Monday, January 14, 2019
Silvano, Godfather, Santalo, and most of all one of the last few Istriani in Canada. I am extremely sadden by your passing. As a young child my Santalo would travel far distances to visit my brothers and I. I still the remember his strong presence and loud greeting "hey partner!" Most of all I remember his calm demeanour and positive outlook on life. When I told Silvano I was getting married a year out, he said, not to worry, I will make the vino. I was so proud when he and Madeline showed up at my parents house with 2 demijohn of red vino which I proudly bottled and served at my wedding. All the guests said where do you buy that excellent wine. I proudly said I didn't my Santalo made it, from grapes, the old way. I will forever cherish the times and moments, I spent with Silvano and truly regret he did not have a little more time with us. Don't worry Santalo, the Istrian traditions will continue with me with the wine I will continue to make each fall in the barrel you gave me. God Bless. Paulo Mekis
