ANDREW PETER ZAJAC

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ANDREW PETER ZAJAC Our Dad On July 14, 2017, we lost our father, our grandfather, our great-grandfather. We lost our advisor, our touchstone and our biggest supporter. Andrew Peter Zajac, Pete to his friends and Poppy to his grand and great- grandkids, left this world bravely, but he did not "go gentle into that good night". He fought hard, but in the end his body just plain wore out, and he slipped away quietly and peacefully. Dad lived a life that was not easy. Born in Winnipeg's North End on April 6, 1920, he met challenges that would have bowed a lesser man. The loss of his father cast him into the role of family provider as a very young man. At the outset of the Second World War, he enlisted and served with the Canadian Forces, first in the National Resources Mobilization Force from 1941 to 1942 and then with the Royal Canadian Engineers from 1942 to 1946. He did not share details of his military service - the horrors he witnessed forbade him from doing so - but the locations in which he served - UK, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany - told the story. What he did tell us were about the lighter moments and the friends he made. We laughed about the 'haunted house' in England and the discovery of a wine cellar while taking shelter in an abandoned chateau in France! Dad served his country proudly and with courage and humbled us by his sacrifices. Dad was a real "Railway Man"! Upon his return from overseas, he resumed employment with CPR where he worked until his retirement in 1984. He worked hard and with distinction, mentoring many apprentices over the years, and was respected by all who knew him. He had many railway stories that he shared with us (like working on the Royal Trains!) and truly enjoyed trading reminiscences with other railway guys, even if they worked for the CNR! He lost his beloved Carole 22 years ago, after almost half a century of a shared life, but together they raised three children: Andrea (Bill), Barb (Gary) and Doug (Sue). While immensely proud of his kids, in his later years, it was his grandkids that lit up his life: Lauren, Brenna, Jared, Caley, Courtney and Janine. On March 20, 2013, Dad became a great-grandfather! He was overjoyed with the arrival of Eleanora Poppy Thomas, and so often said "I can't believe I lived long enough to be a great-grandfather!" He was so proud of each of his grandkids, and their respective accomplishments, whether in sports, scholastics or their personal lives. He recognized them as individuals, and nothing made him happier than when they did well, and when they were happy. He enjoyed simple things... a day at the beach, listening to Big Band music, a good hockey game or even a bad hockey game, sharing stories about the old days in the North End, or a dog who sat on his lap or licked his hand! But family was always foremost. We will miss him forever, but his wisdom will guide us always. He often said "I think I want to stick around for a bit longer". Don't worry Dad, you will always be with us. A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, July 21, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main St., West St. Paul. While flowers are gratefully declined, if friends desire, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in Dad's name.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 15, 2017