RICHARD RINALDI
March 17, 1924 - April 30, 2008
Richard was born in Nice, France. He joined the French Underground (le Maquis) at the age of 18, then enlisted in the Free French Forces (Forces Francaises Libre) where, amongst his other responsibilities; he drove five-ton trucks to the Front Line. In May 1945 he was promoted to Gen. de Gaulle’s headquarters in Paris. One day, while strolling near the Eiffel Tower, he met beautiful Janine Tixador. They were married in Paris in January 1946, where their children John, Emma & Chantal were born. The family immigrated to Canada in 1952, starting out at Kwinitsa (midway between Terrace and Prince Rupert) where Richard found employment with CN. After living at various CN locations in BC, the family moved to Terrace in 1964.
“Man of Steel” Richard Rinaldi worked for the CN for 35 years, progressing to Program Supervisor in charge of large steel gangs that laid new steel in British Columbia and Alberta. He was also foreman at the Terrace yard from 1970-1987, leaving every year from spring to fall to supervise the gangs. His foresight in saving the CN Kwinitsa house from demolition a few years ago lead to the restoration of this historic railroad building that now sits on the Grand Trunk Pathway.
Richard was predeceased by the great love of his life, Janine, who passed away in November, 2004. They are now together again, with Jesus.
Always remembered, always loved by:
Children: John (Sharon), Emma (Bruce) and Chantal (Rick); Grand-children: Doris (Ken), Joan (Sheldon), Gregory, Barbara,Stanley, Mark (Tanya), Matthew, Michael (Sarah), Christine, Nathan; Great-Grandchildren: Christopher, Ryan, Zachary, Joey, Korina, Jeremiah, Malachi, Benjamin, Brook-Lynn, Lucas
O you whom I have loved so much,
on earth, pray for me and live in
such a manner that we may be
re-united for ever in a Blessed Eternity.
The family extends their gratitude to Father Terry, the CWL, Dr. de Wit, the nurses at Mills Memorial Hospital, and all who offered condolences and support.