We Remember
GOBBATO, Severino
October 23, 1955 — January 4, 2022
Severino Gobbato went to be with the Lord on January 4, 2022 while at Kelowna General Hospital, where he re-dedicated his life to God. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, and an eight-year courtship prior, Randi Gobbato; children Miranda (Nathan), Rachela (Jay), Sofia (Harley); grandchildren: Zachary and Nicholas; and his mother Milena Gobbato. He was predeceased by his father Tito Gobbato; and parents-in-law Harvey & Ruby Evans.
Severino was born in Volpago, Italy on October 23, 1955, and truly was one of a kind. He came by boat from Italy in 1957 with his mother, Milena, to begin a new life that his father, Tito, had started a year prior in Canada. Sev grew up in East Vancouver and began his working career very early as a paperboy. His hard work quickly brought him to work at the Safeway on Victoria Drive, proudly as a produce manager. He had met his bodacious, future wife, Randi, at Windermere Secondary School in Grade 12. After his Safeway days, Sev went to broadcasting school in Langley and got his first job as a DJ at CKAY Radio in Duncan, BC.
Sev & Randi married on Nov 8, 1980, living in Burnaby (then later White Rock) and started his career at CKNW/CFMI Radio as Media Consultant and worked his way to Senior Marketing Consultant & General Sales Manager. And later, sales for Praise 106.5 FM. Networking and schmoozing always came naturally to Sev and many friends were made in the process.
Sev’s personality was larger than life, and he always lived by his ‘Sevy-ism’s’ like: “You’re on a need to know basis, and you don’t need to know!”, “Bullshit baffles brains” or “Don’t Panic, Don’t Panic”. Sev’s charismatic personality would draw you in, and you could hear him from a mile away. He made an impact wherever he went and always was on the hunt for a new deal. He took a lot of pride in being loyal to his friends and taking care of his family. In 1992, he moved the family to live with his mother at the “little shack in Surrey” where they all created new memories together.
In Nov 2016, Sev, Randi, and Milena moved to the Okanagan, a place they’ve always loved since they were kids. Many hours were spent on creating and building their dream home, with a party deck that he loved to host his family & friends on. Their vacation destination was now called home.
Sev was a major movie buff and lover of sports cars, he enjoyed BBQs, boating, relaxing lakeside, making wine, and wheeling and dealing. He loved to travel to Las Vegas, Arizona, and his and Randi’s favorite place was Hawaii. Hawaii held many special memories, including the renewal of their wedding vows, and enjoying beautiful views. Sev’s heaven is a sunset with toes in the sand and a Mai Tai in hand.
Memories to last a lifetime. He is gone but never forgotten.
The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Kelowna General Hospital’s 6 West for their compassion while Sev was in their care.
As Sev would have loved a huge exit party – we will plan a celebration of life for him at a later date once COVID restrictions are relaxed. “Don’t Panic!”
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the KGH Foundation.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com
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Kelowna General Hospital Foundation Link: www.kghfoundation.com
Condolences
Dear Randi and family:
Sally and I would like to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your family.
It seems like only yesterday that we were making wine in White Rock and enjoying life without a care in the world. Thinking of all of the good memories of Sev and you.
Sally and John Gattens
Hello Randi and Milena and family. Last night when I heard the news of Sev, my heart went out to you. It must be so difficult and quite surreal. I want to send you my heartfelt condolences. I am so sorry for your loss. Sev was a very special person. I always had a soft spot for him in my heart as our dads had come to Canada on the same boat way back then. Both had paved a life for their children and much was expected of Sev, as the single child, from his dad. I would say he rose to the task and then some. Tito was always so proud of his boy. And look at the family Sev and you created together Randi. A wonderful job well done. A rich life well lived. Sounds like you had a lot of good times along the way. You might recall on the corvette Sev had on the night of your wedding, it was printed on the edge of the hood in fine print. “let the good times roll…” And I imagine they did. Sending you strength, courage and light to carry you through these dark days. Know that you shared the path with a very special guy. Hugs to you all and a special hug to Milena. My mom used to cherish her friendship so much. ….. Take good care of yourselves… Livio Susin
Dear Randi, family and so many friends,
There are too many friends to list because Sev gathered them wherever he went. He made friendships that held as strong as burrs stick to your socks when you walk through a field. Everyone who met him loved him. His irrisistable charm just drew you in. Sometimes there were disagreements if you you were as headstrong as he was (Sue), but love was never lost between you. His web of friendship just kept growing as his and Randi’s friends became your friends, and your friends became your friends. Sev and Randi made you part of their family and their family became part of yours.
