LARRY SIEMERING - SANTA CRUZ HIGH FOOTBALL COACH

Legendary football coach Larry Siemering, 98, dies
By JIM SEIMAS


Former Santa Cruz High football coach Larry Siemering believed offense was all any football team needed. He died Monday at the age of 98

Santa Cruz County lost a football coaching legend Monday, when offensive-minded pioneer Larry Siemering died at Watsonville Community Hospital after suffering from a fall earlier that day at his Watsonville home. He was 98.
"He was just an outstanding man in every respect," said friend Joe Marvin, who coached with Siemering at Cabrillo College. "And highly respected by his players."
View/sign the guest book
Siemering was born in San Francisco in 1910 and raised in Lodi. He played baseball and football for the University of San Francisco and two seasons as center with the NFL's Boston Redskins [1935-36], now the Washington Redskins.
At 98, he was the oldest surviving pro football player.
Siemering made a name for himself everywhere he stepped foot.
He was practically royalty in Stockton, leading University of Pacific to an unbeaten 11-0 season in 1949. Siemering's .875 winning percentage is the highest in Pacific's 75-year football history. In his three-year tenure at UOP, he went 35-5-3 overall. The school stopped playing the sport in 1995.
Locally, Siemering served as head coach at Santa Cruz from 1956-58 and at Cabrillo from 1959-65. He coached Cabrillo's inaugural team in '59. He also coached the Seahawks golf team for a stint, stepping aside in 1976.
"He was a piece of work," said end Fred McPherson, who played for Siemering on the unbeaten 9-0 Santa Cruz football team in 1958 and on Cabrillo's first team. "He could really get into your head. He used a lot of psychology. He could get the players to work as a team together by knowing who to pick on. He would get the team to rally behind it."
After his NFL career, Siemering got into coaching, leading two San Joaquin Valley high schools. He began his coaching career at Manteca High. After that, he served as an assistant for the legendary Amos Alonzo Stagg at Pacific.
Marvin said Siemering worked double duty in 1943. While an assistant at UOP, he took up the head coaching position at Stockton High after the former head coach departed to serve in World War II. Siemering, Marvin said, coached Stockton's team during lunch hour and led them to the Valley Championship.
In 1946, after a third straight losing season, Stagg retired, opening the door for Siemering to take his place.
Siemering, a disciplinarian who loved offense, devised and implemented a complex offense at UOP. It was run-heavy and full of tricky options that set up a pass attack. His first UOP team went 10-1 in 1947.
He applied the same ideals at Santa Cruz.
"It was offense, offense and more offense," McPherson recalled of his days at Santa Cruz. "His belief was if you score all the time, you don't need defense. We never practiced defense."
Marvin, a football historian, marvels at the 575 points -- an average of 57.5 a game -- that Siemering's UOP team produced in 1949 with 5-foot-7, 165-pound quarterback Eddie LeBaron.
"That was unheard of at that time," Marvin said. "They were ranked 10th in the nation and they didn't go to a bowl game. No one wanted to fool around with little ol' College of the Pacific. LeBaron was a magician. It was dynamite.
"Siemering was tough. He was a hard-nosed coach -- the old school. He knew the game very well. He was a fundamental coach. He loved offense -- his team's showed that."
Siemering also coached at Arizona State University and was an assistant for the Washington Redskins and the Canadian Football League's Calgary Stampeders.
Said former Cabrillo football coach Steve Cox: "With him, it really wasn't an issue of what the other team did. It was what you did. The only thing you could control was who you were and how hard you worked."

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The above article appeared was first published in the Santa Cruz Sentinel: www.santacruzsentinel.com

AN OX'S TALE - ANON FURLANA

GIOVAN DEL LOSK AND HIS OXEN

On this particular day, my father had to make a wood delivery in the town of Tricesimo (in Friuli). He was also of mind to stop there to negotiate some further business, so he asked my mother to go with him. Since his business would keep him there for awhile, he told her that he wanted her to take the carriage and oxen (that came with it) home after he unloaded the wood. Being very confident that she could do that, my mother agreed to go along.

Once in Tricesimo, my father unloaded the wood and a bicycle that he would use to ride back home. He gave my mother specific directions on how to get back home. (My father was not as confident as my mother about these things.) My mother told him not to worry and started the journey back home: two oxen, one carriage, and one middle aged Furlana.

Everything went well until they reached a fork in the road. Stopping the oxen, she thought and thought, trying very hard to remember which fork my father told her to take. She couldn't be quite sure, but she felt very confident that the road to the right was the one to take. Thus, she attempted to guide the oxen to the right. The oxen started to move, not to the right, but toward the road on the left.

Becoming impatient with the two animals, she struck them with her whip and screamed in Furlan, "Volte, Volte stopits demais". (Roughly translated: "Turn, turn you dumb oxen".) Try as she may, she couldn't make the oxen take the road to the right. She even got out of the carriage and tried to lead the oxen to the road on the right. The oxen refused to go that way.

At this point she gave up. She threw up her hands, uttered a prayer, "O Dio Mio, I don't know what to do. I am in your hands now", and let the two beautiful animals go their way.

Believe it or not - the two oxen took her straight home. They knew that the road on the left was the one to take all the time. Either that or they had no confidence in mother's ability to get them home.

A TRUE STORY BY ANON FURLANA

LA NOSTRA COSTA RANCERE - JOHN COLUMBINI REMEMBERED

IVANO SAYS: This Remembrance for John was first published in the
Santa Cruz Sentinel: www.santacruzsentinel.com.

