Luigi Ralph Guidi and Clara Santina Guidi

Left: Marshall Desjarden, Ralph Guidi, Clara Guidi, Lucia Schorn

Ralph was born in Pontecosi, Pieve Fosciana, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy on October 11, 1922.  His parents were Amos and Maria Guidi. He had a younger brother, Costanso. Ralph came to Kelowna, BC, in the 1940s. He was a trained electrician and gained employment with the City of Kelowna, in the Electrical Department. He stayed with Uncle Angelo and Aunt Letizia, until he married Clara Guidi on October 28th, 1953. Their wedding took place at Immaculate Conception Church in Kelowna. Their attendants were Lucia (Guidi) Schorn (Clara's sister) and Marshall Desjardin (a close friend of Ralph’s).

Clara Santina Guidi was born in Pontecosi, Province di Lucca, Italy on November 2nd, 1909. She and her brother, Rudolph, remained in Italy until her parents, Angelo Guidi and Letizia Pellini, were able to establish a home in Kelowna. In February of 1920, she and brother Rudolph, arrived in Kelowna with their Aunt Ersilia Pellini (Letizia Guidi's sister). There they were to meet their younger sister, Lucia, who was born in Canada. Clara worked at the Banff Springs Hotel when she finished her schooling and later worked at the Willow Inn Hotel (in Kelowna) for many years.

Ralph and Clara built their home at 1891 Carruthers Street, Kelowna. They did not have children but readily opened their home to their niece, Letitia Schorn, who lived with them from 1960 to 1964 while she attended Immaculata High School. They were great substitute parents.

Ralph enjoyed hunting and fishing in his spare time while Clara was quite involved in the Catholic Church. They both enjoyed the outdoors. With Tony Bertucci, they bought a piece of property in the Joe Rich area, where they spent time improving the property and enjoying the rural life style, on weekends and holidays. They also enjoyed visiting with Clara's sister, Lucia, who lived in Bridesville, B.C. 

As an employee of the city's electrical department, Ralph often helped with the lighting at the annual Kelowna Regatta. He also worked on some of the new lighting that was put in at the Kelowna Airport. He was proud to be a part of that project. 

Ralph died on May 14th, 1971 at age 49. Clara died on March 28th, 1974. They are interred at the City of Kelowna cemetery.

Tish Ecker, niece