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ZACHARY HIRSHMAN
Born: Mar 28, 1971
Date of Passing: Oct 11, 2022
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ZACHARY HIRSHMAN
March 28, 1971 - October 11, 2022
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 12 at 2:00 p.m. at the RBC Convention Centre, Winnipeg, York Ballroom, 375 York Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Zak Hirshman Men's Basketball Bursary at http://give.umanitoba.ca/ ZakHirshmanMensBasketballBursary.
For those who wish to sign the
online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca
Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715
Publish Date: Oct 29, 2022
ZACHARY HIRSHMAN
March 28, 1971 – October 11, 2022
With broken hearts, tremendous shock and deep sadness, we announce the sudden passing of our most beloved life partner, dad, son, brother and all-around amazing guy, Zak Hirshman, on October 11 at the age of 51.
Left to never forget his passion for life and love of those close to him, are Joanne MacKean, mom to his most precious children, Georgia (13) and Jacob (10) Hirshman, his mother Lynn Hirshman (John), sisters, Karma Le Roux (Sam, Darrel, nephew Isaac and predeceased by niece Jemma) and Tara Le Roux, brothers, Dion Le Roux (Tish and nephews, Tristan and Dez) and Aaron Hirshman (Sandra and niece Ezri and nephew Archer). Also, his in-laws, Margaret Mulholland and Terry MacKean, the Leipert family, his Regina family whom he held very close to his heart, along with numerous friends for life including those from the basketball community, hospitality industry and his business associates are left to try and understand why the good ones die young.
Born in New Westminster, BC, Zak was adopted by Lynn Hirshman and Ralph Le Roux and whisked away to their rustic home in the Kootenays where he was instantly adored by his three older siblings, Karma, Tara, and Dion. Shortly thereafter he and Lynn set out on some adventures of their own, travelling throughout eastern BC and staying in a variety of interesting places many of which Zak had fond memories of. A number of years later their wandering ways eventually took them to Regina where Lynn had Zak's youngest sibling Aaron.
Zak excelled at athletics in high school at Sheldon Williams Collegiate in Regina from 1985 to 1989. He was a city-wide all-star in both football as a wide receiver, and in basketball as a high scoring skilled forward. He also played volleyball and ran track and field. He was named the Male Athlete of the Year in his graduating year, 1989. After high school he moved to Winnipeg to play basketball for the University of Manitoba Bisons. Zak played in five seasons with the Bisons and was an integral part of some very strong, nationally ranked squads in the early 1990s. His work ethic and positive attitude resonated with all his teammates who grew into lifelong friends. In 1993, Zak competed in the World Maccabiah Games in Israel representing Canada in basketball, which was a very proud accomplishment for him.
Zak was a successful businessman, starting his own agency in the early 2000s and continuing to grow the business til the day he passed based on strong relationships and a keen eye for high demand product lines in sporting goods, team athletics, corporate and promotional, safety and workwear. His business was not only his livelihood but a source of pride for him.
It is an understatement to say that Zak was larger than life, not just physically but it was his personality, humour and care for others that really made you notice him and want to be next to him. Zak was a man who could befriend all people and made a significant effort to build genuine relationships with everyone he met. Those who were lucky enough to know Zak will never forget his giant smile, warm bear hugs, deep laugh and unwavering authenticity.
We will stand tall and be strong without you, honouring your memory and the values and ethics you lived by but life will never be the same without you Big Zee.
A Celebration of Life will be announced shortly.
In lieu of flowers, please stay tuned for the announcement of a basketball scholarship in Zak's name. If you would like to donate immediately, Zak was also a generous gifter to Siloam Mission.