John Colombini


A recitation of the Holy Rosary and a Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Sunday and Monday in Santa Cruz, for John Colombini, who passed away peacefully at his Santa Cruz home on July 15, with his loving family at his bedside. Born in Capannori Lucca, Italy, he was 89 years old. Mr. Colombini moved to the United States in 1936 and has been a resident of Santa Cruz County for the past 55 years. He served his country during WW II as a paratrooper with the US Army Air Corps, and saw action in the Pacific Theatre where he made numerous parachute jumps over Japan.
A well known and respected farmer on the north coast of Santa Cruz County, his career in agriculture where he farmed artichokes and Brussels sprouts spanned over 50 years. He first farmed in Pacifica and later brought his family to live on Wilder Ranch. John was a member of the Santa Cruz and San Mateo Farm Bureaus.
Mr. Colombini made many life long friends in the various organizations to which he belonged, including the Family of St. Joseph, The Sons of Italy, Santa Cruz Elks Lodge, The Italian Catholic Federation, Marconi Club, and Lucchesi nel Mondo. He was generous, kind and loving toward everyone he met. He had a contagious smile, sparkling blue eyes, and a strong handshake.
He was a long time parishioner of Holy Cross Catholic Church.
He is survived by his daughters and sons in-law, Diana and Giovanni Colombini, Sandi and Claudio Locatelli, his son Albert Colombini, his five beloved grandchildren, Freddy Colombini of Italy, Cristina, Nicolas, and Emilia Locatelli and Erik Colombini all of Santa Cruz. He also leaves his younger brother, Jimmy Colombini of Santa Cruz and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends. The Colombini Family would especially like to thank and recognize his caregivers: Ana Ramos, Luis Salazar, Jorge Acosta, and the wonderful staff of Heartland Hospice, whose kindness we will be forever grateful.
Mr. Colombini was preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years, Olga Colombini, his parents, Ottavio and Emilia Colombini and his older brother, Bart Colombini.
Friends may pay their respects at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel on Sunday, July 19, from 12 noon until 5 p.m. The recitation of the rosary will begin at 7 p.m. at Holy Cross Church 126 High Street in Santa Cruz on Sunday evening, July 19, 2009. The mass will be celebrated at the church on Monday morning July 20, 2009 beginning at 11:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Mausoleum 2271 7th Ave. in Santa Cruz beside his beloved wife Olga, immediately following the mass. Any kind acts of charity may be made in his memory to Sons of Italy Lodge 1992/ Scholarship: 108 Ridgeview Court, Santa Cruz 95060.

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IVANO SAYS (CONT'D): John and his brother Bart were well known 'ranceri' . The word rancere or ranceri (pl) was (is) reserved for the Italians who farmed "su per la costa". When asked what our occupation up the coast was, my father Bronco and/or my mother Valentina would answer "Siamo ranceri". (We are ranchers.) I first became aware of the Colombini brothers when they first moved to the Wilder Ranch (now a State Park). Later, when I was Exalted Ruler of the Santa Cruz Elks, I would see them often at the Lodge. Now they have both crossed "Il Ultimo Ponte" to join other 'Ranceri" who have gone before them.

Addio, John and Bart.

NANNETTE MORGAN'S FAMILY STORY

IVANO SAYS: Over the past year or so, I have been selling/signing books at the Guglielmo Winery in Morgan Hill. There I have met many people who do not have close family ties to the North Coast of Santa Cruz. To my pleasant surprise, I found that they are very much interested in the La Nostra Costa Story. Nannette Morgan is one such person.

NANNETTE, MOM PHYLLIS AND COUSIN MICHAEL

Dear Signore Comelli!

I know you won't remember me but I met you at Guglielmo's Cork Equity on 8/8/08 (!) and bought your wonderful book. You were so kind to autograph it for my mom (who wasn't with me at the event) after we had talked about my Swiss family (from the Lago Maggiore region of Switzerland) who settled in Salinas and other parts of Monterey Co. My maternal great grandfather had a saloon and wine bottling co in Salinas on Main St. We talked about this. Buying your book was the best gift I've probably ever given my mom in the past recent years. She was thrilled with the autograph and I believe read it in 2 days! (She was a voracious reader). We would talk over the phone about events in the book each evening (over "un bicchiere di vino"). I just started reading the book myself, having only read a few pages, (Introduzione, etc.) before giving it to her..... I was so excited for her to have it. I can't tell you how many times she thanked me for the book (and believe me, I gave her many gifts treasured by her over the last 50 some years).

Anyway, I love your book. You are a very talented writer and even though I was a youngin' going to Salinas and Monterey to see our Swiss relatives (we are also Irish and Scottish), I feel like I'm reliving my youth reading your book.

(The photos of) Serafina's and your parents' house looks like our cousin's/godparent's house on Main St in Salinas (still standing). I know Davenport, San Gregorio etc. well because as an adult I used to do Dressage at a horse ranch in San Gregorio. Of course, being a native San Franciscan and my Irish-Scottish descended maternal grandmother being raise in North Beach ( MY favorite part of SF), I can relate to SO much in your book.

I'm so thankful that you wrote this. I hope to run into you again at Guglielmo's sometime. I enjoyed speaking with you and your wife too. Unfortunately my mom passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on 11/2/08. I only wish that I had read your book before then because I could have asked her some questions about the coast.

One question I have is about the old Swiss Hotel in Santa Cruz. Who owned it and were they from the Lago Maggiore area? My great grandpa came from Val Versasca in that area.

My mom and I made a trip there while in Italy and even though our Swiss -Salinas relatives warned us not to bother because folks there weren't the friendliest, we did so anyway, riding the Postal Bus. Well we not only got to one of the villages but we also met descendants of my great grandpa's saloon partner. Would you believe it? It happen to be a day when they weren't open. Guess what? They wouldn't even offer us a glass of water (we were hoping for a glass of vino..... a tradition in OUR family if visitors come). The lady even knew who we were talking about. As you would say, "Porca la miseria!!"

Anyway, thanks for listening to my thank you note. If you have information on the Swiss Hotel, I'd love to hear about it. Buona fortuna, Nannette

IVANO SAYS (CONT'D):

I requested that Nannette send me further info on her family. She added the following and also sent me the photo above of herself, Mom Phyllis Frolli Morgan and cousin Michael.

My great grandfather who owned the saloon in Salinas was named Domingo Frolli. And interestingly, our family personal vocabulary called anyone that was Swiss from that or nearby areas in Switzerland "versasca" -- roughly meaning "paisano". Also you'll delight in knowing that a staple (not every day of course) in my family was and is polenta. This was a staple of that area of Switzerland and also the Piemonte area of Italy (which borders the Lago Maggiore area).

My relatives in Salinas actually had a special polenta pot. One of the cousins, Enos Frolli, was an excellent cook but people would complain that dinner took too long to get to the table at family gatherings. Apparently, Enos embodied the saying "I like to cook with wine; sometimes I even put a little in the food!" (As an aside, I loved the story in the book about the cellar where the wine was kept. Growing up in Millbrae we had a dear Italian neighbor, Joe Turla. He used to make his own wine (much later he bought the wine). He always kept it in a little room in the garage which was under the house. When we went to visit, my grandpa and grandmother and later my mom and I, would sit in the cool garage and enjoy a glass of vino and chew the fat together.

