The community of Revelstoke came together once again last week to remember a young man whose life was taken too soon.
Family, friends and community members filled the chapel and most of the auditorium at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Oct. 6 to remember Olindo Frank “Frankie” Brunetti, who died in a tragic vehicle incident near Revelstoke on Sept. 29. He was only 22 years old.
Father Cecil Nunez led the ceremony, followed by addresses from Frankie’s aunt Cindy Allen and a eulogy by Robbie Inglis.
Allen described a shy but inquisitive young boy who bloomed as he entered adulthood. “Frankie loved his friends and he had many good ones,” she said. “He had a big heart and would do anything for anyone.”
Robbie Inglis delivered the eulogy. He described a young man who valued family and friends dearly and enjoyed what life had to offer. “Frankie’s family was very close to his heart and he enjoyed all family gatherings,” he said. “Frankie lived everyday to its fullest and made everyday a new experience.”
Inglis said Frankie was a cautious boy who came into his own as he entered manhood, conquering his fears and embracing challenges. “He was never judgemental and loved people for who they were,” he said.
Many mourners were overcome with grief and sadness at the ceremony. In addition to the large contingent of family, many of Frankie’s young friends and acquaintances attended and were overwhelmed with emotion.
They broke into sobs during Ave Maria and embraced each other with long hugs outside of the church hall.
In an interview following the funeral, parents Olindo and Rhonda Brunetti described a young man who lived for all that life in Revelstoke had to offer. Frankie was in his second year as an electrician apprentice and had recently worked on large projects in Fort McMurray, Alberta. His employers described him as a hard worker and a quick study. His plan was to continue his apprenticeship until he could find permanent work in his trade here in Revelstoke.
He enjoyed everything the area had to offer. He was an avid boater, hiker, hunter, fisherman, climber and snowboarder, amongst other outdoor pursuits. “His passion was Revelstoke,” said father Olindo. “He was always out doing something. There weren’t enough hours in the day.”
It was this passion for life that has made the loss that much harder, Olindo said. “He was living life to the fullest. He just loved everybody. He just loved life.”
Mother Rhonda Brunetti also described a young man full of life. “Frankie enjoyed his life completely. I don’t think he had one regret.” Her home was always filled with his young friends; their door was never locked.
Following a year filled with the tragic loss of young lives in Revelstoke, both Olindo and Rhonda encouraged young Revelstokians to slow down, be careful and remind themselves that life is fragile. “Take that second look,” said Rhonda.
Frankie Brunetti was interned at Mountain View Cemetery on Oct. 6.
