HNATIW, Zenon
Posted: June 29th, 2017
HNATIW
It is with great sadness that the family of Zenon Hnatiw announce his passing, after a brief illness at the Saint Michaels Health Centre, on Monday June 26, 2017 at the age of 77 years.
Dad immigrated to Canada after the war in 1948 on the ship Marine Falcon with his mother Anna, father Steve, and two sisters. They came to live in Stirling and worked in the sugar beet fields until 1958 when they moved to Lethbridge.
In 1961 dad married the love of his life Carol Shearer and shortly after that they had a daughter and then completed the family with a son.
Dads passions were classic cars, especially his 52 Chevy and later in life, his 64 Chevy Impala SS. He loved horses, and said that a Harley Davidson was the closest thing to a horse.
The best day of the week was Saturday because it was hockey night in Canada and Chinese food for supper.
He enjoyed water skiing at Blaine Lake where he taught all his nieces and nephews to waterski.
In 1980 he ventured into the optical industry by purchasing Centre Optical. Along with his wife and children, he ran a successful family business. The best part of the day was when he got to visit with the customers, and if you had a broken pair of eyeglasses he was the man that could fix it. He always told us that there was only one thing in life that he could not fix, and that was a broken heart.
He loved to plant his red geraniums and white petunias
He will be greatly missed by his wife Carol of 55 years, daughter Kathy (Bill) Harbuz, son Jim Hnatiw, granddaughter Mikhail (Keith Reron) Hnatiw, and his pride and joy great grandson Rhett Reron, and sister Stephanie (Hugh) Carey of Calgary.
He was predeceased by his mother Anna, father Steve and his sister Olena (Lynn) Reierson, and a brother in law Dean Reierson.
A Prayer Service will be held at SALMON AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 433 Stubb Ross Road South, Lethbridge on Thursday, June 29, 2017 at 7:00pm.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday June 30, 2017 at 11:00am, with Deacon Frank Peta Officiating. Followed by a Meet and Greet, with Story Time from 1:00 to 3:00pm, at The Lethbridge Lodge Grand Ballroom, 320 Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge.
To send a condolence, please visit www.salmonandsons.ca
Wishing Carol, Jim, and Kathy my deepest sympathies! Zenon was a nice man who always took time to smile and say hello! Take Care!
Michael
Carol and family
I would like to send my deepest sympathy to you and your family on your loss of Zenon. I remember sitting across from you at the last school reunion and visiting with the two of you. How very fortunate you are to have had 55 years together and all the memories the two of you have made. That is something no one can ever take away. Know my thoughts are with you
Carol
Thinking of all the good times I had with my uncle Zenon. I’m very upset and sad for auntie Carol and Kathy and Jim. I’m sorry for the loss in your family.
Zenon was truly one of my favorite people in the world; I always looked forward to visiting him in the store & sharing a laugh, riding story, or comparing heart surgery scars. He had a wonderful & contageous outlook on life. I was shocked & saddened to learn of his passing & my heart goes out to Carol, Kathy & Jim & their loved ones. May your many wonderful memories serve to comfort you at this sad time. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Cindy & Dan Yagos
Our thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you. Zenon will be greatly missed. He was always there to help the customers. We will miss his smile and his caring ways. Remember, he will always be on your minds and forever in your hearts. May you find peace in your loving memories.
I was very sad to hear about Zenon. He was a great mentor in my early career, especially when it came to repairing eyeglasses. My sincere condolences to you all.
I worked Zenon for many years when I was in the admin office at Lethbridge Centre. Always a happy man, it was a joy to visit with him as a coworker and customer. Condolences to all his loved ones.