Obituary for Adrian Bussoli
It is with great sadness to announce the sudden passing of Adrian Bussoli on July 29th, 2022.
Adrian was born on September 24, 1952 in Fossacesia, Chieti, Abruzzo, Italy. In 1953, he took his first “cruise” with his parents to Canada, arriving at Pier 21 in Halifax and taking the train across Canada like so many Italian families of post-World War II, eventually settling in Calgary, Alberta.
After graduating from the University of Alberta in Political Science, he married his high school sweetheart Sue Van Dyck in 1974.
For 41 years he was involved in the Canadian apparel industry, primarily as the president and co-owner of Alberta Garment Manufacturing.
Outside of work and family, Adrian was a community builder. He poured himself into volunteer work, serving many communities such as the YMCA, Alberta Handball, Calgary Minor Hockey, Rotary Club, Credit Union, OLPH Church, The Calgary Italian Club, Canadian Apparel Federation and political campaigns in Alberta. Through volunteering he strived to positively impact the community and improve the social good.
Adrian enjoyed sports, especially playing and then later watching his kids and grandkids play hockey, ringette, and lacrosse. Introduced to hockey as a young kid by his neighbor in Renfrew, Mr. Holliday, Adrian played hockey and excelled at it, eventually playing Midget AA. Later, using his cat-like reflexes to competitively play handball, he earned the 1969 runner up position in the Canadian Junior National Championships. In 2015, Adrian helped bring the World Handball Championship to Calgary.
A passion for living was fueled by music, movies, politics, swimming, hockey and spending time with family and friends who he treated like family. Adrian reveled in bringing people together over food, wine and laughter. He loved traveling, particularly to Italy, and the many family vacations to Christina Lake, BC. Most important to Adrian was spending time playing with his children and grandchildren. Regardless of the event, he was there to participate or cheer them on.
Adrian will be remembered by his generosity and magnetic, larger-than-life personality. We all have endearing and fun stories about Adrian. He is survived by his wife Sue, sons Jon-Paul (Shannon), Michael (Claire) and daughter Gina (Joe), grandchildren Ethan, Cecilia, Gianluca, Alice, Bella, Paxton, Oscar, Hugo, Lucy and Stella, and sister Rosanna (Romel). Adrian is predeceased by his parents, Francesco and Luisa Bussoli.
We invite people to celebrate and share their favourite memories of Adrian at the Bridgeland-Riverside Community Centre (917 Centre Ave. NE) on August 29, 2022 at 4:00 pm. Please RSVP Here.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to be made to children in Ukraine through this Unicef Link.
Adrian was born on September 24, 1952 in Fossacesia, Chieti, Abruzzo, Italy. In 1953, he took his first “cruise” with his parents to Canada, arriving at Pier 21 in Halifax and taking the train across Canada like so many Italian families of post-World War II, eventually settling in Calgary, Alberta.
After graduating from the University of Alberta in Political Science, he married his high school sweetheart Sue Van Dyck in 1974.
For 41 years he was involved in the Canadian apparel industry, primarily as the president and co-owner of Alberta Garment Manufacturing.
Outside of work and family, Adrian was a community builder. He poured himself into volunteer work, serving many communities such as the YMCA, Alberta Handball, Calgary Minor Hockey, Rotary Club, Credit Union, OLPH Church, The Calgary Italian Club, Canadian Apparel Federation and political campaigns in Alberta. Through volunteering he strived to positively impact the community and improve the social good.
Adrian enjoyed sports, especially playing and then later watching his kids and grandkids play hockey, ringette, and lacrosse. Introduced to hockey as a young kid by his neighbor in Renfrew, Mr. Holliday, Adrian played hockey and excelled at it, eventually playing Midget AA. Later, using his cat-like reflexes to competitively play handball, he earned the 1969 runner up position in the Canadian Junior National Championships. In 2015, Adrian helped bring the World Handball Championship to Calgary.
A passion for living was fueled by music, movies, politics, swimming, hockey and spending time with family and friends who he treated like family. Adrian reveled in bringing people together over food, wine and laughter. He loved traveling, particularly to Italy, and the many family vacations to Christina Lake, BC. Most important to Adrian was spending time playing with his children and grandchildren. Regardless of the event, he was there to participate or cheer them on.
Adrian will be remembered by his generosity and magnetic, larger-than-life personality. We all have endearing and fun stories about Adrian. He is survived by his wife Sue, sons Jon-Paul (Shannon), Michael (Claire) and daughter Gina (Joe), grandchildren Ethan, Cecilia, Gianluca, Alice, Bella, Paxton, Oscar, Hugo, Lucy and Stella, and sister Rosanna (Romel). Adrian is predeceased by his parents, Francesco and Luisa Bussoli.
We invite people to celebrate and share their favourite memories of Adrian at the Bridgeland-Riverside Community Centre (917 Centre Ave. NE) on August 29, 2022 at 4:00 pm. Please RSVP Here.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to be made to children in Ukraine through this Unicef Link.