ZIGMOND ZAPSKI

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ZIGMOND ZAPSKI It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Zigmond Zapski, our husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, at Riverview Health Centre, on May 24, 2015, one month before his 85th birthday. Zig was born in Oakburn, MB, to John and Mary (Waytowich) Zapski, on June 25, 1930. Zig is survived by his loving wife Jean; daughters, Susan (Alan) Shead and Sandra Hunter of Winnipeg; son Greg (Vanessa) Zapski and granddaughter Miranda Messer of Saskatoon, SK; brother Joe Zapski of Saskatoon, SK; sister Jean Zegalski of Winnipeg; and sister-in-law Steffie Zapski of Biggar, SK; as well as many nieces, nephews and great friends. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Ron Zapski of Biggar, SK and his brother-in-law Mike Zegalski of Winnipeg. Zig started his career with CN Rail in 1949 in the machine shop in Transcona. During this time, he met his loving wife Jean and they were married in 1955. Zig took his roundhouse training in Biggar, SK and once he completed his training, Zig accepted his first, of many, promotions to Watrous, SK, which led to transfers to Saskatoon, Montreal, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, The Pas and finally back to Saskatoon, where he chose to retire in 1986. Each move was an adventure and Zig always talked about his career with the railway with fondness and pride. In 2007, Zig and Jean made one final move back to Winnipeg, where they settled at the Knights of Columbus Villa. Zig had a real zest for life. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping and berry picking. Zig was a true artist. He painted in oils, carved soapstone and made knives, however, his real passion was carving decoys, birds and walking sticks. Zig loved to teach those who had an interest in his hobbies, no matter how old or young they were. Zig was the garage sale King. If you needed it, he had it, and if not he would get it for you. Nothing made him happier than a good find at an even better price. However, the most important thing in Zig's life was his family and the lasting friendships he made along the way. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard. The family would like to thank Dr. Krahn and her staff at CancerCare and the staff on 3E Palliative Care at Riverview Health Centre. Their kindness and compassion were above and beyond and all of them made Zig's last days comfortable. We would also like to thank all of our friends and family who included Zig in their thoughts and prayers. Your support meant so much to him and to our family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Palliative Care at Riverview Health Centre, 1 Morley Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3L 2P4 or a charity of one's choice. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 27, 2015