April 30, 1932 – February 7, 2023

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Danilo Toni Covaceuszach on February 7, 2023. Danilo is survived by his loving wife Rita of 50 years and their son Dino (Rosanna), as well as grandchildren Ava and Mateo. He is also survived by his siblings Bruno, and Paola Simoncig of Stregna Italy. He will also be forever remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his brothers Gino, Elio and Mario, as well as parents Guiseppe and Maria Covaceuszach.

Danilo was born in Berda di Prepotto in Udine, Italy, on April 30th. By the young age of 17, he left Italy to work in the coal mines of Belgium and construction in Holland. Afterwards, he spent several years serving in the Italian military, and then made the brave and adventurous move to a new country, Canada, in 1957. In 1972 he made the decision to settle in Kamloops where he began building a home. He soon filled that home with his new wife Rita. The following year they welcomed their only child Dino.

Danilo was a man of many talents and vast interests. He was a certified tailor, he worked in many sawmills, the railway, as well as manufacturing concrete hydro poles that are still erected here in Kamloops today! He worked in several different industries, but the majority of his work career was in Forestry. Coincidentally, he had a passion for wood work and finishing. He produced many pieces, including the intricate oak finishing in his home and the beautiful furniture his grandchildren use today.

Danilo was an avid outdoorsman, and thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. His green thumb enabled him to seed his own plants with the help of a green house he constructed himself! That greenhouse also contributed to the tasty figs his family enjoyed every summer. He magically grew fruit trees that produced two kinds of fruit and created a vegetable garden that was always plentiful and envied by many. Indoors, his talents included making wine, sausage and salami; his cantina was consistently full of the fruits of his labor.

Danilo, or Danny as he was known by many, had a humility about him that garnered respect and admiration from anyone lucky enough to know him. He was at his most content when he was able to spend time with his grandchildren, telling them stories of his youth and reiterating how lucky they were to enjoy luxuries he was never able to.

He genuinely enjoyed family gatherings that centered around delicious meals made by his wife.

Danilo fought a courageous battle with heart disease for the past three years, where he received very good care from the health care workers in our community. A special thank you to Dr. Swart, Dr. Montgomery, and Dr. McVickers. To the many nurses and care staff at Royal Inland Hospital, we offer our sincerest gratitude. We would also like to acknowledge the short time Danilo spent at The Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice; we thank you for your kindness.

Danilo’s passing has left a tremendous void in our lives, but we all take solace in knowing he is at peace and is experiencing no more pain; watching over us from a better place.

Prayers will be recited on Sunday, February 12 at 6:00 p.m. in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. The Reverend Father Rudolf D’Souza will celebrate the Funeral Mass in the church on Monday, February 13 at 11:00 a.m. A Private family burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery. There will be a reception at the OLPH Parish Hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, Danilo has asked that donations be made in his name to The Heart and Stroke Foundation.

You may express a message of condolence at Schoening Funeral Service.

• Date : 2023-02-07
• Location : Kamloops