Obituary of Lonnie Vassallo

VASSALLO, Lionel ‘’Lonnie’’ Clifford March 29, 1954 ~ May 5, 2020 Lionel (Lonnie) Clifford Vassallo, passed away peacefully at the age of 66, at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, with his loving daughter, Lacey Chyz, by his side. Lonnie was born on March 29, 1954 in Sydney, Nova Scotia to Mary Elva (McNeill) Vassalo and Francis Louis (Frank) Vassalo. He is survived by his three daughters, and one son, and their families: Cori Julian (Edward) and children Zackary, Zoie, Kiara, Blake, Xtain, and grandchildren Zaia and Blayson; Mindy Denny (Andrew) and children Lakheysha, Grant, Nikki, Lincoln, Jaylin, and grandson, Asher; (and their Mother and former wife, Priscilla “Jetta” Denny); Marc Sylliboy and children Jada, Reighlyn and Emmet (and predeceased by Marc’s Mother, Pauline) all of Eskasoni First Nation, Nova Scotia; Lacey Chyz, of Ardmore, Alberta and stepson, Jeremy Chyz of Calgary, Alberta; and their Mother and Lonnie's wife, Linda (Chyz) Vassallo. Lonnie is also survived by endearing sisters Louise (Hector) Comeau, Linda Loiselle, Lorraine Vassalo (Stewart Creaser) and Lisa Vassalo, Uncle Don McNeill (Audrey) and aunts, Frances Lind (Tony), Eileen McNeill, sister-in-law, Karen, and their families, as well as his God child, Gail Morris. Lonnie's memory also lives on in his close friends Art (Bev) Bowers, Cinth Toenders, Brian Chyz, Deb (Ron) Truhn, Rose (Jim) Grant, and far too many others to list. Besides his parents, Lonnie was predeceased by his grandparents, brother, Leo, brother-in-law, Dick Loiselle, his beloved uncle, Cliff McNeill, and other aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends, Freddy Gillis, Glen Tripple, David “Bunt” Farrell and Kevin Bowers. All who knew Lonnie also knew that he loved deeply. He was a kind and simple man, possessed of integrity, dignity, generosity, and honesty. Lonnie had a phenomenal work ethic, enhanced by a quick mind, great wit and sense of humour. If he befriended you, you were a friend for life. Many in his community called him Uncle Lon. He was impatient with ambiguity and did not tolerate unkindness or arrogance at any level. He loved and respected his family, his friends, his work and colleagues, animals, the land and Mother Nature and, in turn, was loved and respected. Lonnie’s interests were varied, spending time on the wide-open road on his Harley Davidson, writing, enjoying music, cooking, fishing, volunteering, and helping friends and neighbors. Our family extends our sincere appreciation to the dedicated healthcare providers at the Bonnyville Health Centre, the Royal Alex Hospital in Edmonton and especially the Palliative Care team at the Royal Alex. Their comfort and compassionate care, loving respect and devotion will remain with us always. Lonnie had a trans-coastal love of Canada, from Nova Scotia to the Prairies and beyond. Consequently, memorial celebrations will be held in Alberta and Nova Scotia when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. If you would like to make a donation in memoriam, please consider your local food bank or animal rescue society. ~ Respectfully the Vassallo Family ~