Rino Bacchetto

Rino Bacchetto, age 94 of Saskatoon, SK, passed peacefully in his sleep on April 23, 2026, after a brief illness. Rino was born on November 5, 1931, in Annone Veneto, Italy. He arrived in Saskatoon in June 1957, where he lived for the rest of his life. Rino grew up in a rural area of Ancona, Veneto, with nearby orchards; during his childhood, he developed his gardening skills, a love of growing tomatoes, and a passion for high-speed cycling. His tomatoes were the basis for his famous pasta sauce, the recipe for which was published in a cookbook in 1971. He never lost his desire for gardening and biking. He finally hung up his racing 10-speed bike in 2022 at the age of 91, trading it in for a stationary bike. He was truly an amazing cyclist and athlete.

Rino completed his technical bricklaying training as a young man in Italy; his eye for straight lines, combined with his skills and ability to learn quickly, earned him the foreman position at Hagblom Construction, where he oversaw many complex brick and stonework projects throughout Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba. Some of the buildings he was proud to be part of are known landmarks, including several new and renovated buildings at the University of Saskatchewan, the Medical Arts Building, and others. Rino retired from bricklaying in 1984 after a severe work-related injury.

In retirement, he spent his hours gardening, biking, and participating in his favourite pastime, 5-pin and 10-pin bowling. He put his keen eye to work, bowling as a top competitor and participating in City, Provincial, and Interprovincial tournaments. In 1995, he set a Canadian record for 4 games and 5 games in 5-pin, as well as a new city high 3 game record. He obtained many awards over the years of bowling.

Rino met his future wife, Vickey, in 1959 while they were both playing Bocce. They didn't officially date until friends set them up on a blind date sometime later. Rino was a traditional husband, and

together he and his wife, Vickey, faced life's joys and challenges over the course of 48 years. Rino was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. To the children in his life he was an endlessly patient teacher, not shy about spending time with them to play with race cars, golfing, bowling, or cycling. Gentle by nature, he believed deeply that children, the vulnerable, and animals were to be protected. His tough exterior was a cover for his soft heart for those in need, giving both funds and goods to those less fortunate.

Rino is survived by his daughter Heather Veitch and son-in-law Ron Veitch; his grandchildren Shandra Veitch, Dyllon Veitch (Sasha), and Ryvan Veitch; his step-grandchildren Autumn Partington, Yvette Heide (Bert), and Amber Lavallie (Chris); his great-grandchildren Dallas Veitch, Luke Oosterlaken, Connor Veitch, Andrew Veitch, Sam Oosterlaken, Wyatt Veitch, and Zach Veitch; his step-great-grandchild Jodi Keith (Scott); his great-great-grandchildren Rosalie, Ezra, Nico, and Everly; his stepdaughter-in-law Heather McDonald; his nephews Lorenzo and Roberto Bacchetto in Canada; and numerous nephews and nieces in Italy.

Rino was predeceased by his wife, Vickey Bacchetto; his stepson, John Partington; his parents, Giovanni and Maria Bacchetto; his sister, Soldi Assunta; and his brothers, Nicolo, Floravante, and Antonio Bacchetto.

Rino lived life to the fullest with a giving heart, giving generously each year to his favourite charities: St. Paul's Hospital, Royal University Hospital, the Red Cross, and others. His smile, dry humour, and spirit will be deeply missed by his family.

In honour of Rino, the family requests that you give to one of his favourite charities.