Mike Favali and Marjorie Thomson

Michele Feliciano Mario Favali was born May 7, 1924 in Filicaia, Italy.  He never saw his father until he arrived in Kelowna, BC, late in 1929.  Mike spent his whole life living in Kelowna.  He was able to attend school until grade six, after which he worked with his father and brother, Frank, in the stucco and plastering business.

At age 14, Mike went to work on the Thomson family celery farm where he met his future wife, Marjorie.  Marjorie Thomson was born May 24, 1923 in Kelowna. They  were married on December 27, 1950 in Penticton, BC. Mike and Marjorie built a house at 674 Paret Road in Kelowna, which was later renamed Old Meadows Road.  Here they raised five daughters: Jennifer, 1951, Marion, 1953, Elaine, 1956, Heather, 1957 and Deena, 1960.  

Mike went on to become a partner with his brother, Frank, in the F&M Favali stucco and plaster business and worked out of Kamloops, BC.  He later had an orchard in Lakeview Heights, in West Kelowna, and was famous for his garden tomatoes, garlic, beans and other produce.  He always made homemade wine, sausages and cheese. Family and friends were a priority to this family. No one ever left the Favali household empty handed.  There was always garden produce and fruit to give away as well as a jug of wine. Trout Creek fishing picnics are a fond memory as well as the backyard garden parties including a roast pig. Mike’s hobbies were fishing, playing cards, bocce, being a member of the Italian Club and assisting with functions.

Mike passed away on November 13, 2012  and Marjorie passed away on January 26, 2017.  They are interred in the St. Andrews Anglican Church Cemetery, in Kelowna, BC. 
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Contributed by Elaine Favali von Tiesenhausen, daughter