Over 100 people attended a“Celebration of Life” memorial at the Italian-Canadian Club of Guelph on Sunday to honour and salute the life of Aldo Braida. The 92-year-old lifetime Acton resident died last January while clearing snow in front of his ancestral home on Main Street South, only a few doors from where his mother gave birth to him on his uncle's kitchen table.
Aldo Braida's life and work intersected with a broad spectrum of people, many of whom came to the luncheon to exchange stories and fete this remarkable man and his legacy. Theresa Tresnak, his niece, mentioned that although he never married, he had many families that cherished him dearly. These included the extended Braida clan; his work family at his law practice in Guelph; his family of clients that he had served for over a half-century; and his Acton Citizens' Band family where he played cornet for over 75 years.
Acton Legion Branch 197 president Peggy Graham spoke glowingly of the mountain of legal work Aldo had done gratis on behalf of the Legion. Braida was an honourary lifetime member and Graham presented the family with a pin for his 41 years of service to the Branch. Acton Citizens' Band president John Burgess spoke about Aldo's long association with the band (since 1942) and the fact that he never missed an event or concert. Aldo remained an active and integral band member until the end.
Acton lawyer Ronald Henry recalled his decades-long friendship with his mentor and former partner, highlighting Aldo's service to the community, his indefatigable work ethic, and his impeccable integrity. “When there was something to be done, he got his boots on and leaned into it,” said Henry.
In 2019, Aldo Braida was awarded the Law Society of Upper Canada's top honour, the Law Society Medal in a ceremony at Osgoode Hall. According to the Law Society: “Braida has been an advocate and supporter of many projects that have benefited veterans, seniors, and palliative care patients and their families. Aldo has made significant contributions in the provision of legal and public services in Guelph and Acton.”
Besides all of the above, Aldo was also an amazing storyteller, accomplished oil painter and avid gardener who looked after a big vegetable garden at his house on Main Street South. Aldo Braida will be hugely missed by a large community of people that he has touched. “He was a character's character, the likes of which we won't see again,” added Ron Henry.
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