Maletta, Dominic Edward

August 3, 1931

October 2, 2019

Dominic passed peacefully into the arms of the angels October 2^nd, 2019 at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital.

Dominic was the 3^rd of 7 children born to Emilio and Julia Maletta. He was born at the family home in Creston, British Columbia surrounded by enormous cherry trees. Dominic enlisted in the Canadian Navy and left home at 17.  He served in all branches of the Canadian military, which included service in the Navy during the Korean War. After medical discharge for hearing loss from the Canadian Air force in 1960 Dominic had many jobs. Dominic transferred from Calgary to Cranbrook with Canadian Pacific Railway in 1965 and joined Crestbrook Pulp and Paper in 1969 until his retirement in 1996. It was important to Dominic to have safety and security in his employment so he could provide for his family. Dominic also had an entrepreneurial side, and in his spare time and during strikes he took on many projects to earn extra money for his family. Most notable was the purchase of an obsolete track mobile from the pulp mill and selling off of the parts to earn a modest profit. He loved finding value in scrap materials that others saw as waste.

Dominic enjoyed hunting and gold panning in his early days and fishing throughout his life. He was an avid senior curler and was an excellent armchair skip. He and Joey supported the Cranbrook Royals, Cranbrook Colts, Kootenay Ice and Vancouver Canucks Hockey teams. Dominic was a backyard mechanic and enjoyed working on family vehicles. He kept various cars and trucks running so the rest of us had a safe and reliable vehicle. Dad had a soft spot and a special way with dogs. There was always time for a visit and an ear-rub for a 4-legged friend.

Dominic insisted on good manners from his children and respect for your elders. He encouraged Diane and Jim to know what the issues of the day were and be politically knowledgeable. The kitchen table was his favourite place to debate the happenings of the day and share his love of current affairs.  Without fail he watched the 6:00PM  and 11:00PM nightly news.

Dad always had a smile and a twinkle in his soft Italian eyes. He was a gentle and kind soul – an honorable man whose heart was filled with great love.

Dominic is survived by his Daughter and Son In-Law, Diane and Jim Manson and Son and Daughter In-Law Jim and Colleen Maletta. Sisters Phyllis, Ellen, Janet (Neil) and Judy (Dan) and Brother Gene (Serena) and Brothers In-Law Norman, Frank and Wayne (Linda) and Sisters In-Law Kate, Doreen, Alma and Marie (Barrie) along with many nieces and nephews.

Dominic was predeceased by his wife of 64 years Joey, his parents Emilio and Julia Maletta, Sister Irene, and Brothers In-Law Ken Long and Lawrence Ratzlaff. Father In-Law and Mother In-Law John and Jane McKinnon, Brother In-Laws Neil, Les, Jack, Hugh, Levi, Harvey Jack Coleman and Bill Beare; Sisters In-Law Margaret, Henrietta (Fran) and Ruth as well as special friend Gerry Sinclair (Uncle Gerry).

There will be a Celebration of Dominic’s Life at McPherson’s Funeral Service in Cranbrook at 11:00AM with an Open House to follow at the Eagles Hall in Cranbrook Friday October 11, 2019.

The family would like to thank Dominic’s doctor Ryck Schielke for his care and compassion over the past year. We wish to acknowledge the fine care and compassion provided by the Palliative Program home support nurses and care aides and the 3^rd floor Nurses and Staff at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital. Thank you to the Cranbrook/Kimberley Hospice Society and in particular Gary Toyota for their gracious support.

Donations in Dominic’s honour may be made to the charity of your choice.

www.mcphersonfh.com

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