My other family members who lived in Salinas were the Martella family. Their house on North Main is still there. In fact, at one point about 20 years ago, the lane behind them and the house, which runs parallel to Main, was renamed Martella Street (or Avenue). Elmer Martella owned the old drugstore on Gabilan Street in Salinas (he was the pharmacist). I remember as a very young girl going down to Salinas for the "Big Week"(The Rodeo). My maternal grandpa, Winfred Romeo Frolli (his dad was Domingo) would tell us all the stuff going on, while we sat on cousin Elmer's balcony (2nd floor of the drugstore), and watch the pre-rodeo parade.

I mention all the above as an interesting parallel of our families' histories in the Monterey area. I actually have all the old tin-type photos of the saloon, etc. as well as old year books from Salinas High School etc. where my grandpa went. Although a few years older, he knew John Steinbeck quite well. Family history has it that grandpa sold young John his paper route! I think that's why your book resonates so much with me. I feel as though I am following part of "my" family history!Some day I will be organizing all these photos and probably donate some to the Salinas historical society.

Again, Mille grazie,

Nannette

NICHOLAS PAGNINI MEMORIAL FUND

IVANO SAYS: Len Klempnauer alerted me to article below which was first published in the Santa Cruz Sentinel: http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ Contact information for the NICHOLAS PAGNINI MERMORIAL FUND can be found at the end of the article.

Nicholas Pagnini: Grocery store owner, fire chief, coach was 'unofficial mayor' of Felton
By Emily Nord - Sentinel correspondent
Posted: 07/07/2009 06:18:26 AM PDT (Santa Cruz High School Photo added)

Nick Pagnini always had a lot on his plate, but to him, everything was too delicious to pass up.
Grocery store owner, fire chief, high school football coach, mentor, hero, husband and father Nicholas Roy Pagnini died June 6 after an eight-year battle with cancer.
As a lifelong resident of Felton, Pagnini was known for giving his all to his family and the community.
"He was such a great man, he was so kind and generous," said wife Beverly Pagnini. "He always gave 100 percent to everyone."
Nicholas Pagnini was born Aug. 4, 1936, at Hanley Hospital in Santa Cruz to Catherine and Roy Pagnini. His parents raised Pagnini in Felton, where Roy owned and operated Roy's grocery store since 1934.
He attended Santa Cruz High School where he met his future wife and pursued his passion for surfing.
After he graduated all-CCAL in football in 1954, Pagnini attended Hartnell College and worked for the California Department of Forestry. In 1955, he moved to Hawaii and surfed every day. Later that year, he moved back to California and attended Orange Coast Junior College while working at Disneyland.
In 1956, Pagnini enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, attaining the rank of sergeant. After three years of service, he came back to his hometown of Felton to work at Roy's and marry Beverly at St. John's Catholic Church in 1959.
Pagnini took over the family business when his father died in 1976. The store, and Pagnini himself, became an institution in the community. For his high energy and kindness, his legions of customers named him the unofficial "mayor of Felton," and he was awarded SLV's Man of the Year in 1979.

In addition to running the store, Pagnini joined the Zayante Fire Department where he was an EMT and captain, later becoming Assistant Battalion Chief. Pagnini's experience at the department and dedication to the community made him a key player in the rescue operation during the floods of 1982.
"He is the moral compass for this organization," said Zayante Fire Chief Jeff Maxwell. "He was a great leader because he supported every individual. He was always there to give us advice and directions because he wanted the best for everyone."
An avid sports fan, Pagnini began coaching freshmen football at San Lorenzo Valley High School and was president of the Booster's Club. In 2006, Pagnini was inducted into the SLVHS Hall of Fame as an honorary member for his services to the school.
In 1990, Pagnini sold Roy's to good friend Bob Locatelli, who continues to run the store as New Leaf today. Pagnini remained active in his job with the fire department, the school, worked at the Trout Farm for a few years and as a devoted family man.
In his rare spare time, Nick loved to spend time with his family in Northstar resort in California where they would swim in the summer and ski in the winter. He liked to watch classic movies, listen to Hawaiian music, try new restaurants and tell stories of San Lorenzo Valley's history to his family and friends.
Pagnini is survived by his wife Beverly, and two daughters Dana Pagnini and Jennifer Pagnini-Gedymin.

Nicholas Pagnini Memorial Fund

The Nicholas Pagnini Memorial Fund was established to help local high school athletes and honor the memory of Nicholas Pagnini. To donate, make a check out to the Nicholas Pagnini Memorial Fund and send it to the Pagnini family, P.O. Box 336, Felton, CA 95018.
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HAPPY 4TH OF JULY - 2009

IVANO SAYS: I searched the "La Nostra Costa" photo archives for a suitable photo to commemorate our Independence Day. None was more appropriate than the photo of Lou Moro standing before the American Flags. A true American who truly love his Country.

Happy Fourth of July Everybody.

FIGLIO DI SANTA CROCE - NICK PAGNINI

IVANO SAYS: The following Remembrance appeared in the Santa Cruz Sentinel www.santacruzsentinel.com

