OTTO ZACHARIAS

Peacefully on April 17, 2023 at the age of 84, Otto finished his final marathon. He leaves his loving wife Mary who was at his side until the very end, children Randy (Laura) their children Jesse, Shyle, Ben, Rachel, Jacob; Bonnie (Dave) their children Cody, Chase, Mikey, Ethan, Hailie, Caitlin; Veronica Gail (Bill) their children Jenessa, Zakk. Five great-grandchildren Bentley Stella Jake Ripley and Willa-Rose. He is survived by six sisters and one brother. He was predeceased by his granddaughter Bailey and many siblings waiting for him in heaven.

Otto was born on October 21, 1938 in the community of Bergfeld. He grew up on the family farm with his large family. Living on the farm taught him a strong work ethic which he maintained his entire life. Playing sports was a favourite pastime especially playing baseball with his brothers. The brothers played together for the Thames Tigers. Later on they had a team in Winnipeg also named The Tigers. He also played football and hockey until he was 69. A special memory is playing hockey with his son, daughter and grandson. He moved to Winnipeg as a young man and found his calling as a carpenter obtaining his journeyman ticket from Red River. He married his beautiful wife Mary on November 13, 1963. Shortly after, he built the first family home in Charleswood where they raised their family. He would go on to build three more houses for his family with the final being in West St Paul. He worked hard providing for the family and was known for being a hard worker in the building community. He worked together with his son for many years and always tried to out work him. He enjoyed time with his grandchildren especially when they were babies rocking them and humming them to sleep with his deep voice.

He semiretired at 65 and found his new hobby running marathons. He completed many full and half marathons with a highlight of finishing the full Manitoba Marathon first place in his age group at the age of 78. Running continued to be a big part of his life until he was about 81. People would often see him running down Henderson towards Lockport and ask how far he was going that day. He also spent a lot of time in the garden and would harvest tons of potatoes and other vegetables sharing his bountiful crop with family and donating to Winnipeg Harvest but not the potatoes.

He had a strong faith and his favourite Bible passage was Psalm 121.

The family would like to thank the amazing staff at HSC high observation unit and the 5th floor at the Women’s Hospital. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to MCC or Heart and Stroke.

A private family celebration of life will be arranged at a later date.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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