SALVATORE (SAM) PASSANTE

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SALVATORE (SAM) PASSANTE Sam was born into the Passante Family on February 24, 1961 in Winnipeg- he left us with a huge aching pain on January 4, 2011 just 50 days shy of his 50th birthday at the St. Boniface Hospital. Sam was a force through his entire life - he was calm and he was always putting everyone before himself. As a youngster in the North end his favourite pastime was trying to figure out how to fly - after many attempts through the years (and many minor injuries) he finally moved onto sports and other activities although flying was always in the back of his mind. He even bought a motorcycle and felt that sensation of flying on it. Sam attended school in North Kildonan but left to pursue work in many restaurants in Winnipeg and Portage la Prairie. He also spent several summers as a cook at a Camp in Ontario, which he loved. For the past 17 years he was the proud owner of Presto Pizza on St. Anne's, which made some of the best pizza this City had to offer. He took great pride in his work and his restaurant and it showed to his staff and customers. Sam's other passions were movies, gardening and cooking - whenever the family got together we always looked forward to Sam's fresh pasta or his famous barbeque. He was one of the best cooks and was always creative in the kitchen. His garden was always a sense of calm for him and he always grew the best vegetables. Sam loved his family and was so protective of all of us in his own way - through all of our faults and dysfunction he cared very deeply and showed it in so many ways. Sam was predeceased by his father Liborio and an older brother Joseph - he is survived by his Mother Agatina, brothers Tino (Judy), Joe, Peter, Frank - sisters Lucy (Mike), Rose (his Irish Twin) and Liz (Dave) - 14 nieces and nephews, many aunts, uncles and cousins and by his best friend Glen. Many friends and customers will also miss him. Sam never complained, he always found the silver lining and he was somewhat of a perfectionist - especially when it came to his restaurant and his kitchen. We all loved those things about him and will miss him deeply. Cremation has taken place according to Sam's wishes - a gathering of family and friends will take place in the chapel of Voyage Funeral Home at 220 Hespeler on Monday, January 10 at 1:00 p.m. Flowers are gratefully declined - please make a donation to your favourite charity to remember Sam. The family would like to thank the staff (doctors, nurses and aides) at the St. Boniface Emergency as well as 5E. Rest in peace Sam - this life will not be the same without you.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 08, 2011