LEA FRANK ZARETSKY

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LEA FRANK ZARETSKY April 11, 1920 - January 11, 2014 Lea Frank Zaretsky: Soldier, Ironworker, Traveller, Adventurer; went home to the Lord on January 11, 2014 at the age of 93. A hard working, proud Canadian who felt his job gave him the opportunity to do something valuable, for the future, the people, and the country. Lea was raised on a farm in Brightstone, near Lac du Bonnet, MB. Lea served during the Second World War as a Trooper in the Fort Garry Horse where he saw active duty driving a tank in both Italy and Germany. After the war he worked as a miner in Manitoba and then worked his way west calling beautiful British Columbia home. Lea found his passion in work, taking up the trade of Ironworker. In his own words, he "couldn't have chosen a better trade". The job took him to all parts of Western Canada, the occasional sojourn into the US and up into the high Arctic where he spent five years working on the D.E.W. line. He also worked on the infamous Second Narrows Bridge over British Columbia's Fraser River, both before its collapse and on its reconstruction, an accomplishment he was very proud of. After retirement Lea spent many summers in the wilds of Northern British Columbia panning for gold. He didn't find the mother-load, but he had fun trying. Lea also traveled back to Manitoba often to visit with family and friends. Lea was a deeply religious man. Along with studying the Bible and taking a trip to visit the Holy Land, he spent time with his church in underdeveloped countries working on building schools and hospitals. Lea came from a large family and while he was predeceased by his parents and many siblings he is survived by two brothers, Mike and Paul, many nieces, nephews, and their children. Lea also leaves to mourn numerous friends throughout the lower mainland and the rest of the world. A celebration of Lea's life will be held on February 15, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Coquitlam Christian Centre, 2665 Runnel Drive, Coquitlam, BC and in Lac du Bonnet, MB in the summer where his ashes will be interred near his parents. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lea's name to the Salvation Army.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 08, 2014