GINO SEDOLA

While I only had the honour of knowing Gino Sedola for a couple of years I came to regard him with respect and admiration for his contributions to Nanaimo and the South End Community. The last time I spoke with Gino was the night he received the Freedom of the City Award on September 29th. Gino Sedola, Mr. Frank Ney, Ms. Gertrude Hall, Mr. Ray Brookbank, Mr. Ted Kelly, Mr. Ken Medland, Mr. Alex Virostko, Mr. Jim Moffat, and Mr. Alex Ferguson, all recipients, were members of the 1975 City Council that saw Nanaimo almagamated with other areas to become pretty much as it is today.

This was a great honour but unfortunately one Gino was not able to enjoy for long. In fact when I spoke with him on the 29th we talked about how many awards such as the Freeman of the City seem to be given be given posthumously or near the end of ones life. I think when we look at awards such as this it would be nice if they were given while the person still had many years to enjoy the honour.

We talked about other things that evening, his life in Nanaimo, his time as a City Councilor, his long time friendship with Al Gallazin, but regretably the time was short and I hoped to continue where we had left off. Alas this was not to be but I look back on the discussions we did have, considering myself the more enriched for knowing Gino and being considered by him a friend.

Sometime in November, with his family’s support and participation, a tree will be planted at Deverill Square Park in Gino's honour. A small gesture perhaps but one that will live on as will the memory of him in the heart and mind of the many people he touched over the years. Gino, you will be missed.

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http://www.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/news/story.html?id=5cb00bfb-8662-4025-807c-6e6bdd3d4f4d

GINO SEDOLA Freeman of the City, Retired Teacher, Former Alderman and Past Chairman of the Nanaimo Harbour Commission. On October 9th, after living an extraordinary life, Gino Sedola passed away peacefully while holding the hand of his loving wife, Leona Trimble. Predeceased by 1st wife Elaine; mother Christina and father Angelo. Survived by his brother Fred and family; and by his “brother by choice ”, Alvin Gallazin. Dearly loved and sadly missed by his children Paul, Anne, Janine and their families; and Leona's children, Trish, David, Sharon, Karen, Art and their families, including numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; and many cherished friends. Gino was a member of more than 25 committees including founding member and original director of the Nanaimo Museum Society. A Celebration of Life will be held at the New Nanaimo Museum. 101 Gordon St, on October 26th 1:30 4:30p.m.