We Remember
PICCO, Remigio ‘Remi’ Giovanni
—
1926-2022
Today my mom (Melcha Picco) and I (Theah Picco-Crockett) celebrate the incredible life of a man who truly exemplified a life well lived, my dad, Remi Picco.
Born in Flibano, Italy, he immigrated to Canada as a child, where his father was stationed in Moyie in the Crowsnest Pass as a Foreman on the railroad. It was there that he received his first accordion and his love of music and this instrument was born.
Remi went to University in Victoria, British Columbia to become a teacher. And, even though he only taught school for a short period of time, it ignited his love of teaching which many of his music students over the years can attest to the patience, love, and dedication he put into every lesson. He moved to Vancouver, BC, where he opened a clothing store, Picco’s Men’s Wear, and began very successfully to invest in Real Estate. This is where, at the age of 41, this dashing entrepreneur bachelor was swept off his feet by a beautiful, vibrant preschool teacher, my mom, and with whom he just celebrated 52 years of marriage.
In 1976, on a random trip to Kelowna, BC, he stumbled upon a piece of property for sale that captured his heart and he bought it on the spot. And so begins the second chapter of his life. He sold everything in Vancouver and gave up his business to follow his true passion, music. My dad was a competitor and then eventually a judge at the Kimberly Accordion Music Festival, where he always won his categories, as well as winning the Congeniality Award every single year. This makes perfect sense if you have ever had the pleasure of meeting my dad and seeing those sparkly blue eyes, the greatest smile ever, and heard his corny jokes that cracked him up every time he told them.
Remi’s other passion was travel, and he truly travelled the world: Europe, Egypt, Australia, Brazil, Japan, and the United States. He loved immersing himself in different cultures and had lasting friendships from every place he visited.
So, as we look back, we find so much joy through our sadness in celebrating the fact that he had the courage to follow his dreams and lived life fully in every moment.
My dad firmly requested no funeral or flowers. So, if you feel inclined to celebrate him today, please listen to your favourite music, smile at a stranger, tell someone a corny joke, do a random act of kindness, savour some of his favourite Okanagan cherries, peas and corn, or finally sign up for music lessons of the instrument you’ve always wanted to learn. Celebrate your life as you celebrate his.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Remi always had a smile in his face, a song in his heart and a good joke ready. I had many encounters with him over the years as a music retailer in Kelowna and enjoyed every one if them! My last encounter was several years back at a retirement home in Glenmore…. still performing and smiling…great memories!
Great Uncle Remi was truly a gem of a man! A true blessing to have him in your life. We were graced to have him and his band play at our wedding 42 years ago. Music was in his soul. Rest In Peace, Zio
I’ll miss my Zio, when we talked on the phone, he loved talking and joking in Furlan. I’ll miss those phone calls 🙏❤
My deepest condolences to all the Pico family. Remi was always a wonderful neighbour. He was always generous with his fresh fruits and vegetables to my family. He was the reason we planted the same table grapes. Sending my warmest neighbourly hug to Melcha. Peace my Friend. Grant
Our condolences to the Pico Family Thinking of you
Remigio has been a family member to us, though we’re not blood related but have been close friends with the Piccos since the 7o’s. He will be truly missed. Theah and Melcha captured him so perfectly in their lovely obituary. I chuckle as I think of him licking his lips when the cherries were ripe and the cornstalks high. He relished life, music and food so much and therefore did everything mindfully and with gratitude.
My deepest condolences and love go to Melcha, Theah, Kenney and grandchildren. ❤❤
Margrit
Heartfelt condolences to the family. Remi was an amazing person and wonderful neighbour for many years. Everyone loved his smile, his kindness and outlook on life. When he smiled everyone smiled because of his wonderful sparkly eyes and pleasant ways..We have lost a beautiful human and we know that he is in a special place. Remi will not be forgotten.🙏
I’m sad but also so gratful to have met Remi, such a gentleman. I will never forget my accordion lessons. Remi was such a good teacher. Always in good mood with a big smile on his face and so passionate. For few years we share music but also we talk about life. Remi was so sharp and interesting. It was like my mentor and he will stay in my mind forever.
Lionel and I will always remember is 90th Birthday with his friends in your lovely garden.
To you Melcha and Thea, our deepest condolences
Ariane and Lionel
Our family will miss Remi so much. He taught my daughter accordian when she was a little girl. He was adored by her and she loved learning from him. Tiana will miss him so.
He also played in our restaurant Zias Stonehouse and appreciated our Italian heritage.
Melcha and Theah he always spoke of his deep love for you both and we are so sorry for your great loss.
