ZAKUS - William (Bill)
January 1, 1915 – August 12, 2009
Today our family suffered the great loss of our most beloved father and oldest Zakus family member. Witty, kind, loving, considerate, caring, so aware of happenings in the news and his personal environment, he remained on top of things right until the end, living totally independently. We are so proud and privileged to have had him with us for so many years. Bill was born in Wakaw, Saskatchewan and spent many years working in various entrepreneurial activities in areas north of Prince Albert. Finishing high school at Prince Albert Collegiate Institute he also later very successfully studied accounting, which formed the basis for the rest of his career, both in Prince Albert and Saskatoon and eventually in Vancouver/Surrey, British Columbia. He always placed a high premium on education, something his three children continued to excel at. Wherever he went he had many friends and always lent a helping hand. He was more than generous with all resources he could muster, and never carried a grudge when slighted. While being born into a farm household he was definitely a city boy and contributed to various public service organizations over the years, including the United Commercial Travelers and the Knights of Columbus. With the passing in 2004 of his dear wife of over 50 years, Josephine, he remained committed to his love of her, and spent much time visiting with his children: Sharron (in San Francisco), Gerry (in Calgary) and David (in Toronto). He was committed to all his family including grandchildren Kevin, Kelly, Jessica and Jonathan; and great grandchildren Parker, Carson, Brittni and Dana. Luckily, he also made four trips back to Saskatchewan in the last years, and visited his lovely sister, Olga, and her family in Prince Albert. His last five years were spent happily living in the Mayflower Cooperative in Surrey, where he leaves many friends, all of whom so appreciated him. Bill passed away suddenly after dinner without any real complications. He was waiting patiently for this day to happen, often saying he wasn’t quite sure why old age is called the ‘golden years’! But, he loved life and life loved him. He remained healthy and happy until the end. He was loved by so many.
There will never be another generation like his nor another person as special as him.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday August 17 at 11:00 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish 104-139th St., Surrey. Interment to follow at Gardens of Gethsemani Cemetery at 2:00 pm.