Renso Castellarin

   RECORDINGS OF THE PRAYER SERVICE & FUNERAL MASS ARE AVAILABLE BELOW.

   Renso was born on Thursday, July 13, 1944 in Casarsa, Italy to Pio and Evelina Castellarin, joining older sisters, Silvana and Antonietta.  At the age of four, Renso and the family boarded a ship to Canada to begin a new life with the addition of a baby brother, Albano.  In February of 1949, the ship docked in New York, USA, where the Castellarins boarded a train which eventually brought them to Cadomin, AB.  After a brief stay in Cadomin, they travelled to Hillcrest, AB, where Pio gained steady employment in the coalmine.  Coincidentally, the family moved next door to Bonnie’s grandparents, Alex and Susan Bain.  This was also the time that Renso met his best friend, Vince Matthews, who over the years he regarded as a brother.  The family remained in Hillcrest for several years and it was during that time that a younger sister, Jennie arrived.  Work in the Hillcrest and Bellevue Mines was sporadic, so Pio decided that a move to Blairmore was necessary.  They found a house, and Renso proceeded to build an upstairs to accommodate the growing family.  Nobody taught him how to do this, he just did it.  Later, a baby sister, Rosa was born which completed the Castellarin family.

  Renso attended school in Hillcrest and graduated from Isabelle Sellon School.  He attended St. Joseph’s Seminary in Edmonton for three years before realizing that the priesthood wasn’t for him.  He returned to the Crowsnest Pass and worked for awhile with Ernie Fantin, the original owner of Fantin’s Funeral Chapel.  At this time Renso realized he wanted to be a teacher.  He attended the University of Calgary and graduated with a Bachelor of Education.  Also, during this time he married, and in a few years became the proud father of Joan Yvette.  Despite the fact that the marriage ended, Renso’s love for Joan Yvette never wavered, even through troubling times.  A few years later, Renso married his best friend, Bonnie Bain and they were together for almost 50 years.  Over the years they welcomed a son, Bryan and then a daughter, Angela to complete their family.

   Renso had a long teaching career which enabled him to teach many subjects.  He also coached various sports and refereed basketball from high school to university level.  Renso sat on many boards locally, provincially and internationally.  He also received a Master’s Degree from Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA.

   Renso was a man of integrity and compassion which bode him well throughout his personal and professional life.  At the end of his teaching career, the Piikani elders presented him with an eagle feather, which is a great honour. When he retired, Renso pursued a career doing renovations for seniors and overseeing a home building project at the high school.  If that wasn’t enough, Renso decided to renovate the home he and Bonnie had shared for 30 years (in early Winter no less).  Renso could build just about anything and folks always said that if Renso Castellarin built something, then it was meant to last.  Fifteen years ago, Renso answered to another calling - the call to the Permanent Diaconate in the Catholic Church.  He and Bonnie traveled to Calgary for monthly weekend courses and to Lethbridge for weekly reflections.  This continued for four years, and on September 30, 2012, Renso was ordained as a Deacon by Bishop Frederick Henry at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Calgary.  He embraced his new vocation completely and felt honoured whenever called upon to minister to parishioners in the Crowsnest Pass, Pincher Creek and Brocket.  Renso also felt privileged to serve as Padre (Chaplain) for the local Legions and to provide services to others in the community.  Renso truly possessed the “Deacon’s Heart”.

   Throughout his life, regardless of other commitments, Renso’s top priority was his family.  He was a dedicated husband and during their 49 years together, Renso and Bonnie stood together through the good and bad times.  Renso was always supportive of  his children - telling them bedtime stories,  teaching them about nature, and encouraging their many sports endeavours.  Renso was also a devoted son and son-in-law, and he was a truly good friend.  His passing leaves a huge hole in our hearts.  “God speed my love - until we meet again in eternity.”

   Renso leaves behind his loving wife, Bonnie; his much-loved children, Bryan and Angela; his cherished grandchildren, Alexzandra Castellarin, Wyatt McNeil (Megan Vlooswyk), Tim Howie, Taylor Castellarin, Darcy Jacobs, Gavin Castellarin (Stephanie Alexander), Ashton Castellarin and Ryder Ward; precious great-grandchildren, Sebastian and Haeven Brecht, Konner, Martin and Creig Gerk, and Remington and Merrick Howie; his siblings, Silvana (Ken) McNulty, Albano Castellarin, Jennie (Ed) Murray, Rosa (John) Castellarin-Bronson and Vince (Onez) Matthews; his son-in-law, Errol Kutcher; his brothers-in-law, Jim (Brenda) Bain and Doug Bain; his sister-in-law, Susan (Anthony) Reti; as well as his extended family and countless friends.

   Renso was predeceased by his parents, Pio and Evelina Castellarin; his sister, Antonietta Fuhr; brother-in-law, Tim Hollings; parents-in-law, Jim and Pat Bain; cherished grandsons, Andrew and Frederick Castellarin; sister-in-law, Janice Clark; much-loved daughter, Joan Yvette “AJ” Kutcher; as well as several uncles, aunts and cousins.

   A Prayer Service will be held at the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Parish (13126  - 21 Ave., Blairmore, AB) on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 7:00pm with Bishop William McGrattan presiding, assisted by Fr. Joseph Nagothu.  A Funeral Mass will be held at the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Parish (13126  - 21 Ave., Blairmore, AB) on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 11:00am with Rev. Fr. Wilbert Chin Jon as Celebrant, Fr. Mariusz Sztuk, Fr. Myles Gaffney and Fr. Brian Hubka as Concelebrants, and Deacons Rob McLean and Michael Thompson.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by the Alberta Cancer Society (www.albertacancer.ca/donate).  Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. (403) 562-8555

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Renso Castellarin, please visit our floral store.