ZENON GAWRON

Condolences & Memories (4 entries)

• My late sister Linda was close school friends with Donna, so I subsequently met Zenon around 1967 or so. We hung out then and later at U of M. I lost track of him, and bumped into him about 30 years ago downtown. Condolences to his family. Zenon was a very interesting and intelligent person, very witty and I am glad to have known him. David Dirks, longtime friend - Posted by: DAVID DIRKS (Friend) on: Apr 20, 2026

• At Gordon Bell high school in the late 60s as a teacher had a grade 12 history class . A small group of students were given the chance to do a "quest program " for that class . It meant that those students could choose a topic to write an essay on and not be required to attend classes. I would see each one once a week and check on their progress. Zenon was one of that group. In mid June he told me he would not be finished by the end of the month . He needed a mark for his university application . I said OK and entered an A for his report . I told him he owed me an essay . In mid summer Zenon drove up to my house and gave me his essay . It was 30 +typed pages with an annotated bibliography ! Zenon still holds the record . - Posted by: Juhn Ingram (Gordon Bell teacher) on: Apr 20, 2026

• Zenon and I were best of friends at Gordon Bell High school. We lived on Armstrong's point, as did our mutual friend Orest Blaschuk and would walk to and from school together almost every day. Zenon was a fine poet, always with something important to say, and for our High School English graduation project we decided we would join forces and write a musical based on Hamlet! We called our musical "How Are Ya', Hamlet?", Zenon's cheeky title, I'm pretty sure of it! We were thick in rehearsals for our upcoming GB production of West Side Story around that time, so our fellow cast members took on roles in our recorded adaptation. Chamber music friends of mine joined us to help make up the "orchestra". The resulting 45-minute "soundtrack" was later presented at MTC's The Warehouse on a special evening of newly-created works by Winnipeg students to great acclaim, to our even greater surprise. We went on to work on other creative musical projects together, but nothing on the scale of HAYH! I left town very soon upon graduating and always regretted losing track of Zenon as he set off on his own adventures. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Rest in peace, Zenon, and I am so grateful to have known you for so many reasons. John Greer - Posted by: John Greer (High School Friend) on: Apr 19, 2026

• Zen and my friendship goes back to our youthful years and subsequently on to our university days. My last time with Zen was when he came to visit me in Niagara Falls. We had a marvellous time touring around and joking. He had so much zeal, it was infectious. Vichnaya pamiat, dear friend. - Posted by: Alex Luhowy (Friend) on: Apr 19, 2026