Obituary of HOWARD ZINK

On December 5, 2024, Howard Zink entered eternal rest at the age of 88, with family at his side. Howard’s passing came after many months of failing health, but which were preceded by a long, full, and vigorous life.

Howard leaves to mourn his wife Patricia, his son Ken (Cate), and daughters Karen Roy (Barry) and Colleen Barton (Darren Hollinger). Howard also leaves six grandchildren to cherish his memory: Brenden Zink, Mitchell Zink, Nicole Roy (Tyler Brushett), Logan Roy, Willow Barton, and Rohan Barton, as well as many in-laws, many nephews and nieces.

Howard was predeceased by his brother Mike in 2005.

Howard was born in 1936, in Russell, Manitoba, to Annie (nee Senko) and Steven Zink. Howard grew up in a log home on land 5.5 miles north of Angusville, Manitoba, along with his older brother Michael.

Howard’s life on the farm was tough. He often spoke of his endless days spent with horses and a sled picking up rocks, stones, and roots from the fields. He also spoke fondly of many of the chores he was required to assist with on the farm. Throughout his life he exhibited a strong appreciation for rural culture and a hard day’s work, no doubt a result of his resilient upbringing.

As a young boy Howard attended Tuckersmith elementary and Angus high schools. After completing high school, Howard attended Normal School where he obtained his teaching certificate. He taught for one year at Shell Valley and a second year near Oakburn. Realizing that teaching was not for him, Howard enrolled at the University of Manitoba in the School of Pharmacy and graduated with his B.Sc. Pharmacy degree in 1962.

Howard worked as a pharmacist at several Winnipeg pharmacies after graduation, including Ebbeling Pharmacy on Watt St. in East Kildonan. In 1968, Howard purchased this business from its founder and began a long tenure of dedication to the people of the East Kildonan community. Early in his career, long working hours, often seven days a week, were the norm for Howard, who managed to arrange only occasional evenings off and few vacation days. It was not uncommon for Howard to get a phone call at home, in the middle of the night, from someone who needed medication, and to have him rush to the pharmacy to ensure they were taken care of.

Howard married his sweetheart Patricia Rawluk in 1965. Children Ken, Karen, and Colleen soon followed. Howard was a devoted husband to Pat, and an exemplary father. The family lived in Transcona, then North Kildonan. Howard and Pat later moved into the retirement community at River Ridge.

Howard loved getting together with his in-laws and did so frequently. A drink or two, a pot-luck dinner, then a late night of cards while the kids all fell asleep on the living room furniture was a Rawluk family ritual that Howard relished.

When the family was young, Howard and Pat purchased a cottage at Hillside Beach on Lake Winnipeg. Many beautiful Manitoba summers were spent there, and also many winter weekends. Howard loved his cottage, and particularly enjoyed applying his tremendous work ethic to the property, keeping the grounds just right and battling the forces of nature that constantly sought to restore the areas of sandy beach he managed to clear of rock.

Although Howard’s middle years were dedicated to his family, the pharmacy, and his community, his retirement years were a chance for him to take some time for himself. He became an avid golfer, playing in both a senior men’s league at Kildonan Park and in an old-timer’s travelling league. Curling was important to Howard, who played in men’s and senior leagues at both Elmwood and Rossmere Curling Clubs. Howard was known to curl four games per week on his own teams, then make himself available to spare for any other teams who may have been short a player. Howard become a regular at Good Neighbors Senior Centre where he became a pickleball fanatic.

Howard was a kind and well-regarded man. He was far from loud, rather he listened to others, then engaged in respectful conversation. He had a wholesome sense of humor which was at its best when he was teasing his kids, or annoying any of the pet dogs the family owned along the way.

A memorial service for Howard will take place on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 1 PM at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St., Winnipeg. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Howard’s name to the Grace Hospital Foundation, gracehospitalfoundation.ca, or to the Spirit of Hope animal rescue at spiritofhoperescue.ca.