October 13, 1938 — March 13, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rino (Reno) Giovanni Fabbro, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, on March 13, 2025 in the company of loved ones at Royal Inland Hospital.

Reno was born on October 13, 1938, in Michel-Natal, BC, and was the oldest of two children to George and Velly Fabbro. From an early age, he learned the value of a strong work ethic and community involvement from his parents, with his dad working as a coal miner and his mom managing Fabbro’s Confectionery & Tobacco. Growing up, Reno was both a strong student and exceptional athlete, excelling at numerous sports and often playing on teams with people many years older. But of all sports, his biggest passion was hockey, and he dreamed of making it to the NHL. In high school, he was recruited to play Junior hockey with the Medicine Hat Tigers, so he left school at 15 to pursue his goal. But shortly thereafter, he reconsidered and returned home to continue his education. Though he missed out on making a career in hockey, the legacy he has left by taking a different path in life cannot be underestimated.

After graduating from high school, Reno attended Notre Dame College in Nelson, BC. It was here where he met the love of his life, Marie de Pfyffer. Notre Dame became a magical place for them, where they fostered friendships lasting a lifetime. After two years, Reno transferred to the University of British Columbia, earning a degree in History followed by a degree in Education. He returned to the Kootenays to begin his teaching career, then later moved back to Vancouver to teach, and simultaneously completed his Master of Education at Western Washington University.

In 1963, Reno married Marie, and between 1965 and 1970 they welcomed four children: Lisa, Michelle, Gina, and Mark. Reno’s career in school administration began in Clearwater in 1967, but it wasn’t long before the family moved to Kamloops, solidifying their house at “357” Gibraltar Court as their permanent home. Here, neighbours became treasured friends for parents and children alike, and the neighbourhood became an enduring community.

Reno was a lifelong educator, primarily as Principal, with positions at Valleyview, Kam-Hi, Sa-Hali, John Peterson, and Brocklehurst Secondary Schools. Over the years, he earned praise for putting students first and being a teachers’ Principal. He wanted everyone to thrive and worked tirelessly to ensure the school he led operated at its best. After retiring from the School District, Reno served as Associate Dean and Practicum Supervisor for the Education Department of the University College of the Cariboo (now Thompson Rivers University). Reno formed numerous lifelong friends through his work in education and over the years was a constant source of encouragement, advice, and fellowship. The infamous “Tuesday Night Club”, a collection of teachers and principals who loved floor hockey (Reno tended to work rather than play, but never missed the post-game gathering) still exists today, though beers at the pub have been replaced by morning coffee at the coffee shop.

In later years, Reno loved to work around the family home, travel with Marie, and take in local sports – especially the Kamloops Blazers, where they were longtime season ticket holders – and various community and cultural events. Reno was a member of the Colombo Lodge for over twenty years and took on the role of managing their scholarship program. But what Reno loved most was connecting with family. He organized family reunions in the Okanagan and Whistler, and loved summers when families returned to Kamloops for gatherings on the patio and play time in the backyard pool. In between, he talked or texted with each grandchild about their studies and interests, and watched an endless number of hockey, lacrosse, and soccer games that were streamed in from various locations in Canada and the States. And any time he was able to watch them play, it was always followed by a quick text that reflected on the game and highlighted some part of their performance.

Reno was a great man and a true gentleman. He will forever be remembered for his unmistakable, neatly parted white hair, which was always accompanied by a warm smile. A lover of good conversation, he had time for all, rarely forgot a name, and was an attentive listener. The world is a better place because he was here, and we are all better people for having known and loved him. Reno will be missed by many, but his kindness, support, and unconditional love have left a lasting impact that will endure within each of us.

Reno is predeceased by his loving wife of 60 years Marie and is survived by his children: Lisa (Daniel), Michelle (Stefan), Gina (Kirk), and Mark (Deirdre), along with nine grandchildren: Gabby, Haley, Alex, Julia, Luke, Josh, Ellie, Matteo, and John. He is also survived by his sister Loretta.

A special thank you to Dr. Paul Dickinson, whose care, compassion, and support was immeasurable. We also wanted to express gratitude towards the health care providers in our community who cared for our dad over the years.

Funeral mass will be held Saturday May 24, 2025, 11am, at Holy Family Parish. A reception to celebrate Reno will follow at the Colombo Hall. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, consider a donation to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation.

• Date : 2025-03-13
• Location : Kamloops