Nicholas Roy Pagnini

Nicholas Roy Pagnini passed away on June 6, 2009 of Multiple Myeloma, a form of bone cancer. He fought the disease with tremendous bravery and an amazing positive attitude that we would expect from such a great man. Nick was born in Santa Cruz, CA on August 4, 1936. He was the son of Roy and Catherine Sinnott Pagnini of Felton, CA.
Nick began his education at Felton Elementary, a one room school house, where he attended up to the sixth grade. Being the fourth generation resident of this county and a young wanderer, he knew the Santa Cruz area like the back of his hand. He went on to go to Mission Hill Junior High in Santa Cruz where he formed many wonderful friendships to continue through the years. His Italian grandparents Rose and Nello Pagnini resided in Santa Cruz, near the SC Wharf, and he told many stories of great food, amazing surf, and warm family memories.
One of Nick's passions was surfing. He traveled up and down the California coastline to find the perfect wave and to be with friends. With wetsuits not yet invented, he would say, "I surfed before hypothermia was invented." On his travel to Hawaii in 1955, he would be transformed and his love of the Isles emerged. He loved the warm salt water, the slack key music, and the food. Nick would travel to Hawaii many times after this with his family and he passed on his deep appreciation of the Isles to them.
Nick graduated from Santa Cruz High in 1954 and was all CCAL in football, a sport that he always loved. Upon graduation, he worked for the California Department of Forestry in Corralitos, CA and attended Hartnell Junior College where he also played football. He returned to forestry work, but in the fall of 1955, Nick was off to Hawaii to pursue his passion for surfing. Also in 1955, Nick returned to California to attend Orange Coast Junior College and to work at Disneyland the first year it opened. He was always proud to say that Uncle Walt Disney signed his paychecks. In 1956, he joined the United States Marine Corps and attained the rank of Sergeant. He was tremendously proud of this accomplishment and enjoyed being a member of the Marine Corps League Detachment #711 Monterey Bay. Nick also loved his continued connection with the SCHS class of 1954 and looked forward to attending the monthly luncheons.
In 1958, Nicholas returned to Felton and the community he cherished. He worked for his father at Roy's Market, a family owned business since 1936 currently New Leaf Market. Nick married Beverly Sommer, SCHS Class of 1955, in April 1959. Dana Pagnini, their first daughter, was born in 1960 and their second daughter, Jennifer Pagnini-Gedymin Mark, was born in 1973. He is survived by his two daughters and many cousins.
Further demonstrating his commitment to the community, Nick joined the Zayante Fire Department in 1976. He was an EMT and a Captain during his time with the ZFD. Nicholas was not only an officer, but a well respected mentor to the young fire department recruits who wanted to join Zayante Fire's finest. Through the years, Nick would return home with interesting stories of emergency calls and always expressed his concern for the local people who needed his assistance.
Nick coached one of his favorite sports, football, at San Lorenzo Valley High for the freshmen teams. Throughout the years, Nick was an active supporter of the SLV and Santa Cruz High Booster Clubs. He also attended local high school football and track events to cheer on the many dedicated athletes.
He was also, for recognition of his incredible community involvement, awarded San Lorenzo Valley's Man of the Year Award in 1979. In many peoples hearts, Nick is the man of the century.
When he sold Roy's Market in 1990, Nick certainly didn't retire and continued to remain busy as ever. He was not only active with the Zayante Fire Department but also managed the Trout Farm for a few years. Since people couldn't talk to him at Roy's, the Trout Farm was a good place to catch up with their favorite local personality. He loved being the person that people could turn to for whatever they needed. Nick did this with his whole heart and no agenda.
Nick was a loving and kind person who gave 110 percent to his family, friends, and community where he grew up. He had deep roots to the local area and dedicated his life to serving its people. He enjoyed great company, good food with a nice cold beer, and a hearty laugh. Always taking the time to help and listen, he touched many people's lives in so many ways. He will always be with us, but his physical presence will be forever missed. Thank you, Nick, for everything.
The Pagnini family would like to extend their thanks to the Veteran's Administration Hospital at Palo Alto. The doctors, nurses, and the hospice unit provided Nick with respectful, wonderful, and compassionate care. For eight years, thoughout Nick's treatment, the oncology staff gave him first class attention to allow him a full life while managing his cancer.
Our family would also like to thank the Zayante Fire Department for all the love and support. We consider the members to be our extended family.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Nicholas Pagnini Memorial Fund will be appreciated. This fund will provide for local athlete scholarships. You may send your contribution to the Pagnini Family at PO Box 336, Felton, CA 95018. For further information, you may also visit the fund's website at: http://www.pagninimemorial.com/

IVANO SAYS (CONT'D)

As Nick's Remembrance states, he was married to Beverly Sommers, SCHS Class of '55. I think the article above says it all about Nick. I enjoyed talking with him at the SCHS Class of "54 lunches and picnics. He always had an encouraging word to say about my attempts to keep the memories of Santa Cruz and "La Nostra Costa" alive Thanks, Nick. I will miss you.

ADDIO NICK PAGNANI. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN ACROSS 'IL ULTIMO PONTE'.

LEN SAYS

One item missing from Nick Pagnini’s obit is that he is in the San Lorenzo Valley High School Hall of Fame. Nick told me he was selected because of his years of coaching and being president of the SLV High Boosters Club for many years.He also was often referred to as the "unofficial mayor of Felton."Nick not only was among seven SCHS Class of 1954 members interviewed by KTEH-TV for the San Jose PBS station's "This Is Us" show telecast on May 31, he also also among a number of Santa Cruz oldtimers interviewed for the Santa Cruz Boardwalk's 100th anniversary DVD in 2007, which has been shown on KTEH and on KQED, San Francisco's PBS station.

Len Klempnauer, Capitola - SCHS '54

PHOTO SHOWS: Nick (on the left) being interviewed for KTEH-TV - 2009

[Photo courtesy of Len Klempnauer]

LA NOSTRA COSTA - IL BUCO

IL BUCO AT THE GULCH RANCH (C. 1953)

['Clicca' on photo for enlarged image]

IVANO SAYS: IN 'LA NOSTRA COSTA' I write (LNC: p. 35) about Il Buco (The Hole) on the Gulch Ranch. This was the place where the ranceri (Italian ranchers) worked in the 'old barn' and eat their meals at the 'old cooka housa'. When I was describing the ranch compound in 'Il Buco', I did it (mostly) by memory. Now, Gino d'Baffi Campioni, sent me this excellent black and white photo he took in the early 1950's. I was very happy to discover that my memory of 'Il Buco" was pretty good. (Please 'clicca' on photo. The enlarged image is really something.)

The 'old barn' (still stands today) where my mother cleaned all those 'sprouts' (LNC: pgs. 57-60) is the big building on the left. In the front of the barn are some sheds where the tractors, etc. were stored. (Some of these sheds still stand today, although at a different location.) The small shed forward of the barn is the washroom, where the ranceri washed up before entering the 'cookahousa' for their meals. Across (left side of photo) from the wash room is the shed covering the dugout where the Gulch Ranch stored their homemade wine.

Unfortunately, the 'cookahouse' is barely visible at the right hand corner of the photo. The tree in front obstructs the view. The 'old cookahousa' burned down in 2002.

I want to thank Gino for sending me the above photo. It brings back a lot of memories about how things were back when. Visible in the photo is a small wooden bridge (gone now) which crossed a small stream. As a young boy, I spent many hours on that bridge dropping 'rock bombs' on imaginary 'enemy ships' sailing below. Thanks again Gino. Sempre Avanti.

BTW: 'Il Buco' today is home to the Santa Cruz Mushroom Company owned and operated by Andrew and Jean Hsu.

FIGLIO DELLA COSTA - RICHARD STEFANI REMEMBERED

IVANO SAYS: In "La Nostra Costa" (P.237) I write: :It seemed to me (I was two or three years younger than they were), that those Davenport kids were nothing but a bunch of ruffians. I always thought that they went around with a chip on their shoulders........." Although I didn't mention him by name, Richard Stefani was one of those "ruffians". In the following paragraph I continue to write about these 'ruffians': "Fortunately, most of these ruffians, grew out of their stage of rowdiness, and did not become serious wrongdoers............"

