In Memory of Lou Infanti

In Memory of Lou Infanti

Message from Barry Neufeld, BCPOA President

It is with great sadness that I learned Lou Infanti, a charter member of our organization, was suddenly killed Saturday October 11, 2003 in Kelowna. He was riding his bicycle and was struck down by a mini-van. Our thoughts of sympathy and condolence go out to his wife, Phyllis and his daughter & son.

Lou began his career in Corrections as a Living Unit Correctional Officer. He served the Corrections branch as a probation officer until the reorganization in 1997. At that time he elected to specialize as a Family Justice Counselor. Lou is remembered for his sense of humor, quick wit, and skill as a mediator. He will certainly be missed.

Lou's colleagues in the Adult Probation (Community Corrections Youth Probation (Ministry for Children and Families) BC Probation Officer's Association and the "Nooners" running club have decided that it would be good to erect a memorial bench along Lou's noon hour running route.

The bench will cost approximately $1200.00. Donations can be sent to the Kelowna Community Corrections office, 1355 Water Street Kelowna V1Y 9R3 attn: Mike Catherall. Cheques can be made out to Mike Catherall.

Message from Lou's supervisor, Glen Robinson

As most people know, the service for Lou Infanti was this past Friday evening in Kelowna. As expected, it was very well attended - I was told the theatre held up to 150 people and there were many people left standing. The service was quite wonderful - more of a celebration of his life and the sharing of stories about Lou. In fact, in some respects a part of it sounded more like a "roast". Lou being Lou, he provided us with lots of material to work with. The evening started with a few words about Lou and his life, followed by his daughter Jen, who delivered an incredible eulogy for her father and what he meant to her and the family. We here have always known that Lou and his daughter were close, but it was almost scary how much Jen's words sounded like Lou. Jen was followed by a short video of pictures of Lou in the many aspects of his life (fishing, family, running etc). There were many stories about Lou and "the fishing trips", Lou as a boy growing up in Trail (from a childhood friend) and Lou during the University days (from his roommate at the time). In addition to fishing and other outdoor activities, Lou loved music, poetry and philosophy. There was recognition of these interests through musical interludes, poetry readings and philosophical thoughts. One friend sang a song he wrote in Lou's honour and others sang songs that were some of his favourites. Bryan Reid and Shauna Morgan announced the decision made by DMC to dedicate in Lou's honour a Family Justice Services award to be handed out on a periodic basis to a staff person who exemplifies the qualities of service that Lou was known for. More details to follow on this I suspect.

All in all it was a wonderful celebration of Lou and his life. The service lasted over 2 hours and was followed by an informal gathering over food and drink. Thank you to those who were able to come from out of town for the service.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Wendy Hacking; Director of the Attorney General's Family Justice Department and all staff for their incredible support shown for this office and Lou's family during this very difficult period. It has made the past week for us here a bit easier knowing all of our colleagues were thinking about us. Times like this show us just how much of a "Family" we really are. Thanks a lot.

Accident Victim remembered as family man

Kelowna Daily Courier staff

Lou Infanti is being remembered as a man with a good sense of humor and a deep love for his family.

Infanti, 53, was killed in a cycling accident Saturday on old Vernon Road near Teacher Toad shortly before noon last Saturday.

Police said both Infanti and the unidentified 34-year-old motorist were northbound when the two collided.

Infanti was transported to Kelowna General Hospital but died later that day.

Police said there were no other injured and alcohol is not a facto in the mishap.

Infanti was an outdoor enthusiast and is a member of the Lonely Loon Flyfishers. He was an active runner and would meet with an informal group of runners every noon in Kelowna.

Friend Marty Topham said Infanti was a unique man on many levels.

"He was a really interesting guy," said Topham. "He was a real family man with two great kids."

Infanti was into poetry and philosophy, and Topham said he would often go off by himself "to philosophise."

His hobbies included cross country skiing, fishing and a variety of other physical activities.

"He rode his bike back and forth to work every day for 28 years." Said Topham.

Topham said Infanti always had a humorous story to tell, often drawing on his Italian lineage to spin a yard.

Phil Peachey, Youth Probation Officer Supervisor, knew Infanti for the past 15 years and considered him a close friend.

"He was the kind of guy people wanted to be around," said Peachey, "he never was looking for an audience, it was just the way he was."

"The impact on the community will be huge. There are a lot of people grieving for him. He just rubbed off on people in a positive way. It's a huge loss. A lot of people are missing him right now."

Infanti worked for the corrections department before becoming a family justice counsellor.

OBITUARY:

INFANTI, LOU: We deeply regret to announce the sudden passing of Lou Infanti on October 11, 2003.

He was a father a son a husband an uncle, a friend, and a man of great integrity and passion for everything he did, Born in San Martino, Italy 53 years ago, he came to Canada with his family when he was 7 years old. Lou grew up in Trail, where his father and mother continue to reside, He went to the University of Victoria, earned a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, and met his wife Phyllis, there. They have two exceptional children, Jen and Phil, whose scholarship and spirit owe much to their father's patient, passionate guidance: and love. Lou loved life and squeezed more out so of a day than most could find in a week. He was an avid outdoorsman, always running, cycling, swimming, cross-country skiing, and especially fishing. He was an executive member of the local fly fishing club and a masterful "fly ty-er" who spent most of his vacation time with friends flying or trekking into remote lakes all over BC.

They would find themselves heading to their tents at midnight as Lou headed out yet again to cast his line, only to be greeted by him coming in off the lake in the morning as they dragged themselves out of bed. His garden was an unbeatable challenge to those who though them-selves green in the thumb. Lou was a Family Justice Counselor with a deep passion for his work and a sly sense of humour. His astute but unpretentious manner earned him the reputation as "Columbo" from his colleagues. Lou touched the lives of many many people in his quiet, determined way, and all who knew him have learned something about the character of a good man.

Lou is survived by his wife (Phyllis), two children (Jennifer and Phillip), mother and father (Angelina and Amedeo), nieces (Jillian and Angela) and nephews (Jeffrey and Adam). He was pre-deceased by his brother, Walter, in 1998. Lou's family and friends joined in a celebration of his life at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Friday October 17, 2003 at 7:00 P.M.

If you seek me,

Do not look in the great halls of men,

For you will find me in other cathedrals.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to: The Steelhead Society of BC, #103 -131 Water Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4M3, Phone 604-684-6242 or Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, PO Box 9354 STN Provo Govt Victoria, BC, V8W 9M1 Phone 1-800-387-9853 or a charity of your choice

Return to the British Columbia Probation Officer's Website.