9 Siblings – Vicky (Jack), James (Emma), Tom (Jan), David (Marianne), Christoper (Moe), Vincent (Stephanie), Teresa (Sam), Catherine (Jen), Monica (Chuck)
Sisters-in-law – Marti, Dee and Sylvia and brother-in-law, Bob, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Predeceased by his parents, Victor and Patricia Arduini, brothers Timmy, Peter, Paul, and sister Mary.
Greg was born on September 11th, 1941, in Kamloops BC. He was the eldest of 14 children, to parents Victor and Patricia. Greg attended St. Ann’s Academy from grades 1-12, and post-secondary at Vancouver College, making lifelong friends along the way. While attending college, he was hired by the Hudson’s Bay Company to manage their shoe department. Here he met and married his lifelong partner of 61 years, Leslie West. They resided a short time in Powell River, however, Kamloops kept calling their name. His father Victor was ready to retire from the family shoe business, and Greg and Les were ready to invest in their future. They proudly purchased Arduini’s Shoe Store, and made Kamloops their permanent home. Together, celebrated by patrons, family, and friends, Arduini’s Shoe Store celebrated 104 years in operation before officially closing the family run business.
Greg’s outgoing personality shone throughout his lifetime in the many loves near and dear to his heart. Family first and foremost, he instilled in us these wise words, “never go to bed angry, at the very least always say I love you.” Greg held special affection for his grandchildren and them for their Nonno. He proudly passed down his love of his Italian heritage, which will forever shine on in them.
Greg had a deep love for all that encompassed hunting and fishing, and a deep respect for the hunting grounds and fishing lakes. Early morning hunts and night flights occupied many hours spent together with friends and family. His knowledge of backroads connected endless fishing lakes.
Greg’s love of music touched many. Learning piano as a six-year-old boy, he went on to play in a jazz band with lifelong friends. They entertained many, playing for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, beloved Colombo Hall dinners, and countless others. Christmas was a particularly magical time, entertaining all who dropped in. If there were keys available, Greg would happily sit for hours and play right into our hearts.
Social should have been Greg’s middle name, and he loved big. You could often find him enjoying “work” day mornings with the Coffee Gang, on the golf course, serving dinners at Colombo Hall, playing piano at Ponderosa Lodge, or enjoying the cabin at Little Shuswap. His home was always open to friends and extended family. Leslie was no stranger to 5:30 pm phone calls asking to set another place at the table. A glass of wine with friends and family was a daily occurrence.