As the Remembrance published in the Santa Cruz Sentinels

indicates Richard successfully shed his "ruffian" image and went on with his life in a meaningful and productive manner.

Addio Richard . Until we meet again across "Il Ultimo Ponte".

Richard John Stefani

Richard John Stefani passed away on June 7, 2009 in Santa Cruz, Ca. Richard was born on June 7, 1932 to Ezio Italo and Julia Stefani. He was raised in Santa Cruz, although he lived in Grants Pass, Oregon for 30 of his 77 years. Richard graduated from Santa Cruz High and worked as a Truck Driver for soft drinks and beer distributorships, as well as, a produce company. He also worked in logging during his time in OR.
Richard loved the outdoors, animals, camping, and fishing. He was a former member of the Marconi Club. He was predeceased by his parents, and his son, Richard. He is survived by his children: Mark Stefani, Janet Patrick McDonald, Norma Strite, and Eugene Stefani. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and a dear friend, Georgia Magnabosco.
Arrangements are under the direction of Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel in Santa Cruz.

LA COSTA - PHOTOS BY GINO CAMPIONI -ARTICLE BY NANCY JACOBS

LOVER'S BEACH ON THE GULCH RANCH (SOUTH TO NORTH)

THE DAM ON THE RODONI RANCH HOLDING

WATER FOR THE 'BAGNATORI'

RODONI RANCH LOOKING FROM EAST TO WEST

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My memory of living where my family lived on the coast is one of remoteness. It was very hard to access the ranch.
The farmhouse was built next to the estuary and when the estuary flooded and the bridge washed out WE BECAME SURVIVALISTS IN THE TRUE SENSE!
I was definitely a scroungy kid because we had to live in the proximity of mud everywhere, the fear of rising water and only and abandoned barn to escape to which was on the third level of the ranch next to the dairy cow corral.
Our farmhouse had a large pantry which allowed for the storage of foodstuffs. We kept large cans of olive oil, large bins of pasta, canned tomatoes, large sacks of cornmeal, large round of cheese and dried herbs. In one corner we had a medicine chest. In the other we had a small keg of wine, sometimes we had dried salciccia, (sausage), a keg of olives, canned artichokes, dried garlic and sacks of flour, canned spinach, and some dried firewood.
We also had a victory garden which, in fact, was a survival garden in which we planted carrots, swiss chard, lettuce etc. We never had any fruit trees because it was simply too cold.
When we were stuck because the bridge was out and the there was a slide we had to hunt for game. Ducks, deer, birds such as quail, rabbits and chickens. We raised the chickens.
The true survivalist was probably my brother because he was jungle trained. But, in fact, we all had to be survialists in order to survive the weather, especially the cold and the perennial flooding.
We still had horses, two of them and if things got really bad, at least two of us could ride out on the horses if they could climb the hill to reach the level spot so that we could get to the highway. It was all dicey at best! And if you went the other way you had to battle the curvy Swanton Rd. On a stormy day or night that was a challenge! The weather on the coast was extremely dramatic, quick changing and extraordinarily beautiful all at the same time. The sunsets could be stunning with all the colors showing as the sun went down and if a storm approached, the dark blue grey of the clouds really set off the sunset. Those clouds could put us in a survival situation overnight.

THE LA NOSTRA COSTA STORY CONTINUES - JENNA, JESSUP AND KADIN SWANEY

JENNA (CENTER) AND FRIENDS

JESSUP - JOANNE - KADEN

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IVANO SAYS: In "La Nostra Costa" (Our Coast), I write about the improbable marriage of a 'Figlio della Costa' (Son of the Coast), Joe Gemignani and a 'Figlia del Friuli' (Daughter of Friuli), Lina Bressani (LNC: pgs. 191-197). The marriage was arranged by mother, Valentina (Lina's sister) in 1947. Lina came to the America as a "War Bride", after Joe who had served as a US soldier in Europe during WW II, agreed to marry her (sight unseen, except for a famous photo). Joanne (Gemignani) Swaney is the daughter of Joe and Lina. Joanne and her husband Jan Swaney make the following announcement:

Ivano

Jan and I are our proud to inform you that your cousin (our daughter), Jenna graduated with her jurisdoctorate on May 9, 2009 and was recognized by the school for her academic achievement in tort law. She is now studying for the Bar Exam which she will take in July. Please wish her luck.

We also want to let you know that your cousins (our twin sons), Jessup and Kadin also graduated. Jessup graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Civil Engineering and with honors in general studies from Chico State on May 23, 2009. He's looking for a job! Wish him luck too! Kadin graduated with a degree in Construction Management from Chico State on May 23, 2009. He is currently in his second round of interviews with Ghilotti Brothers Construction Company which is based in San Rafael Ca. Keep your fingers crossed! Jan and I are extremely proud of the achievements of our daughter and sons. They worked very hard and deserve the best.

Your Cousin (Prima),

Joanne

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IVANO SAYS (CONT'D): Wow! Congratulations to one and all. Quite an achievement. Joanne, I know that your father Joe would have been extremely proud. And I know that Lina, your mother (who I failed to mention in a previous article is also the Great-Great Aunt of Andrew Roubal), is bursting at the seams. What a year for the 'La Nostra Costa' story (in continuance). Best wishes e Buona Fortuna to all.

Ivano

SANTA CRUZ HIGH ALUM ANNOUNCEMENT

SANTA CRUZ HIGH PEP BAND '54-'55

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IVANO SAYS: Bring on the Band! Len Klempnauer, SCHS Class of '54, makes the following announcement:

