ANTON (TONY) ZIENKIEWICZ

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ANTON (TONY) ZIENKIEWICZ

July 7, 1947 - June 4, 2026

Tony passed away suddenly at home with his wife Anna by his side. He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, service, and dedication to family, friends, and community.

Tony was first and foremost a family man. He shared 54 wonderful years of marriage with Anna, whom he met while working at the Valley Room and Grill Room restaurants at Eaton’s and married in 1972.

He is survived by Anna; son Marc (Laura Nilsson); granddaughter Hannah McGonigal; sisters Anita and Christine Logan (Tom); brother George; brother-in-law Walter Warywoda (Linda); and many nieces and nephews (he also leaves behind many cousins in Germany). He was predeceased by his parents Henry and Eva, grandparents Emilie and Michael, brothers William and Richard, and sister Ursula.

Born in Fritzlar, Germany, Tony’s story was shaped by resilience from the very beginning. At six years old, he came to Canada with his family, crossing the North Atlantic by ship before continuing by train to Winnipeg, where they would make their home in the North End.

After working as a chef, he began a career as a production electrician with New Flyer Industries in Transcona. It was there that he discovered another calling: standing up for working people.

A proud union member and leader, Tony dedicated decades to advocating for workers’ rights, workplace safety, and fair treatment. He served as national vice-president of the Canadian Association of Industrial, Mechanical and Allied Workers (CAIMAW), which would merge with the Canadian Auto Workers union (which later became part of Unifor) and continued representing workers and retirees after retirement.

Tony’s commitment to service extended well beyond the workplace. He volunteered extensively with organizations such as Safe Workers of Tomorrow, helping educate Manitobans about workplace safety and supporting vulnerable communities, including incarcerated individuals, Indigenous communities, and rural residents.

Whether in boardrooms, classrooms, or community halls, he brought compassion, integrity, and a strong desire to make life better for others.

His contributions earned numerous honours throughout his life, including the Manitoba Federation of Labour Dick Martin Award and the Winnipeg Labour Congress Bruce McKay Solidarity Award. He also held leadership positions with the provincial NDP and the Manitoba Council on Aging, always guided by a strong sense of fairness and public service.

Tony found a special place of peace and happiness at Glen Bay near Gimli, where he spent many years enjoying the cottage.

In retirement, he became involved with Pembina Active Living (PAL), for which he would serve as secretary and take part in the writers’ group (which allowed him to keep his mind active as well as help write and publish two PAL Storytellers books).

When faced with cancer later in life, Tony met the challenge with the same determination that had guided him throughout his years as a worker, union leader, and community advocate. Even during difficult times, he stayed focused on others, making friends with fellow patients and staff at the St. Boniface Hospital dialysis unit and at Siloam Mission, where he enjoyed volunteering.

Those who knew Tony will remember his quiet strength, his generous spirit, his sharp wit, and his strong belief that people deserve dignity, respect, and opportunity. His memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation (stbhf.ca/donate). Please indicate that you would like your donation directed to the Kidney Health/Dialysis Unit.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd., on June 30, at 2 p.m.

Glen Lawn Funeral Home

204-982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 13, 2026