Reno Damiani
March 7th, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Reno Damiani, who died peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the age of 94. Reno is lovingly remembered his devoted wife Beth; sons, Jim (Leith) and David (Joyce); daughters, Linda (Vern), Barbara, and Terri (Silvio); grandchildren, Travis, Casey, Matthew (Jenn), Erin (Dan), Nathan, and Kendra; one great-grandson, Benjamin, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Dominico and Maria; his sister Lena; and brother, Reginald.
Born in Rimbey, Alberta to Italian immigrants, the family worked hard to create a homestead in the Fuller District, which Reno took-over and grew into a diverse family farm. In 1973 he began working at the Rimbey gas plant, working as maintenance supervisor until his retirement in 1989. Mentoring the many student workers at the gas plant brought him great joy, who in-turn were regaled with much laughter, wisdom, and kindness.
A gifted athlete and outdoorsman, handsome Reno first caught the eye of his future wife Beth playing baseball as school children, eventually marrying her in 1950. Their loving marriage was filled with laughter and practical jokes, news of the day, coffee with friends, camping, and travel. After a tragic road accident injured his daughter Barbara, Reno fought tirelessly for a new model of accident victim care, leaving a legacy that will continue to improve the lives of similarly affected families in Alberta. In 1990 he moved to Lacombe, where he reignited his love of sports, competing in the Alberta Senior games in Bocce. Following his move to Red Deer in 2017, he discovered a natural ability to paint. His friendly manner, and youthful spirit were conducive to community building and making friends wherever he went.
The family would like to thank the staff at Red Deer Hospital, and Points West Living Red Deer for their tender care of Reno and compassion for the family at his bedside. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In Reno’s memory please male a donation to either of these worthy charities, Catholic Social Services or Central Alberta Brain Injury Society.
Hi, My name is Taylor and I worked with Reno in the program of Opening Minds Through Art at Points West. Today i was thinking of your family and the lovely time we spent together. A quick google search took me to this obituary and I felt as if I should pass on my condolences for the loss of Reno. He was a wonderful heart filled man and it was such a pleasure working with him! Thanks for sharing him with me even if it was for a very short period of time. All the best! Taylor (was a student and now a nurse)