Central Okanagan school trustee Rolli Cacchioni.
Image Credit: Submitted/Central Okanagan School District
March 05, 2021 - 8:53 AM
After 54 years with the Central Okanagan school district, first as a teacher and last as a trustee, Rolli Cacchioni died yesterday, March 4.
Cacchioni died after suffering a stroke, according to a Central Okanagan school district media release.
"Trustee Cacchioni's many years as an educator, and his community connections, meant he brought a unique, welcome perspective to the board table,” Moyra Baxter, chair of the Board of Education said in the release. “Rolli was a fixture at basketball and football games and many district events, and his presence in the school district and the larger community will be greatly missed."
A bursary has been established in his name.
"Rolli will be deeply missed by the myriad colleagues and friends he inspired throughout his 54 years of service to public education in the Central Okanagan," superintendent of schools Kevin Kaardal said in the release. "It was a privilege to know Rolli both personally and professionally. His life of service to children, families and community is one to which we should all aspire."
Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran said Cacchioni was one of the city's strongest leaders and involved in many aspects of the community beyond his contribution to education.
"He was also a very good friend to me and a mentor to many others. We will miss him," Basran said in a media release. "On behalf of my council colleagues and the citizens of Kelowna, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Cacchioni family, along with our gratitude for everything Rolli accomplished for the betterment of our community.”
Cacchioni started his career in Kelowna as a teacher at Dr. Knox Middle School in 1967. He taught at Hollywood Road Middle and Kelowna Secondary schools before being promoted to vice-principal then principal at a number of schools in the district.
He retired as principal of Okanagan Mission Secondary School in 2003. Two years later he was elected as a school trustee and chaired the Board of Education from 2008 to 2012.
During his career, Cacchioni served as president of the Central Okanagan Teachers' Association and president of the Central Okanagan Principals'/Vice- Principals' Association.
After his retirement, he became president of the Central Okanagan Retired Teachers' Association.
Donations can be made to the Rolli Cacchioni Memorial Award through the Central Okanagan Bursary and Scholarship Society.
Condolences and happy memories can be sent to rollicacchionilegacy@gmail.com.
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