KTEH-TV, the PBS channel in San Jose, will spotlight the Santa Cruz High School Class of 1954 in its next edition of "This Is Us," a show featuring interesting people within the station's viewing area.The Class of ‘54 segment will be telecast on Sunday, May 31, at 6 p.m. Since January 2000, the ‘54ers have been getting together every month for dinner or lunch, and KTEH was interested in finding out why they have remained so close for more than five decades.KTEH sent a four-person crew to interview the local grads on Feb. 25 at the DeLaveaga Park Golf Lodge restaurant. The TV staff circulated among the diners to “eavesdrop” on their conversations during the lunch and interviewed seven individually who had varying interests while teenagers:o Nick Pagnini of Zayante, one of two Class of ’54 board surfers before the days of wetsuits and fiberglass boards.o Nancy Jellison of Santa Cruz, a teenage carhop at the Cross Roads, a local drive-in diner in the Fifties, who married after her junior year but remained in school to earn her diploma.o Chuck Filice of Salinas, a three-sport letterman and All-Coast Counties Athletic League (CCAL) selection in football and baseball.o Ruth Mitchell of Santa Cruz, a topnotch female beach volleyball player when the sport was virtually unknown outside Hawaii and Southern California.o Dick Lippert of Carmichael, a hot rod enthusiast noted for his lead foot and outracing local gendarmes.o Cookie Ruschin of San Jose, an outstanding actress who was invited to the Pasadena Playhouse high school drama tournament in her senior year.o Len Klempnauer of Capitola, class president who was instrumental in getting the monthly get-togethers started.Also scheduled to be interviewed but unable to attend were Lorraine Voight of Santa Cruz, a ‘54 cheerleader, who was ill, and Rod Jensen of Aptos, a top scholar and recipient of a full-ride NROTC scholarship, who was away on business.In addition to the seven interviewed, 40 more classmates, spouses, guests and members of other SCHS classes attended the February lunch.A total of 118 different members of a class numbering about 265 have attended one or more of the informal monthly affairs over the years.*****Of course Chuck Filice and Nick Pagnini are Italian-Americans. Chuck's uncle owned and operated the Anchor Bar on Pacific Avenue and Nick's father owned and operated Roy's Market in Felton for years.I received a preview DVD of our part of the one-hour show (we're on for seven minutes), and a lot of still photographs are used as backgound shots, including the one attached of the SCHS Pep Band that was published in our '54 Cardinal yearbook. Most of Pep Band members were in your Class of '55.

-Len-

LA NOSTRA COSTA STORY CONTINUES - ANDREW ROUBAL

Andrew Roubal

Andrew and Ivano at the Capitola Bookstore and Cafe (2007)

BTW: Andrew is wearing his Great-Grandfather Bronco's hat. Nice fit Andrew.

THE PRESIDENT AND FACULTY

OF

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON

ANNOUNCE THAT

ANDREW JOHN ROUBAL

IS A CANDIDATE FOR THE DEGREE OF

BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS

IN MUSICAL THEATRE

AT THE

UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

SATURDAY, MAY TWENTY-THIRD, TWO THOUSAND AND NINE

EIGHT O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING

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Ivano says: Andrew is the Great Grandson of Bronco and Valentina and Louie and Enes Moro. He is the son of Christine and Louie Roubal and the Grandson of Giovanni (John) Primo and Donna Comelli. And of course, he is my Great Nephew.

Andrew is doing Summer Stock Theatre at Cabrillo this summer. He plans to leave shortly thereafter, for The Big Apple, New York. Appearing on Broadway is in his plans for the future. Congratulations and Buona Fortuna, Andrew. Bronco and Valentina would have been most proud of you. Sempre Avanti. Ivano

A GHOST STORY BY ANON FURLANA

In a little Friulian Village, circa 1920 (when poor people did not have electricity), something spooky was going on in the family home. In the attic of their house a frightful noise was heard late at night. Because it was very dark up there, no one had the courage to into the attic to check out the noise. In the daytime they did check it out by climbing a wooden ladder that led to the ceiling attic door. They looked around and found everything in perfect order. The corn, potatoes, beans and many other things that the family kept in storage were still there. Nothing was stolen. This frightened them to no ends. They began thinking that demonic spirits had inhabited their attic.

The Reverend Monsignor from a neighboring village was called upon to perform a special ritual to bless the house and to clear it of the demons. This did not help. Late at night the demons continued to do their thing in the attic.

Sadly, the family decided that they had enough of the late night noises. They put the house up for sale. Thinking that they would have a hard time selling the place because of the ghosts in their attic, they listed it for sale at a very reasonable price.

To their surprise a person from their village met their price and bought the house. The family moved out and (surprise-surprise) the demons in the attic were never heard of again.

The question in the village then was: were there actually ghosts up in that there attic or was it "he who had bought the house" the mischief maker?

Many believed that the wise guy buyer had snuck into the house after dark and made all those rattling sounds in the attic. Thus, they said, he bought himself a very nice Friulian house at a very reasonable price.

"Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!"

Anon Furlana

AMICA DELLA COSTA DOLLY GREGORY - REMEMBERED

Services will be Monday and Tuesday for Dolly Gregory who passed away peacefully on May 11, 2009 surrounded by her loving family.
Dolly was born in San Francisco, CA on February 9, 1920, the daughter of Anita and Dan Demos. She grew up in Davenport. After graduating from Santa Cruz High School, Dolly Demos married her childhood friend, Alvin Gregory on December 1, 1940. Together they created a loving home for their children, Leon and Eleanor. Dolly and her late husband Alvin, together with Alvin's brother, Francis and his wife, Hazel owned and operated Gregory's Country Store for 30 years.
Dolly was an active member of the Davenport community. In her earlier years she participated in the 4-H sewing and cooking classes led by Mrs. Elsie Collins, a beloved native Hawaiian teacher. She was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Altar Society and the Sewing Club and she created countless mouth watering desserts for the numerous Improvement Club card parties and the Davenport Volunteer Fire Department Dances.
Dolly took special pride in creating a warm and friendly atmosphere in her home. She designed and made drapes, cushions, flower arrangements and other decorative items. Dolly and Alvin shared a special and loving marriage for 66 years. They enjoyed a rich array of activities including folk and square dancing, travel abroad, church events and working on the Davenport/Coast Road Reunion Committee. They were very proud to have been interviewed for the Davenport Coast Road History Project, which was organized by Alverda Orlando.
Art and all things creative defined the soul of Dolly's world. She especially loved oil painting, had a one woman show and was elected to a lifetime membership in the Santa Cruz Art League. Whatever she touched became special and unique: from planting a garden, to cooking for the family, to frosting a cake; she had a special artistic way of swirling the icing.
Dolly is survived by her son, Leon D. Gregory of Santa Cruz, daughter Eleanor O'Connor and her husband, Jack of Petaluma and her grandson, Matthew Schmitka of Petaluma. She is also survived by her loving brother Alvin Demos and his wife, Mary of Hollister. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin V. Gregory in 2007 and her brothers, Mike, Andy and Anthony. She will be missed by her many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 126 High St., Santa Cruz, CA Tuesday May 19, 2009 at 11:00 am. A vigil prayer service will be held at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA Monday May 18, 2009 at 7:00 pm. Visitation will be at the chapel on Monday from 1:00 pm until service time. Entombment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, 2271 7th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA.

