Donald Peter Zorniak

It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of Donald Peter Zorniak, devoted husband, father, brother and friend. 

Don was predeceased by his wife Marie, his parents, and brother Wayne (Diane).  Left to cherish his memory are sons Jeremy (Darcie), Derek (Brianna), brother Alfred (Mary Louise) and Sister-in-Law Eileen, as well as nephews Ken (Lasha), Duane (Tanya), niece Michelle (Jeremy) and their families.

Don was born in Transcona on May 18, 1950 to Stephen and Anne Zorniak.  As the youngest of three brothers, Don learned quickly the importance of hard work, loyalty and dedication to your family.  He approached everything he did with quiet determination.

Don pursued a university education and graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science.  The following weekend, he married the love of his life, Marie Zorniak, eager to start a life with his high school sweetheart.  Shortly after they married, Don and Marie moved to North Kildonan where they lived for their 45 years of marriage. 

Don started out his career as a chemist for the Government of Canada working in Food Safety.  After a few years, he pursued his education degree and became a teacher.  Don taught in a variety of locations then joined Red River College where he taught Math and Sciences, retiring in 2011.

Family was very important to Don.  His sons were the greatest joys in his life.  He loved spending time with them, sharing his passions for cooking, travel and history.  He looked forward to the Sunday dinners that would have his sons (and many friends) crowded around the table.  

Don was passionate about re-enacting and was a history enthusiast.  Over the years he proudly belonged to many re-enacting groups such as the Forces of Lord Selkirk, Manitoba Living History, 402 Squadron, and the Museum of Applied Military History to name a few.  Each summer and throughout the year the family would pack up and travel across Canada and the United States to attend re-enacting events.  Don cherished the friendships he made during these events and looked forward to the annual circuit.

Don was an avid researcher, especially in the area of military history.  He delighted in finding tidbits of information that he could use to make his historical persona or uniform just a bit more unique.  After retiring, Don turned his love of researching to genealogy, and he spent many hours researching the family roots, hoping one day to visit all the locations his family was from. 

The family would like to thank the staff of Cancer Care Manitoba and the Health Science Centre for the compassionate care Don received.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 17th, at Korban Funeral Chapel, 907 Main Street. Interment will follow at St. Vital Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s memory may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg MB, R3E 0V9.

KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL

204-956-2193

www.korbanchapel.com