It is with great sadness and with heavy hearts that we share the news of the peaceful passing of Gordon Michael (Corky) Correale at the North Okanagan Hospice House on Sunday November 20, 2011 with his loving family by his side.
Gordon will be sadly missed by his wife of 55 years May; daughter Patti (Grant) Rusk, son Michael (Heather) Correale, daughter Dina; grandchildren Brandi, Chelsea, Daniel, Augustino, Ben, Nicolas, Elio, Tom; brother Leonard (Betty), sister Sharon (Mort) Rafuse; nieces and nephews David (Linda), Valentina, Melia, Tony (Sherry), Tory, Hailey, Landon, Lisa (Steve), Gina. He was predeceased by his mother Annie, father Tony and brother Robert.
Gordon was born in Revelstoke, B.C., and he started his career with Finning Tractor in Vernon in 1951 in the service department, washing parts. During his 37 years with Finning, he was promoted to parts manager, salesman, and finished his career as the branch manager in Vernon. Throughout his career, he worked in Nelson, Dawson Creek and Prince George before returning to Vernon in1978 and retiring in 1988.
During these years Gordon and May made many friends wherever they were and we are sure they will all remember many good times including music, Italian food and Gordon’s homemade wine. He was a very social guy and enjoyed entertaining friends in his home. Gordon had a great love for music, and a passion for playing the guitar. Many will remember the annual “jam” sessions held in his backyard in the Coldstream, which grew over the years to include several other musicians who joined in to provide entertainment appreciated by the attendees and even the surrounding neighbors. Gordon and May joined the Vernon Golf and Country Club when they moved back to Vernon in 1978 and they spent many years enjoying the game together.
The funeral service was held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday November 23, 2011 at St. James Catholic Church (2607 27 Street, Vernon, B.C.), followed by a celebration of life in the St. James Parish Center.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the North Okanagan Hospice Society (3506 27 Avenue, Vernon, B.C. V1T 1S4). Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.myalternatives.ca.