Remembrance first published in the Santa Cruz Sentinel: www.santacruzsentinel.com

FIGLIO DELLA COSTA RICHARD RAFFIN REMEMBERED

THE LNOSTRA-COSTA BLOG IS A WONDERFUL THING. THROUGH IT I HAVE MADE CONTACT WITH JENNIFER RAFFIN FOUST, THE DAUGHTER OF RICHARD RAFFIN. IT WAS JENNIFER WHO SENT ME RICHARD'S REMEMBRANCE PUBLISHED BELOW.

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RICHARD F. RAFFIN

Winfield Daily Courier
SAN DIEGO –Richard F.Raffin , 59, longtime resident of San Diego, died unexpectedly Aug. 14, 2003.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Sacred Heart Church, 655 C Ave., Coronado, Calif. Cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held later.
A memorial has been established with Sherman Heights Community Center, 2260 Island Ave., San Diego, CA 92102.
Raffin was born Aug. 18, 1943, in Santa Cruz, Calif., to Norma (Rocchi) and Federico Raffin. He attended schools in the Santa Cruz area.
In 1961 he moved to San Diego when he joined the U.S. Navy. After eight years of service, he settled permanently in San Diego. He was employed in dining services at the University of California.
Survivors include two daughters, Janell Maria Tatum, Burden, Ks, and Jennifer Renee Foust, Winfield, Ks ; their mother, Judy Patterson, Winfield Ks; a brother, Peter Raffin, San Jose, Calif; and six grandchildren.

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IVANO SAYS: As I write in my book, (LNC: P. 290), Richard was just three years old in 1947, when one of the most tragic incidents in the LA Nostra Costa Story occurred. Richard's father, Federico Raffin, shot and killed his wife (Richard's mother), Norma (Rocchi) Raffin. Richard's older brother Peter, who is still living, was just 10 years old at the time. Jennifer has agreed to partner with me in writing follow-up articles about this tragic event. The articles will be published on the LNostra-Costa Blog. Thanks, Jennifer.

TOM SILVA REMEMBERED

Thomas F. Silva
Entered into rest on May 4, 2009 at the age of 71. Loving husband of 43 years to Filomena Silva of Newark. Beloved father to Ron Silva of Newark, Ken Silva of Eugene, OR, and Wayne Silva and his wife, Stacy, of Valley Glen. Cherished grandfather to Carissa, Kaitlin, and Jeremy. Treasured brother to Amelia Della Mora of Santa Cruz, Catherine Rego of Santa Cruz, Alvin Silva and his wife, Delores, of Novato, and Nelson Silva and his wife, Gloria, of Napa. Dear brother-in-law to Otilia Simas-Silva of Riverbank, and Cris Silva of Santa Cruz. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Born September 24, 1937 in Santa Cruz, Tom was very proud of serving in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. He was a Vietnam Veteran. He retired from Applied Materials in Santa Clara after 20 years. Tom loved sports. He was involved in football, baseball, and track at Santa Cruz High and Monterey Peninsula College. He was a Santa Cruz High Alumni. He was a member of AARP. He loved to watch sports, he especially loved watching his children play. He adored his grandchildren. He loved to travel.
Visitation Thursday, May 7, 5-8pm with a vigil at 7pm at Fremont Chapel of the Roses, 1940 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, 94536. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, May 8, 10:30am at St. Edward's Church, 5788 Thornton Avenue, Newark, 94560. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward.
Fremont Chapel of the Roses
510 797-1900

Published in the Santa Cruz Sentinel http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/

TOM SILVA WAS A MEMBER OF THE SANTA CRUZ CARDINAL FOOTBALL TEAM 1954-55. I WAS PRIVILEGED TO PLAY WITH TOM ON THAT TEAM ALONG WITH: RICHARD HAWKINS, RICHARD HAGLER, LARRY PARR, JAY DEBENEDETTI, DON AUSBURY, ED FERRELL, LANCE BEI, JERRILL KERRICK, MIKE KUFFEL, JACK SPURLOCK AND STEVE TRAYLOR. (THERE WERE OTHERS OF COURSE AND I INVITE THEM TO ADD THEIR NAMES)*. AS I RECALL ,TOM WAS NAMED SCHS CLASS OF 1955, FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR.

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES TOM. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

ACROSS 'IL ULTIMO PONTE'.

*Other seniors that I remember who were on your '54-'55 football team: Al Fehn, Jim Davis, Dave York, Bert Wagner, John Knox, Harold Barber, Larry Jones, Tom Palmer and Gary Bryan.

Len

THE CANADIAN FURLAN'S STORY

The Canadian Furlan, Doriano (left), and brother Gianpaolo (Paul) under family sign - Italy.

IVANO SAYS: Many of my LNostra-Costa 'Blaggatori' have asked me, "Who is this Canadian Furlan who knows so much about Italian History?" Well, Doriano, who is a teacher in Canada, has written a short bio about himself and his family. Thanks Doriano.

THE STORY OF THE CANADIAN FURLAN

I was born in Canada 1956. My parents immigrated to Canada in 1952, just after they were married. My Father left first and then my Mother joined my Dad almost a year later. I was the only child for a long time when my brother Paul was born in 1965, and then my sister came much later in 1969.


My parents were not typical Italian (Furlan) immigrants because they both had a trade. In fact many of my parents’ family and friends discouraged my parents from immigrating and instead asked them to weather out the storm that Italy and most of post war Europe was experiencing economically. My Father, an auto-body repairman’ was involved in a business partnership. He and another fellow Furlan owned a body shop in Udine. It was established during the war and continued until in 1950 - 51.

The partnership was eventually dissolved and my father attempted to do it on his own. However, due to issues beyond his control, Dad was not able to make the business viable. He became discouraged and originally decided to immigrate to Australia. The only reason he changed his mind (to immigrate to Canada instead) was due to the fact that he had a cousin living in Welland, Canada. His cousin Maria Degano had been living in Welland since the 1930's. Even so, Dad and Mom decided to immigrate for only 5 years, planning to make some money and then returning back to Friuli.

As I mentioned I was born in 1956 and our first trip back to Friuli was in 1960. We stayed in Friuli for 3 months. My father looked around and decided maybe we could stay permanently. However, Italy was still economically recuperating from WW II. Things were not yet good enough to stay. My Dad could earn more money working as an employee in Canada then working on his own in Italy. So back to Canada!

