It is with great sadness that we announced the passing of SAVERIO PAVAN, beloved husband of the late Armida Pavan, on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at the Chinook Regional Hospital, at the age of 86 years.

Saverio was born on October 19, 1924, in Breda Di Piave, Treviso, Italy to Massimo and Luigia Pavan. Farming was in his blood and he grew up on the family farm caring for the animals and vineyards. He saw service in the Italian Military at the end of WWII and returned to the farm when the war ended. Opportunities were limited post WWII so in 1950 Saverio immigrated to Canada to work on his uncle's farm. After a long distance courtship he married Armida De Giusti on April 2, 1955. Saverio tried several careers, including construction but he loved farming. He returned to the Pavan Dairy where he worked until 1974, at which point the family moved into Lethbridge. He then began a career at the Lethbridge Research Centre retiring in 1991.

He enjoyed a long and happy retirement spending time with his family and friends and passionately tending to his garden and grapes. He was a dedicated, hard working man and took great pride in a job well done. His grandchildren were his special joy and he found great pleasure in doing anything he could for them. He was a life time member of the Italian Canadian Club.

He is survived by and lovingly remembered by his son Livio (Diana) and three grandchildren Andria (Derek) Meers, Jordan and Alyssa, and many other family members. He was predeceased by his parents and three brothers.

Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at 7:00pm on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at ST. BASIL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 - 13 Street North, Lethbridge.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30am on Monday, September 19, 2011 at ST. BASIL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, with Father Tim Boyle officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to S.T.A.R.S Foundation, Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Calgary, AB T2E 8M7.

Send condolences at www.mbfunerals.com.