It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Paul Zink on April 14, 2023, at St. Boniface hospital at the age of 90.

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Dad will be lovingly missed by his wife Mary; his children Angela (Juergen) their children Ryan (Brett), Jessica (Jordan), Arlene (Bernie) their children Natalia (Mike) Katerina (Mark) Luke (Sarah), Carolin, and her children Theon, Mercedes (Anders), Richard (Denise) and their child Braeden, Presley, Kathy, George Cormier (Lois) and their children. Great grandchildren, Nicholas, Jacob, Elsie, Nadia, Gabriella, Marcus, Natalie, Emmett, Russel. His bothers Gene (Helga) Walter (Linda) and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

Paul was born on March 16, 1933, in Horsczyk USSR to parents Pawlyna Benke (Skochko) and Ernst Benke.

 

Pawlyna and Ernst had two children Paul and his younger brother Eugene.  

 

When Dad was 4 years old his father Ernst Benke was taken from their home by the Soviet Secret Police (NKVD) never to be heard from again.

 

A few years later his mother Pawlyna remarried Emile Zinko and they had a son Walter.   Emile was a wonderful father and grandfather and Pawlyna was a kind and loving mother and grandmother!

 

The family immigrated to Kleinheubach Germany and after a few years they immigrated to Canada in May 1949. The family arrived in Elie, Manitoba and after two years of working on a sugar beet farm the family moved to Winnipeg.  Dad went to Daniel McIntyre school to learn English. Shortly after that he began his plumbing apprenticeship and after 5 years became a journeyman plumber - a job that he held for most of his life. Dad also worked at CN as a pipe fitter for several years before his retirement.

 

As a young plumbing apprentice doing a job in a sewing factory, he was introduced by a mutual friend to a beautiful young German seamstress Mary Mantaj. They started dating and married on August 3, 1957.  A year later they started their family.

 

Dad always loved being around people joking and kibitzing. Dad also loved a good party.   Throughout the years our family which included Dad’s brothers, in-laws, nieces, and nephews always knew how to throw a great party.   There was dancing, German music, great food, and drinks!  Dad loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dad also enjoyed Schlegel Thursdays’ where Dad and his best friend Harry Schlegal would take turns getting together at each others homes every Thursday.  They played pool or shuffleboard and enjoyed a drink together. 

 

Some passions that Dad had included bowling. He and Mom were in a bowling league together for many years. Dad was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching professional sports but enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play even more. Dad also looked forward to his annual fishing trips with the guys. Dad enjoyed camping, gardening, and road trips to California to visit his family. Dad also loved watching Wheel of Fortune and his all-time favourite TV show Lawrence Welk. Even some of his children became Lawrence Welk fans after watching it with Dad for so many years!

 

Dad was a very skilled tradesperson and built and renovated many homes. He was very generous with his time and was always there to help his children when they needed him. All his children and grandchildren were beneficiaries of his skills as a tradesperson. There were a lot of projects that would not have been completed without his help.

 

As one of his grand children once said to his Mom when their sink wasn’t working” It’s okay Mommy, don’t’ worry, just call Opa he can fix anything!”    That sums up our Dad !   He could do almost anything!

 

We love and miss you so much Dad!!!!

 

There will be a private Celebration of Life for Dad in August.