Max Ongaro and Joanie Turcotte

Max and Joanie Ungaro

Max was born November 19, 1938, in Summerland, British Columbia to Carmelo and Mary Ongaro (nee Betuzzi). They and their families were Italian immigrants, happy to be making new lives in Canada. Max has a younger sister, Jo-Ann.

After his schooling in Summerland, Max worked on the construction of the Okanagan Lake Provincial Park Campgrounds, before moving to Toronto, Ontario, to continue his post-secondary education. He was educated in electronics engineering and business administration. He worked at Collins Radio and eventually IBM. 

Joan was born, along with her twin Jean, on January 31, 1943 in Mattawa, Ontario to Sidney & Colette Turcotte. They were the eldest of 11 children. Joan grew up mostly in Mattawa, Ontario, then left for Toronto.

It was in Toronto that Max met Joanie. They were married in 1963 in Mattawa, Ontario, Joan’s hometown and enjoyed a loving 51-year zany and zesty life-long companionship. In 1968, Max and Joan moved to Rutland, BC, where they could be closer to Max’s family. Max began an over 20-year career with Western Star Trucks. Max and Joan raised their three children: Denise (Monty) Scott, Dana (Doug) Howe and Dean (Christine) Ongaro.

In 1997, Max and Joan started a new life in Fort St. John, B.C. They made many good friends and adopted 3 grandchildren. In 2003, Max retired from Peacock Inc. so he and Joan could return to Kelowna, back with their family again. Later, Max came out of retirement, a couple times but, in October 2018, just before his 80th birthday, Max retired for the last time after coordinating the parking at the Landmark Buildings for several years.

Being extroverts, Max and Joan also loved hosting and attending large parties and having guests in their home. Max loved gardening, doing projects with his friends, skiing, fishing, hunting and kayaking. Max was known for his genuine accepting smile and kindness. He was supportive, encouraging and could see past people’s hostility, remaining calm and patient in all kinds of situations.

Joan will be remembered for her love of her family and country, her sense of style, vivacious and adventurous spirit, creativity, sense of humour, contagious laugh and her ability to love generously. Max passed away on May 7, 2020 and Joan on April 20, 2015.

Adapted from Springfield Funeral Home Obituaries.