HARVEY ZACHARIAS

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HARVEY ZACHARIAS It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Harvey Zacharias, of Winnipeg on April 13, 2015. Harvey was born September 9, 1942 in Halbstadt, Manitoba, to William and Maria Zacharias. He grew up on the family farm in Halbstadt with sisters Norma, Grace and Connie, and brothers Alister and Calvin. When Harvey turned 17, he moved to Winnipeg, where he lived for the rest of his life. However, he made regular visits to the family farm throughout his life: it was a place of peace for him, and it is fitting that he passed away at the same place where he was born, was married, and spent so much time with his own family. He met his wife Amy in 1973 while they were both working at Eaton's Mail Order department. They quickly fell in love and married on a beautiful autumn day at the farm in 1975. Amy and Harvey loved, supported, and cared for each other throughout their lives together. Their devotion to each other was obvious and touching, and it is very hard to imagine them apart. They raised their two sons, Matthew and Daniel, at their home on Dominion Street. It was a happy home and full of good memories for their sons, nephews, and nieces. In their memories, Harvey stands out as a quiet, gentle presence - calming, encouraging, and always smiling. He had a twinkle in his eye, and a sincerity to his smile that drew people to him. He loved his sons deeply, and ensuring their well-being was a continual focus for him as they grew into adulthood. Harvey was delighted to get to know Marianna, Daniel's partner, and to see them recently buy their first home together. Harvey worked in the Shipping and Receiving Department of Sears after Eaton's closed its mail order operation in 1976. He stayed there until his retirement in 2004. He and Amy traveled extensively together, both before and after his retirement, visiting England, Portugal, Holland, Jamaica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico several times. They also traveled within Canada and the United States with their sons when they were younger. They particularly enjoyed an extensive trip to Hong Kong in 2000 to visit his sister Connie and brother-in-law John. Harvey was a music lover, and you would often find him in the garage at the farm that he'd set up as a music den, selecting records from his large collection. He had favourites, but was always ready to listen to a new artist. He also loved to play guitar and sing. Harvey loved playing and watching sports, particularly hockey, golf, billiards and Canadian football. His love of golf was such that he even built a small 9-hole chip and putt course at the farm where he and his sons spent many hours mastering the game. He also flooded the backyard on Dominion to make a small hockey rink for the boys when they were young. Harvey was undoubtedly a very happy man the weekend before his death because the Jets had made the playoffs, the Masters was on TV, and he was going to his beloved farm on a warm spring day. Harvey was a role model to those who knew him, and his kindness, gentleness, and selflessness touched everyone he met. He was a sincerely caring man, and went out of his way to support those around him, especially his brother Cal and his father-in-law Jack Taylor when they were disabled. Harvey accepted the ups and downs of life and never, ever complained; yet he was always willing to listen quietly to those in need of an ear. He was a genuinely humble man, and never expected or courted praise. His goodness was extraordinary. He will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him. The family extends a very special thank you to the neighbours and friends who arrived at the scene of the fire and tried to help in any way they could. He was predeceased by his parents William and Maria Zacharias, sister Norma Sawatzky, brother Cal Zacharias, brother-in-law Alvin Klippenstein, sister-in-law Dora Zacharias, nephew Chad Kroeker, and parents-in-law Jack Taylor (Simone and Bella). Left to cherish wonderful memories of Harvey are his loving wife Amy, sons Matthew and Daniel (Marianna), brother Allister Zacharias, sister Grace Klippenstein, and sister Connie (John) Kroeker. He also leaves behind sisters-in-law Nancy (George) Hamilton, Kathy Taylor, Faye Taylor (Gary Thompson), Celeste Taylor, and brother-in-law Vic Taylor (Debby), and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Harvey's life was held April 22, 2015 at the Bergthaler Mennonite Church in Altona. Wiebe Funeral Home Altona Ltd. In care of arrangements 204-324-5404 www.wiebefhaltona.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 25, 2015