For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca
Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715
Publish Date: Oct 22, 2022
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 22, 2022, Oct 29, 2022
Condolences & Memories (27 entries)
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Still can’t believe he’s gone. Took me a while to come to read this as I was going through a great loss of my own. I pushed it aside because there was no way I couldn’t handle two great loses at once. Zak was the most caring and understanding boss of all time. His heart was so big and I had the privilege of seeing it over the 2 years I worked with Zak. I miss him and being his employee so much. My prayers are with Joanne and the kids and I can honestly say as I think about him, what a genuinely great man we lost 😪 - Posted by: Krista (Employee) on: Nov 28, 2023
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Joanne, Georgia & Jacob. I just discovered this shocking news and words cannot describe the sadness that I feel for you. I pray that you are healing and finding the loss of this great guy more bearable day by day. - Posted by: Renée Metzger (Friend) on: Sep 17, 2023
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Zak was such a great Sask provincial basketball teammate. We have so many great memories of playing, hanging out and joking around in those hot summers. I still remember Zak winning the Regina All-Star slam dunk contest in his Grade 11 and how much fun we had watching him do so. Our condolences. - Posted by: Brent Allison (Basketball Friend) on: Nov 08, 2022
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Sending our deepest condolences to all who loved Zak. We always enjoyed chatting with Zak at parties and will miss running into him throughout the neighbourhood with his friendly wave & huge smile. May memories bring you comfort at this difficult time.❤️ - Posted by: Shauna and Rudi Pawlychyn (Friends) on: Nov 01, 2022
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I met Zak when he was a toddler, the son of my cousin Lynn and Ralph. I have such happy memories of his big smile and big personality as he followed after his beloved siblings, Dion, Tara and Karma. My love to the whole family. - Posted by: Elissa Matross (Cousin) on: Oct 31, 2022
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To my dearest sister Joanne and niece & nephew, Georgia & Jacob, No words that I write can express my heartfelt condolences, I am deeply saddened by your loss. Know my heart is reaching out to you, for what you're going through. I am thinking of you every day and praying for you too. If there is something I can do, anything at all, Think of me thinking of you, and don't hesitate to call Sincerely Alison - Posted by: Alison Mackean (sister) on: Oct 28, 2022
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The man was a gem! We at King's really enjoyed the work that we got to do with him. Whether he was selling socks, Jet's jerseys or underwear you knew the experience would be a pleasant one and that any amount of business was appreciated by Zak. He helped us, he entertained us, and he will be missed by us and the entire clothing and footwear industry here on the prairies. We feel honored to know that we could call him a friend. - Posted by: Ken King (Client of Zak's) on: Oct 27, 2022
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We at The Amachewespimawin Co-op in Stanley Mission, Saskatchewan would like to offer our condolences to a friendly guy we dealt with at the Saskatoon Buymart. Thank you, Zak for the help you used to give us when we saw you. The Staff & Management of The Amachewespimawin Co-op Store. Stanley Mission, Saskatchewan. - Posted by: Eva Mckenzie (Business collegue) on: Oct 27, 2022
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Outstanding gentleman as a Sales Representative . Warm, helpful , kind and hardworking. I will miss him in business. Deepest sadness for this loss, for all his loved ones. Remarkable life.. sorry sorry sorry.. - Posted by: Heather Mievre (Business Associate ( Mid West Markets) Saskatoon, Sask) on: Oct 27, 2022
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I'm so deeply saddened to hear of Zak's sudden passing. Zak was an amazing man! I first met him at the Mid West show in Saskatoon, from the first moment I walked into his booth we became friends...he was so funny...my mom was with me and she was teasing him about a few things and what he had for ladies underwear....well then it began and mom walked away with the biggest pair of "bloomers" as he called them....he always made the time for me even though I wasn't able to buy a large quantity....a true gentleman with a big and kind heart and will be missed by many! Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, may you find some comfort in all your loving memories...love and hugs to all! - Posted by: Christine FitzGerald (Friend) on: Oct 27, 2022
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My heartfelt condolences to the many affected by the loss Zac. May your wonderful memories of Zac carry you through this time of grief. - Posted by: Murray Poulsen (business) on: Oct 27, 2022
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So sorry to about the passing of Zak. I been in business for 33 years and Zak was one of the nicest and knowledgeable sales rep we’ve dealt with. He is going to be missed. Prayers to the family. God Bless - Posted by: Cliff Rose For Clothes (Sales rep) on: Oct 27, 2022
