Renzo Rado Obituary

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Renzo Rado at age 65. He passed peacefully, surrounded by loving family and friends after a 3 year struggle with a rare form of Parkinson's Disease and metastatic prostate cancer.

Predeceased by his father Emilio and brother Dino, Renzo leaves behind his loving 94 year old mother Bruna, and his wife Sarah and their families: parents Harry & Bea Johnson, sister Claire (Dan Pearson) (children Kyle & Eric), and brother Andrew Johnson.

He is survived by his cousin Guido (Donna nee Price) Martignago, their children Brent (Angela) (children William, Emma & Matthew) and Brenda (Tom Kurbeil) (children Brandon, Lawson, Izzy & Alex) of southern Ontario. He is also survived by cousin Irma (late Gerry) Gouthro, her children Stephen, Susan (Peter Brenders) (children Katherine, Jonathon, Mariah & Tessa) and Michael (Emily), other cousins Guido & Rosetta Tesser, Franco, Leo and Elizabeth and their families all in southern Ontario.

Predeceased by his aunt Emma (Adastro) Martignago, uncle Tony Rado, of Kirkland Lake and aunt Ida (David Leon) of Toronto.

In Italy, he is survived by cousins Maria Grazia, Ivana and Mara and their families and predeceased by his aunt Pierina (Emilio Bordin), and uncle Mario (Bruna) Parisotto.

Renzo was born in Kirkland Lake to proud Italian immigrants, and graduated from Holy Name, Sacred Heart and KLCVI. In his younger years, he worked at Home Hardware and Swastika Labs. Many people remember Renzo from his days at McLenaghan Marine or his time at Canadian Tire in the seasonal sporting departments.

As a mature adult, he pursued the new Microprocessor Computer Repair Technician program at Northern College, where he met and fell in love with Sarah. As a proud graduate, he was able to use his computer skills working with Northern College and the Kasner Group before finally transitioning to work with the Town of Kirkland Lake. In his 25 years with the Town, he held several positions including Computer Technician, GIS Manager and Airport Supervisor.

Renzo was very active and participated in a variety of sports & activities including boating, canoeing, fishing, camping, x-country & downhill skiing, tennis, badminton, bicycling, enjoying cottage life at Lake Sesekinika, and taking long walks in the bush with friends. He cherished the time that he spent with his brother-in-law Andrew, with whom he participated in most of these activities.

He was an avid car enthusiast, having previously owned a Camaro and a Corvette. He was a huge tennis and Formula 1 racing fan and followed the circuits on TV religiously.

Renzo was a most loving and devoted son, a man of faith and morals. He was hardworking and attacked new projects with gusto. If he was asked questions, or if something caught his attention, he would research at length. Beneath his quiet demeanor was a man with quick wit, humour and a wealth of knowledge. He faced his medical battles heroically with courage and determination. Humour was the best weapon against all of his challenges.

Renzo made many good friendships over the years and will be greatly missed by everyone who was blessed to have been in his life.

Celebration of Life: Friday, December 8, 2023 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Timiskaming Funeral Cooperative 111 Burnside Drive Kirkland Lake, ON P2N 3L1.

Memorial Mass: Saturday, December 9, 2023 11:00 a.m.

Holy Name of Jesus Parish 9 Kirkland Street West Kirkland Lake, ON P2N 2G3.

Luncheon: Saturday, December 9, 2023 12:15 p.m.

Holy Name of Jesus Parish Hall 9 Kirkland Street West Kirkland Lake, ON P2N 2G3.

The family would like to express our gratitude and appreciation for the exceptional care that Renzo received both at home (Homecare, PSWs, VONs, RA), and from all of the hospital doctors & staff. Thank you to the non-urgent hospital transportation team and the KL Ambulance & KL Fire departments, almost all of whom he knew by name. And a special Thank you to the Town of Kirkland Lake for the wonderful tribute for Renzo.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Operation Smile Canada (support.operationsmile.ca) or the House of Kin (houseofkinsudbury.ca) in memory of Renzo would be greatly appreciated.