I am sad but also so gratful to have met Remi. Such a gentleman !I will never forget my accordion lessons,Remi was such a good teacher .Always in good mood with a smile in his face and so passionate and so generous with his time. For few years we share music but also we talk about life. Remi was so sharp and interesting. He was my mentor and he will be in my mind forever. Lionel and I will always remember is 90th birthday with his friends in your lovely garden.
To you Melcha , Theah and family our deppest condolences.
Ariane and Lionel
Dear Melcha and Theah,
Our deepest condolences. We send our love and healing. Remi was such a wonderful person!
The kindest man I know . Became my best friend .He taught me kindness . Rest In Peace my friend .
Prayers for Melsha and Theah .
God speed dear Remi. I have such fond memories of you through the years. You were an inspiration to so many including me. Peace be with you on your journey home. Much love to you Melcha and Thea from your old friend, Sandra
I was so sorry to hear of Remi’s passing. Remi was a regular at the Silver Song Group’s Sing for your Life’ sessions both at the Italian Club venue, and later at the Sarson’s Activity Centre. He was always cheerful and upbeat, and we were privileged to hear him play his accordion several times. Our sincere condolences to his family – truly fortunate to have had such a lovely person in their lives – and we will sing a song in his memory when we return to Sing for your Life in September.
Passing of a great neighbor and friend. Thank you for all your kindness and music over the years. Always in our hearts.
Our hearts are with you always when we listen to the sound of great music. It was such a pleasure to be a neighbor and a student to you. The things you taught us over the years and the visits we have had. We will always remember you and your kind words and your big smile. big hugs.
Melcha & Theah my sincere condolences. I never met you. However along with my late husband Henry we have many happy memories with Remi. My husband met Remi early 1980,s , he even took some tune up accordion lessons . Henry truly enjoyed playing accordion together with Remi. They both told corny jokes. Talked fruit , vegetables, and reminisced. Later when we moved to Missionwood Retirement Resort , Remi played music ,visited, and wood enjoy the food. He was always smiling and brought joy wherever we crossed paths. Thank you Remi for sharing your love for music , laughter, and life.
Melcha & Thea and family, my heart is heavy with the loss of one of the best people to grace all our lives! Remi is always loved & remembered by ALL who blessed with his presence in our lives!
I met Remi in the early 90’s. I bought some sheet music from him when he still had the studio in the house. We became instant friends. Over the years I got to know Melcha and would occasionally help him out an accordion repairs. We spent= many hours in the Studio discussing life , playing music, helping him with his computer and solving all the world problems. In the process we got to now each other right back to childhood. I had to stop Remi from going on his roof to adjust his window awnings. I told him to call me when he needed help with things like that. My wife Cindy & I attended his 90th birthday celebration where we met Theah and her husband. The pic I have attached is from that day with Remi & Tony performing a duet. I had a nice visit with Remi this summer out behind the house with the Mission Creek Channel as our back drop. I dropped in to see Remi & Melcha when we cam to town.
John Hamler & Cindy Helgeson, Big White BC
Our Thoughts are with the family.
It is with deep sadness that we hear about the passing of this gentle giant of a neighbour and friend! Remi was an incredible man who would love to see walk around the block. We loved it when he would share his stories with us. He always had a big smile and some wisdom to share. We even raised our little bench in front of the house about 4 inches to make it easier for him to sit and rest awhile and called it Remi‘s perch.
The neighbourhood will not be the same without Remi and Melcha. You will be sorely missed!
My mom Lise and I will remember Remi and all his positivity he brought wherever he went. I really enjoyed his amazing tales of his travels and his kind and shining personality. My dad also played accordion and Remi was the same age as my dad so they would bump into each other at gigs. When my dad passed away, Remi played at his funeral which was very appreciated and meaningful for all of us. We ended up going to William’s Lake to sell my dad’s accordion and I took this photo of Remi and his friend. A very interesting man that was a delight to talk with. We wish the family our sincere condolences and hope the good memories and music will live on through family and friends.
Brigitte and Lise Demeter
During my 10 years as manager of Lakeshore Place, Remi was a regular entertainer at our weekly social hours and monthly buffet dinners. He was definitely a favourite of all the residents. He always had a big smile on his face and a few stories to tell to bring that smile to those listening. We all appreciated his patience and good humour when “Little Brown Jug” was requested for the third or fourth time during his visit. A true gentleman. Glad to have known him. My deepest sympathy to the family
What a gem of a person! I was so fortunate to meet Remi when I purchased my first Accordion. I stayed in touch after that purchase and am thankful for my relationship with Remi, he made me a better person!