A lifetime resident of the Elk Valley, Louis Peter “Popeye” Fontana, supported by his loving family, passed away peacefully at his home on January 28, 2013.
Popeye was born in Michel, BC on January 27, 1927, the second oldest child of Dominic and Vittoria Fontana. He was one of seven siblings orphaned at a young age. As the oldest boy, he and his sister Bette raised the family through sheer will and determination and a strong family bond.
He married Virginia (Bossio) in June 1950 and raised a family of two daughters; Linda and Gail. Popeye resided in the Sparwood area his entire life where he became well known for his coal deliveries and other ventures. He loved his outdoor lifestyle in the Corbin and Flathead Valleys and shared this love with his five grandchildren as they grew up. His many friends enjoyed his outdoor homes (cabins) in both the Corbin and Flathead Valleys and he always welcomed them with a friendly smile, a great story, and a toast to life.
Popeye will be remembered for his knowledge of local lore and of the outdoors that was his life. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Popeye is survived by his daughters Linda (Rick) Berdusco of Cranbrook, BC and Gail (Mark) Podrasky of Sparwood, BC; 5 grandchlidren: Brad (Christy) Berdusco of Cranbrook, Mark (Andy) Berdusco of Sydney, Australia, and Alayna (Bryce) Pinchak, Ryan Podrasky (Jaimie Pierman), and Michael (Sheila) Podrasky, all of Sparwood; 9 great grandchildren: Tyler, Marisa, Leila, Teo, Lukas, Stella, Sophia, Hailey and Josie; sisters Lou Molnar and Lolly (Bob) Hockley of Cranbrook and his brother Pee-Wee (Dorothy) Fontana of Spokane, WA as well as numerous nieces and nehews.
He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Virginia, brothers Jackie and Alfred Fontana, and his sister Bette Tustian.
The family would like to offer a sincere Thank You to Dr. Higgins and Carol and the nursing staff from Elk Valley Home Support for the personal attention and care they provided to Popeye. A special Thank You to Val Podrasky for being there for all of us.
Should friends so desire, donations may be made to the Sparwood Health Care Center, P.O. Box 1120, Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0. Messages of condolence may be made to the family at www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.