AMERIGO (Rick) NELLO FILANTI

1928 ~ 2013 Rick passed away peacefully Thursday, May 9, 2013 while in Palliative care at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.

Rick was born in Pietrarubbia, Italy September 11, 1928. He emigrated to Alberta, Canada in 1949. Here he met the love of his life, Rita, and had been married to her for nearly sixty years. Rick and Rita began their life together in Cowley, then moved to Barrhead, and finally settled in Ralston, for 28 years. Rick was a dedicated and hardworking manager of the Co-op stores he was employed by. In 1974 Rick moved his family to Medicine Hat where he started his thriving commercial development business. He continued working until the fall of 2009, when a stroke forced him into retirement. Besides being such a successful business entrepreneur, Rick was a generous philanthropist. One accomplishment which Rick was very excited about was bringing the Saamis Teepee to Medicine Hat. This was his thanks to a nation that afforded him so many opportunities to achieve his personal best. Rick was also a very talented artist, art instructor, and art collector. He inspired artist young and old with his creative enthusiasm. Rick is survived and cherished by his loving wife, Rita; his sons, Ivan (Linda) Filanti and Tim (Kim) Filanti; as well as his daughters, Marissa Filanti (Stuart Rieger) and Natali (Darrell) Austin. He is lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Angela (Chris) Fenwick and their children, Hana and Justin, Michael Filanti, Jennalee Filanti (Ryan Adams) and their daughter Tasha, Jerica Filanti (Rhys Morgan), Andrea Filanti, Cobi Rieger, Jillian Rieger, and Tyler Austin. He will also be missed by his sister Maria Cazzolo; nephew and good friend Derno Cantarelli; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in Italy. Amerigo was predeceased by his parents, Asunta and Adolfo Filanti; his brothers, Alessandro, Pierro and Padre Alderico; as well as his sisters, Elida, Alda, Anastasia and Luciana. The Filanti family is honoring Rick’s quiet and humble nature with a private funeral service at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, officiated by Father Long Vu. It will be followed by a small luncheon. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to honor Rick’s memory may make a donation to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or www. gonebutnotforgotten.ca or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Rick Filanti. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone 528-2599.