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We lived far apart, but still were able to be a part of each other’s lives throughout our childhood. I was very much the older cousin (3 years), so had the pleasure of introducing Zak to some rights-of-passage experiences. He was always up for anything. I had the great fortune of seeing him just a few months before he passed. We spent hours together over fine food and drink - one of his favorite ways to pass an evening - and shared memories, life sorrows and joys, and looked ahead to a family reunion next summer. He was always the heart of every gathering and will be sorely missed. I love you, Zak. - Posted by: Andy Hasenyager (Cousin) on: Oct 27, 2022
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Patti and I are deeply saddened to hear of Zak’s sudden and very untimely passing. Our thoughts and condolences go out to all of Zak’s family and friends. We loved working with Zak and will miss him deeply. - Posted by: John & Patti Fraser (Business associates) on: Oct 26, 2022
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My deepest condolences to the family. Have dealt with Zak through the years in the sporting goods business and shocked to hear the news as I was expecting to meet with him soon. His pleasant presence and dedicated professionalism will be missed. - Posted by: C. Castro (Business ) on: Oct 26, 2022
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Kip and I would like to send our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Zak. I met Zak in our early twenties, got to cut his hair when he had hair back in the day:) Amazing smile, contagious big laugh but most of all a beautiful soul and human being. Definitely lost a good one way too soon. RIP Zak - Posted by: Denise Kennedy (Friend) on: Oct 26, 2022
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Always a friendly hello and talked to everyone he dealt with like we were more than just employees. A wealth of knowledge and humor. I will miss seeing him. My regards to his friends and family. - Posted by: Tiger (Client through work) on: Oct 25, 2022
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I am so sorry for your loss. Zac has left a beautiful legacy in his children who will carry his spirit in their lives. You are all in my thoughts and I wish you strength at this very difficult time. ❤️ - Posted by: Luba Krosney (Friend) on: Oct 24, 2022
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Zak was a dear colleague, very kind and understanding. Got to meet him in person a handful of times, no thanks to the pandemic, but each time we met he had jokes, compliments, and was all smiles. To his loved ones, family and dear friends; my sincere condolences and best wishes. - Posted by: Oyin (Colleague) on: Oct 24, 2022
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Dear Joanne I am so sad to learn this. He was a bright light and always so kind, I am thinking of you and your family, sending you much love in this difficult time. - Posted by: Kristin Nuttall (Old friend) on: Oct 23, 2022
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Dearest Lynn & family So terribly sorry to learn of Zack’s recent passing. We are not in Wpg. - but family & friends shared the obit with us today. My heart is breaking for you & for Zack’s lovely family. I tried to reach you via a column you wrote - I am not sure if that email will reach you. Know that we send love 💕 & we pray for some comfort as you continue to heal from this enormous loss. Please feel free to call or email. If you are in Winnipeg our son Kliel is the rabbi @ Cong Etz Chayim & he will certainly be available to talk. Esther is also in Wog & she was the first person to let us know about this May you be comforted with loving memories of Zack Carol & Neal Rose - Posted by: Carol Rose (Friend) on: Oct 23, 2022
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Dear Joanne and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sending you my deepest sympathies as you navigate through the unimaginable grief ahead. My prayers and thoughts are with you, Jenn. - Posted by: Jennifer Hodgins (Friend) on: Oct 22, 2022
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Love you, Brother. You will be forever remembered. - Posted by: Darren Johnson (Friend, Colleague) on: Oct 22, 2022
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To Joanne, Georgia & Jacob, Zak’s Mom and entire family- sending all my love to you, mourning the loss of a great person. Had the privilege to call Zak a friend, we met when worked in the same industry years ago. Even years of living away did not dampen the joy when we connected randomly in Wpg. as Zak and Joanne built their family. My memories of Zak through some tears are likely similar to all- he was kind, generous, absolutely hilarious, a gentleman and friend. Some of the best and hardest laughs came from time with Zak. I am so thankful I ran into him last year at a bomber game- we had a great time laughing a ton. Look forward to sharing great stories about him as we celebrate his life and mourn this loss. Rest In Peace my friend, see you one day on the other side. - Posted by: Tara Evans (Friend) on: Oct 22, 2022
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Dear Joanne and Family, My heart goes out to you for this devastating loss. The few times I met Zak he was warm, welcoming and kind. Sending you love and healing thoughts. Kate - Posted by: Kate Bolton (Friend) on: Oct 22, 2022
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To Joanne, Georgia and Jacob, I cannot think of any words to share that might ease your grief or offer comfort - but please know I’m carrying you in my heart and sending love into the universe for your family. Zak sounds like he was a wonderful man. The few times I met him, he was warm and gracious. Sending you so much love, now and always. Love, Ali - Posted by: Alison August (Friend) on: Oct 22, 2022
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Zak was always so kind and down to earth. I’m wishing the family and friends my most sincere condolences. He will be fondly remembered. - Posted by: Alison Brandt (Friend) on: Oct 22, 2022
