Elsa and Arrigo Cimbaro and later Gino and Teresa Cimbaro.  Both John and Maria are laid to rest in Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery, John passing away in 1985 and Maria in 1992. 

Brother Giuseppe (Joseph) Albert Henry, was born in 1895 in Ciseriis, Tarcento, Udine, Italy.  The 1921 census shows Joseph lodging in Bear Creek (having immigrated to New York in 1912).  His occupation was listed as labourer in construction.  On October 24, 1923, he married Marie Caroline Joyal, daughter of David Joseph Joyal and Celina Colleaux Ducharme of Kelowna.  Shortly after their marriage they made their way to Seattle, Washington where they made their home.  Joseph’s occupation was listed as a marble and terrazzo hewer.  Joseph and Caroline had two children: Linda Mary and Joseph Hubert.