Sev fiercely loved Randi, his parents, his daughters and grandsons. He worked hard to provide for them even after his “retirement” from sales. He was phenomenal at making a deal whether he was selling, buying, or bartering.
Sev had an amazing sense of humor. His hearty and unique laugh could be heard coming from a distance and you couldn’t help but start laughing yourself in response. We can still hear his laughter now in our hearts and minds, and it brings a smile to our faces now as tears form in our eyes at the same time. His love of life and infectious joy will be dearly missed.
Never one to let a good opportunity to go to waste, Sev would always put Steve to work on some project he had going on (and he ALWAYS had a project going on) whenever we visited. Of course there were always some cold brews as a reward, even if they had been smuggled across the border from the USA in our car trunk when a beer strike was happening in Canada.
We had many adventures together over the 50 years we have shared our lives together. Sev and Randi were chosen to be our daughter, Lezlie’s Godparents and they chose us to be Sofia’s Godparents, a great honor for us. They visited us across the border and we visited them countless times. We caught crabs in the San Juan Islands, and cooked and ate them right at the dock along with a bottle of wine conspicuously “hidden” in a brown paper bag. The guys let off some VERY LOUD fireworks inside city limits and when the Anacortes the police arrived and questioned us, we reported that we saw “some guys do it” (not a lie because we DID see a couple of guys do it)!
One time when Steve and Sev were out in the hot tub conversing (and drinking beer, of course) into the wee hours of the night, Randi came out and told them it was time to go to bed (for their own good), they mused between themselves wondering if she had noticed that they were buck naked sitting on the edge of the hot tub to cool off. Another time Sue and Randi came down to the wine cellar in their Surrey house to see what they were up to, we found them playing bocce wearing football helmet shaped bowls on their heads! There are too many memories to mention, but all of them were fun.
It will be good to continue our adventures with Randi and Sevy will be missed, but will always “join” us in spirit and never be forgotten. We’re sure we will reminisce about our times together each time we meet with Randi in the future. He will be kept alive lovingly in our hearts and he will pulling off some stunt in our minds for us to share with one another.
We love Sev always, as we’re sure you will. We love all of you, too, as we have all shared in his love for us.
In his last days, Sev called out to God, and God heard him and took him to his forever home to be with him in Heaven. We are assured that he is there looking down on us and will continue to be an important part of all our lives. We will love you forever, Sevy!
With so much love,
Steve and Sue Nichols
Dear Randi , Miranda (Nathan), Rachela (Jay), Sofia (Harley) Zachary ,Nicholas and Milena Gobbato and all other family members.
We are extremely saddened to hear this news. We pray that our Lord mends your broken hearts knowing that Sev is now in his comforting arms.
Sev lighted up all our lives. He set an example of knowing how precious life is and went about showing us how it’s done! We all love the Gobbato’s and Sev leaded the family troop in making our lives special. I attached a photo of Sev who was in our neighbour’s backyard having fun playing with his baby elephant sprinkler. We all Love you Sev and thank you for creating exciting memories for us all! John,Beth,Katie,Mary and Emily Colpo.
Dear Randi & Family: Our deepest condolences to you and your family for the sudden loss of Sev. I was so sad to hear this news and I want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. Sincerely, Joanne & Peter
Dear Randi and family. My deepest condolences to you and family with the loss of Sev. It has been many years but I still remember the good times we had. My love and deepest sympathies to you at this sad time. Take care of yourself.
My sincere condolences for your loss.
I was Sevs neighbour at West Harbour and always enjoyed catching up with him and trying his homemade wines.
Wishing your family all best during this time.
We are truly sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you and wish you and your family peace and comfort down the road.
Rick and Sandie (WH neighbours)
As family we will miss Sev. He was larger than life. RIP