Obituary of John Zacharias

On March 18, 2021, John (Jack) Zacharias passed away peacefully at the age of 82 after a short stay in Riverview Health Centre. Left to mourn are loving wife of 60 years Gloria; sons Jeff and Scott (Bridgette); grandchildren Bryce (Erin), Perrin, Jack and Brielle; great grandchildren Wren and Loic; sisters Anne Giesbrecht (Jake); Jesse Dyck; and Esther Rothenburger (Norman); and sisters-in-law Lynne, Carol Thordarson (Bob); Dolores Eyolfson; Jackie Ireland (Doug Martin) and their families. He is pre-deceased by his parents John J. and Helena Zacharias; parents-in-law Eyolfur and Loa Eyolfson; brother Abe; brothers-in-law Ron Eyolfson and Hugh Dyck; daughter-in-law Nancy and granddaughter Samantha. Jack was born in Winkler, Manitoba on Jan 9, 1939. He and his siblings grew up on a farm just east of Winkler. He worked hard helping out until the failing health of his father meant that they needed to move to town. This was followed by the early passing of his mother. He joined the RCMP in 1957 at the age of 18 and had a rewarding 36-year career that included time in Selkirk, Portage La Prairie, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Bern Switzerland and Bonn Germany. During his time in Selkirk, he met Gloria while out skating, which started a two-year courtship resulting in their marriage in Dec 1960. Their sons were both born in Portage la Prairie. While in Winnipeg he was part of the team investigating a UFO sighting in Falcon Lake. He was also proud to guard many dignitaries, including prime ministers and royalty when they visited Manitoba. As a liaison officer in Europe, he earned the respect of members of the justice system in many countries. While overseas he and Gloria enjoyed the challenges of representing Canada. He often spoke that his work on war crimes was a highlight, sifting through records in Berlin and sharing his findings with Interpol. He and Gloria developed many life-long international friendships. While in Europe, Jack and family travelled and enjoyed the visits of many friends and family. He retired at the rank of Inspector in 1993, when he and Gloria chose to move to Cranbrook, B.C. to be close to mountains and where his brother Abe and family lived. They enjoyed the time hiking and reconnecting. In 2002 they returned to their roots in Manitoba, to be closer to family. In his retirement years, he was fortunate to have the pleasure of being part of the annual harvest at the farms of his brothers-in-law, first with Jake near Plum Coulee, then with Norman and son Kelvin southwest of Morden. He had started his life on the farm and was able to enjoy his passion for the hard work of the harvest until recent years. Food was always a particular pleasure. He enjoyed a perfectly barbequed steak, Mennonite sausage or a big fry of Gimli pickerel fillets; and, of course, Gloria’s gourmet dinners. He was very proud his children and the lives they have built for themselves. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow into young adults and encouraged them to follow their ambitions. Hockey played an important role in his life, starting with time playing in Winkler with the Royals. He continued playing whenever he could, including with a senior league in Bern Switzerland. His last game was with the Stonewall Oldtimers league in early 2020, at the age of 81. One of the highlights of the last few years was a hiking trip he took with his sons to Europe. They spent time hiking in the mountains of Switzerland and Italy. He always encouraged his sons to travel and this last major trip with them highlighted the joy he had exploring the roads less traveled. He spent a number of years writing his memoirs, publishing in 2012. He and Gloria worked together on many facets of the book, reliving wonderful memories of their lives together. A quote from his memoir: “There is no power that can control love, it has to be freely given and I have received that in abundance”. His love and pride for his family and friends, his respect for others, and his underlying faith guided him throughout his life. Special thanks goes to Dr. Ben Fultz and his team of specialists, the ALS Society of Manitoba, and all the staff of Palliative Care for their support, guidance and compassion throughout Jack’s illness. Cremation has taken place. There will be no funeral service at this time. Jack has chosen to be laid to rest at the RCMP cemetery in Regina, at a future date. Donations may be made to the ALS Society of Manitoba or Gimli Lutheran Church in Jack’s memory. The wheat was heavy The wheat was thin The soil was never to blame As strong as wheat can be As fragile as a harvest be Imagine the pressure to bear Out there with the fields Imagine the pressure to bear With just cents to care The cattle were meek Your clans meaning was hard Giving in was not in your vein No way were you giving in to pain There was love we do not know As it was shrouded in time We know it is true As proof you are it was there The wheat was heavy The wheat was thin The soil was never to blame As strong as wheat can be As fragile as a harvest be Bitter cold and bitter faith Got in your way Bitter cold and faith Could not you sway A mother was there for you to learn A mother was there for you’re trust to earn Could you care for them Could you care for them A parent passed on A parent grew weak A parent passed on A parent grew weak Could you show her you care You’re still bound to show your care Grandma we miss you The wheat was heavy The wheat was thin The soil was never to blame As strong as wheat can be As fragile as a harvest be A father was there for your children to know A father was there for you to care A life too short your dad did live His kids made sure his life was lived A father was there for your children to know A father was there for you to care Grandpa we miss you The wheat was heavy The wheat was thin The soil was never to blame As strong as wheat can be As fragile as a harvest be Seeking love after what you had seen, Was life’s way of saying sorry A young lady you found Got your feet back on the ground A life together you were now bound Your love for her is never unfound It is so true, so right, so real, We all envy how good it must feel Around the world you took us all You took us all and we grew up tall Simple sights Simple sight Damn right, amazing sights Around the world you took us all To tell the tale of all the sight Would take me all day and certainly all night Think of the people ‘round the World Who know him to be true Can you imagine Being so true to your word That the World knows YOU to be true. A passion for flavor she brought to him Perhaps Bordeaux and maybe a gin But Kolsh and Crown will always reign And smooth out any moments pain From Florence to Bern, Bonn, or the ‘Peg To Afghanistan and Amsterdam And Vienna and Berlin To Winkler and Morden And Gimli and Heckla You are at home where ever you are Your friends are with you With you every place you go The wheat was heavy The wheat was thin The soil was never to blame As strong as wheat can be As fragile as a harvest be As time moves on Your friends may start to pass Look deep, Your faith knows that it’s just time It does not make you sad It allows you to reflect On all that has been true You show your love today, As if it’s the last And make sure we all have a blast Your patience is your fathers Your love is true to your mother We all wish to be like you dad We all wish to be like you Call you Jack or call you John The two names fit you well The biblical smoothness of John kept you grounded The spirit of Jack kept you moving A perfect balance of ‘Let ‘er fly boys’ And grace But let keep this song singing as it is about love The love of a father and his family tree Let’s sing, Just as you were free To choose to care or to flee You chose to care, you chose to make right Never one to back from a fight We love you dearly We love you whole Damn right, don’t change a thing The wheat was heavy The wheat was thin The soil was never to blame Dad You are just right Don’t change a thing The wheat was heavy The wheat was thin The soil was never to blame We Love you Jeff & Scott