October 14, 2020
1933-2020 ~ A good life ended quietly October 14th 2020, Renaldo (Reni) Angelo Masi passed away under the outstanding care of the health care workers in 5 West at SMH.
Reni was born August 12th, 1933 in Nanaimo, BC where his Cormons' grandparents lived. Reni was the only child of Cyril and Mabel Masi.
He grew up in East Vancouver, attending Hastings and Templeton school. Reni finished his schooling at Nelson High School when his family moved there to operate the Queens Hotel.
Reni attended Normal School and completed his degree at UBC.
A love of athletics steered Reni toward a lifetime involvement in coaching and education. Reni excelled in baseball, basketball and lacrosse.
When he started his teaching tenure in Surrey in 1956, he quickly gained a reputation as a top basketball coach taking multiple Queen Elizabeth teams to the provincial tournament.
Reni's educational path took him into Administration, and he served at many schools across the district. He would enjoy working in all his schools, but Reni's heart would always remain closest to QE.
Reni's involvement in education, athletics and coaching inspired countless individuals to both realize their potential as well as begin careers.
Reni's leadership would continue during his lifelong commitment to citizenship and community building through political involvement. Reni demonstrated unwavering courage in numerous early elections, knowing that he could not win but never backing down when he believed in the principle at stake.
Reni was rewarded in 1996 when he captured the seat as MLA in Delta North. He would be re-elected in 2001. After retiring from provincial politics, he successfully ran as a Surrey School Trustee on three consecutive occasions.
In 1969, Reni and Susan married, joining as a family with his son Tony. Stewart and Gordon arrived, and the family lived in North Delta until Reni and Susan retired to Surrey.
Reni leaves his wife of 51 years, Susan, and his three sons Tony (Amber), Stewart (Shayle), and Gordon (Amanda). Reni also has three grandchildren: Sophia, Matteo and Dominic Masi. Surviving cousins Allan, Terry and Linda.
Reni's final years were well supported by his friends in the Healthy Heart program, his loving family and his lifelong friends.
A private ceremony will be held by Reni's family in Nanaimo.
Any donations can be sent in Reni's name to the Heart and Stroke foundation.