It was difficult for my parents because there were only cousins on my Father's side living in Canada. My Mother's brother and my Dad's brother came to Canada for short periods; however, my Mother's brother returned to Friuli. There he found a bride who did not want to leave Friuli. (To this day my, Uncle Luciano regrets not returning to Canada. He always says the life in Canada is much better than in Friuli.)

My Father's brother Giuliano, also came to Canada and did extremely well; however, he became severely ill with an incurable liver decease. He was given 3 months to live (he was 33 years old). My Father convinced his brother to return to Friuli where he lived exactly 3 months, passing away in November 1960. (This was during the time that my family was visiting Friuli.)

After my Uncle’s death, my parents decided to return to Canada. I was only 4 yrs old at the time, but remember it like it was yesterday. My parents worked away loving Canada, but their heart was still in Friuli. My father returned to Friuli in 1963 to look after his Mother who was very ill. He spent another 3 months there with his mother taking her to many places. While there my Father purchased a very large piece of property in Campoformido, Udine. His intention was that one-day we would all return to Friuli and build his Autobody Shop and home in Campoformido.

All he and my Mother would talk about was one day returning to Friuli. In the process they prepared me for the eventual trip back to Friuli. They always spoke to me in correct grammatical Italian. They even sent me to an Italian school on Saturdays. Meanwhile they spoke in Furlan when speaking to one another. As a consequence, I can speak and write Italian fluently and also Furlan.

The years passed, and in 1965 my brother Paul was born. I was the one who chose the name Paul, because the Beatles were popular at that time; I was torn between choosing John (after John Lennon) or Paul (after Paul McCartney). At this point, my Mother took over and said, “We will call him Gianpaolo”. I told Mom that it had to be a North American derivative name since we lived in Canada. I suggested the name John Paul. She said, “No! We are going back to Friuli so it must be a Furlan name...an Italian name!” Thus, my brother was named Gianpaolo; however, in the end, I had my way. I proceeded to call him Paul and I always have called him Paul. Guess what? The name Paul has stuck with him... all these years. And he still goes by Paul.

After my brother Paul was born, my parents really started to get serious about their plans to return to Friuli. One day they finally decided that they were indeed going to leave Canada. Oh Boy! That really hit me. I wasn't so sure that I wanted to leave for Friuli. I was 11 years old at the time and I just finished grade 5 and was going into the 6th grade. I had a lot of friends. I started to feel a little negative about the whole thing! I really had doubts about leaving Canada and all my friends.

After they had decided (in 1967) to move back to Friuli, my parents went through a hectic six months of preparing for the voyage. They had to sell off all their furniture and other things that they could not take with them. We even had to move in with friends for a month prior to leaving. There was a lot of confusion. Even my parents were starting to doubt their decision to move back to Fruili; however, late August 1967 the move was finally made.

Once back in Friuli, we moved into my Father’s birth home in Pasian di Prato Udine. (Pasian is about 5 kilometers outside the City of Udine.) The house my father was born in was shared with Dad's older brother Pascul. Well things did not look so good for me there. My friends were not around and everything was so different. Also my parents could not get used to being back in Friuli. Yes, it was certainly nice to see the family and being close to them and I did make friends who, by the way, I am still in contact with today. But the economics in Italy / Friuli were nothing like in Canada/North America. Things seemed very antiquated! My Father attempted to set up his business again; however, there were too many obstacles (a lot of red tape, too much bureaucracy, etc.). Also, the old house we were living in at the time was not very comfortable. Believe it or not, there was no bathroom inside that house. We had to go outside to an out- house to take care of business.

Meanwhile things were not going so great for me at school. They told me that my Italian was not up to standard, so they placed me three grades back. This was a lot of baloney because I could speak and write perfect Italian. However, the school knew my father was from Canada and they thought he had plenty of money. They wanted to send me to this tutorial school (for a fee of course) that was affiliated with some of the teachers. It really was quite political.
At about this time, I ended up getting really sick. I contracted Spinal Meningitis and was hospitalized for 3 months. (At one point, I almost did not make it.) While recuperating in a hospital in Udine, I actually was quarantined due to the nature of my virus. I was restricted to being seen by adults only.

While I was still in hospital, my father came by one day and told me he was going to return to Canada and set things up for us to all return to Canada. Wow! We were going back home to Canada. I was extremely happy for myself, but also for my parents. Both my Father and Mother experienced considerable stress in the one-year we spent in Friuli. They found it extremely difficult to repatriate themselves after living away for 15 years. They often said, “We have become Canadians and we actually prefer the way of life in Canada.”

I could not believe it! After all those years of preparing me for the “wonderful” life in Friuli, we were going back to Canada. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) Friuli was a total disappointment. However, I could see that my parents’ minds were now at ease. They at least made the attempt to return even if it didn’t work out. To their credit, they had the courage to admit their mistake and placed closure on the idea of returning to Friuli.

Well it really does not end there because my parents, brother, sister and I have returned back to Friuli many times throughout the years. We never really lost touch. We keep our traditions and always to this day my parents’ hearts are still in Friuli. However they also will say without any disrespect to their Friuli, that Canada is now their home because it provided the financial path they were seeking for themselves and all of us as well. My parents had good foresight and became Canadian Citizens back in 1957 after five years in Canada.

Of further note: my brother Paul and Sister Joanne speak Italian but not as well as I do and unfortunately they do not speak Furlan. My sister responds to my Mother and Father in English, my brother in Italian / English. As for me, I respond strictly in Italian and when I want to emphasis things I speak to my parents in Furlan!

My sister Joanne who will be turning 40 this year has two boys, her youngest, Elio, is only 4-months old. This has kept my parents young because my Mother loves children. So my sister has a young family and now my oldest daughter Celina who will be turning 26 in a few weeks will be marrying! Genna my youngest daughter will be matron of honor. My brother Paul who lives in Toronto has two children and is also a teacher.

My wife Suzanne is French Canadian; she is bilingual and speaks fluently in French. This is a story for another time, because my mother and father in law both speak French. They speak limited English because they were born in the province of Quebec, which is a French-speaking province. As you can imagine they also had a lot of hardships when they moved from Quebec to Ontario (an English speaking province). The language and customs were very different and they also went through many years of hardships wanting to return back home to their land of birth.

Well, Ivano, mi caro amico Furlan, that’s my life in a nutshell, or is it a castagna. As you always say: sempre avanti.

ciao e mandi,
Doriano
The Canadian Furlan