Paul John Zelenewich

July 4, 1933 – March 6, 2020

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Paul at Deer Lodge Centre on March 6, 2020.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Veronica (Vivian); children Donna (Al), Cynthia (Don) and Vern (Maria); grandchildren Adam, Laurie, Kristen, Nicole, Scott, Jake, Beau, Kellen, Devyn and Cody; sister Helen; brother Norm (Barb) and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Caroline and Steve; step-father Michael; brother Eddy; sister Frances; brothers-in-law Gord and Hank; and sister-in-law Lorraine.

Paul was born on July 4, 1933 in Stead, MB to Caroline (nee Smorhay) and Steve Zelenewich. He grew up with his two older sisters, Frances and Helen and his two younger brothers, Eddy and Norm. He had a special relationship with his sisters Helen and Fran as they moved into their eighties. In his early years he lived in Thalberg and Stead and then moved to Fort Whyte and Winnipeg during his teenage years. Paul shared many stories of their adventures and life growing up on the farm and in the city. Paul was a lifetime railway employee. He began his railway journey at age 18 with CNR as a pipefitter and supervisor and he later switched to VIA Rail working at the VIA Rail Main Street Station. After 38 ½ years of service with the railway he retired with a “golden handshake.” He made many friendships with the characters of the railway. Paul met his wife, Veronica in 1953 at the Normandy Dance Hall and on June 25, 1955 they were married. This coming June they would have celebrated 65 years of marriage. Paul and Veronica’s union in 1955 started a journey of so many memories. They had three children and settled in St. Vital. Summer-time fun would be going to Winnipeg Beach or Beaconia to spend time with the extended family, and any time was a good time to go to AAC (Arlington Athletic Club) for a game of pool or a corned beef sandwich. The backyard on St. Michael’s Road was big and so a garden was dug and planted. The year the in-ground pool was put in was the beginning of so many pool parties for friends and family. Paul loved to putter and fix things. He liked to find a deal on a car, buy it and then have it ready for his children to use (Ford, Buick, Cadillac, Studebaker, Chrysler). This love of cars grew into the love of collecting hub caps. As the years went on and the children became adults there were grandchildren. For many years the garden provided an opportunity to teach the grandchildren about planting and harvesting vegetables. Many a summer the peas and raspberries would provide an after-swim snack, to go along with chocolate milk or jello. Gigi (Gig) had a special bond with each of his grandchildren and was kept busy with them all. Our family was extremely lucky and thankful to have our Gig. At our family gatherings there were always lots of photos being snapped and he always wanted to be in them (he was very photogenic). Gig was a big part of the grandchildren’s lives as they were growing up. From babysitting to after school pickups; watching hockey, baseball, soccer and curling; outings to the park and 7/11; strawberry picking; and attending dance and piano recitals, and school musicals. You name it, Gig was there. Gig especially enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren. Sometimes a day trip in his van, with a picnic lunch to Lockport and other times there were weekend visits to the cabin at Booster Lake. He may not have hooked many fish, but his grandchildren sure did. Since Gig was always seen with one of his grandchildren, whether it was at the school ground, hockey arena, baseball or soccer field, or the front street, everyone knew him and loved his friendly conversations. He was everyone’s Gig.

Many thanks, to all of the staff (T4, W6, physiotherapy) at Deer Lodge Centre for their care and compassion for Paul during his stay at the centre. Our lunch time visits with our friends on T4 will always be remembered.

There will be no formal service and a family gathering to celebrate his life will take place later in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his memory to the Deer Lodge Foundation.