Remingo (Remi) Giovanni and Melcha Picco

Remi Picco

Born in 1926 in Flaibano, Udine, Italy, Remi immigrated to Canada as a child. His father was stationed in Moyie, BC, in the Crowsnest Pass (East Kootenays). He was a Foreman on the railroad. It was there that Remi received his first accordion; his love of music and this instrument was born.

Remi went to University in Victoria, British Columbia to become a teacher. And, even though he only taught school for a short period of time, it ignited his love of teaching. Many of his music students can attest to the patience, love, and dedication he put into every lesson. 

Remi moved to Vancouver, BC, where he opened a clothing store, Picco's Men's Wear. He also, successfully invested in Real Estate. At the age of 41, this dashing entrepreneur bachelor was swept off his feet by a beautiful, vibrant preschool teacher, Melcha, and with whom he celebrated 52 years of marriage.

In 1976, on a random trip to Kelowna, BC, Remi stumbled upon a piece of property for sale that captured his heart. He bought it on the spot. He sold everything in Vancouver and gave up his business to follow his true passion, music. Remi was a competitor, and eventually a judge at the Kimberly Accordion Music Festival, where he always won in his categories. He also won the Congeniality Award every single year. This makes perfect sense if you have ever had the pleasure of meeting Remi and seeing those sparkly blue eyes, the greatest smile, and heard his corny jokes that cracked him up every time he told them. 

Remi was active in the Kelowna Canadian Italian Club (KCIC), as well as other community organizations. He played his accordion at Folkfest for many years, as he accompanied Italian dancers, of all ages, and the children and men's choirs. He was part of the men's choir at Expo 86 in Vancouver. He was also part of the performance group that attended the Canadian Heritage Festival, in Halifax, in 1979. He was a smiling face at KCIC Christmas parties, on parade floats, and performed at numerous special occasions for many families.
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Remi's other passion was travel, and he truly travelled the world: Europe, Egypt, Australia, Brazil, Japan, and the United States. He loved immersing himself in different cultures and had lasting friendships from every place he visited. He passed away in 2022.

Adapted from Remi’s eulogy by his daughter, Theah Picco-Crockett.