Obituary of MICHAEL ZAJAC

Michael Zajac

Michael Zajac was born on July 26, 1934 in Venlaw, Manitoba to John and Tillie Zajic.  Michael was the oldest of four boys, Nick, Emil and Morris. Michael was predeceased by his wife Eva in 2012, his father John, mother Tillie and brother Emil.  Michael leaves to mourn and cherish his memory his daughter Sonia Szelemej, son-in-law Jaroslaw, grandchildren Kathryn and Andrew.  Also left to mourn are his brothers Nick (Irene), Morris (Emily), as well as brother in laws John Huzyk (Gwen), Robert Huzyk (Kathryn), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Michael came to Winnipeg in 1953 at the age of 19 in order to find a job to help support his parents on the farm. Michael spent most of his life working  for Canada Packers as a butcher in the Beef Boning Dept.  Michael had many jobs during his life such as a cab driver, Winnipeg Transit Bus Driver,  Imperial Casket and Bristol Aerospace.

Michael met Eva in Winnipeg and married her on July 14, 1962.  A few years later they welcomed their daughter Sonia to the family. When Michael wasn’t working at one of his jobs or taking care of his young family, he enjoyed making music. Michael was a well-known Ukrainian Wedding singer amongst the community. He managed to record 5 record albums which lead him into The Ukrainian Musicians Hall of Fame in Dauphin, Manitoba. From the stage to workshop, Michael enjoyed keeping busy and working on his own projects in his spare time. Woodworking, welding and painting kept his hands busy throughout the years.

Throughout his marriage of 50 years to his late wife Eva, Michael did his best to take care of her during her battle with Arthritis. Michael has been dealing with heart disease since the early 90’s but managed to live quite independently for his remaining years. Michael will be very sadly missed by his daughter Sonia. He will also be very sadly missed by his son-in-law Jaroslaw and grandchildren Kathryn and Andrew whom he loved very much.

We would like to express our thanks to the ICU staff at 7 Oaks General Hospital for their tremendous care and support during his final days.

Divine Liturgy will be held on Friday, July 19, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral, 115 McGregor St., Winnipeg. Interment at All Saints Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be:

Andrew Szelemej, Ihor Szelemej, Paul Szelemej, Robert Fraser, Matthew Fraser, Glen Zajic

VICHNAYA PAM’YAT/MEMORY ETERNAL