Val Matteotti, farmer and philanthropist, passed away Friday afternoon at the age of 101. His age alone was impressive, as was his devotion to Lethbridge College and the community.
“[Val] is an example of how a person with a dream – with a pioneering spirit – can come to a new place and leave a legacy that will endure for generations,” says Dr. Paula Burns, Lethbridge College president and CEO.
Matteotti moved to Canada from Italy when he was 10 and worked in Lethbridge mines with his father until he was 18. After moving to the United States for a several years, he returned to Canada and leased farmland with his two brothers.
In 1948, he bought a ticket home to Italy to visit family. It was then that he met his future wife, Flora. When they arrived back from Italy, Matteotti branched out from his brothers and bought his own land that would eventually become one of the most successful farming and ranching businesses in Southern Alberta.
After nearly 40 years of working side-by-side, the Matteottis sold their last farm and made their first donation to Lethbridge College, as well as bought local real estate. Another large gift from them in 1989 allowed the college to complete the construction of the gymnasium that would be named after Val. In 2000, they made an additional donation that resulted in the creation of the Flora Matteotti Centre for Teaching and Learning.
Over the years the Matteottis have enjoyed supporting sports, health and education because they say they all require discipline and dedication. Despite all of the generous donations made to the college, Matteotti once said, “No money can buy what is here. Good people working hard, make it one of the best,” showing that above all else Val valued hard work.
Dr. Burns added “Our thoughts are with his family during this sad time.”