Community leader passes away

Rolli Cacchioni is being remembered as a devoted family man and beloved community figure.

Central Okanagan Public Schools has announced that Cacchioni passed away Thursday (Mar. 4) as the result of a stroke.

“Trustee Cacchioni dedicated his life to serving his community and educating youth through 54 years with Central Okanagan Public Schools. The Board of Education, Administrative Council, District staff, teachers, support staff, and many retired colleagues express their heartfelt condolences to the Cacchioni family. Flags at all district sites will fly at half-mast in honour of Trustee Cacchioni,” a news release from the school district said.

Moyra Baxter, chairperson of the Board of Education, said they offer their deepest sympathies to the Cacchioni family.

“Trustee Cacchioni’s many years as an educator, and his community connections, meant he brought a unique, welcome perspective to the board table. 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.”

During his career, Mr. Cacchioni was President of the Central Okanagan Teachers’ Association, President of the Central Okanagan Principals’/Vice- Principals’ Association, and in retirement was President of the Central Okanagan Retired Teachers’ Association.

He was first elected as a trustee in 2005 and he served as the Chair of the Board of Education from 2008 to 2012. He was involved in many organizations in the community in Kelowna and particularly in Rutland.

“My sincere condolences to the Cacchioni family. 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,” Kevin Kaardal, Superintendent of Schools/CEO, said. “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.”

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the Cacchioni family established the Rolli Cacchioni Memorial Award through the Central Okanagan Bursary and Scholarship Society (COBSS). Donations can be made two ways: by cheque payable to COBSS (Central Okanagan Bursary and Scholarship Society) – indicate that it is for the Rolli Cacchioni Memorial Award. By etransfer – cobss@shaw.ca with a separate email to say it is for the Rolli Cacchioni Memorial Award.

People can send condolences and happy memories to rollicacchionilegacy@gmail.com

Rolli Cacchioni’s 54 year career with Central Okanagan Public Schools.

1967 to 1978 Teacher at Dr. Knox Middle School
1979 to 1985 Teacher at Hollywood Road Middle School
1985 to 1987 Teacher at Kelowna Secondary School
1987 to 1990 Vice-Principal at Springvalley Secondary School
1990 to 1997 Vice-Principal at KLO Secondary School
1997 to 2002 Principal at George Pringle Secondary School
2002 to 2003 Principal at Okanagan Mission Secondary School
2003 Retired
2005 to 2021 Trustee – School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan)
Board Chairperson – 2008 to 2012