Russian, Armando Sr. passed away June 10, 2010 at Vulcan Community Health Centre at the age of 72 years.
Armando was born March 17, 1938 at Pazin, Croatia to Lucia and Antonio Russian. The war, which started shortly after, made life difficult for him and his family. The family was moved from on refugee camp to another. When the war ended, life for Armando did not improve as he had to grow up under communist rule. When he grew up, Armando knew he wanted to find a way out and start a new life in another country. After many unsuccessful attempts to cross the border into Italy, he finally made it and was free. Then it was with the toss of a coin to decide whether to immigrate to Canada or Australia. The winner was Canada and in 1964 Armando arrived at Halifax, Nova Scotia with nothing but the clothes on his back and the gratitude to have finally found freedom. He quickly decided to go to Calgary, Alberta where he got busy and worked towards getting his a mechanic’s license. In 1965 Armando met and married Kristina Canjar. Together they began their new life and in 1966 their first and only child was born. Eventually Armando became a successful operator of a service station/garage in Calgary and together with his wife, became a successful entrepreneur in other ventures as well.
Armando loved his grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them whether it was at the fishing hole or out at their acreage doing projects such as rebuilding a boat or productive odd jobs such as gardening. Since moving to Vulcan, Armando always enjoyed going to his son’s shop and getting the coffee ready in the morning. He would then visit with his friends Kirk and Gary before the first customers arrived. Armando loved spending part of his morning lending his a son a hand in the shop and tinkering away on vehicles.
Armando Sr. will be lovingly remembered by his son Armando Jr. (Teresa), two grandchildren Dylan and Emma, sister Narina Greztic and numerous nieces and nephews.
Armando was predeceased by his parents and two brothers Ranato and Luchiano.
Memorial mass Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 11:00 am at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church at Vulcan with Rev. Fr. Francis Tran officiating.
Inurnment Vulcan Cemetery Columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, tributes in Armando’s memory can be made to Vulcan Community Health Centre Palliative Care, Box 299, Vulcan T0L 2B0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.