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JOHN JACK ZACHARIAS
Born: Jan 09, 1939
Date of Passing: Mar 18, 2021
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JOHN (JACK) ZACHARIAS
Left to mourn are loving wife of 60 years, Gloria; sons, Jeff and Scott (Bridgette); grandchildren, Bryce (Erin), Perrin, Jack and Brielle; great-grandchildren, Wren and Loic; sisters, Anne Giesbrecht (Jake); Jesse Dyck; and Esther Rothenburger (Norman); and sisters-in-law, Lynne, Carol Thordarson (Bob); Dolores Eyolfson; Jackie Ireland (Doug Martin) and their families.
He is predeceased by his parents, John J. and Helena Zacharias; parents-in-law, Eyolfur and Loa Eyolfson; brother Abe; brothers-in-law, Ron Eyolfson and Hugh Dyck; daughter-in-law Nancy and granddaughter Samantha.
Jack was born in Winkler, Manitoba on January 9, 1939. He and his siblings grew up on a farm just east of Winkler. He worked hard helping out until the failing health of his father meant that they needed to move to town. This was followed by the early passing of his mother. He joined the RCMP in 1957 at the age of 18 and had a rewarding 36-year career that included time in Selkirk, Portage La Prairie, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Bern, Switzerland and Bonn, Germany. During his time in Selkirk, he met Gloria while out skating, which started a two-year courtship resulting in their marriage in December 1960. Their sons were both born in Portage la Prairie. While in Winnipeg he was part of the team investigating a UFO sighting in Falcon Lake. He was also proud to guard many dignitaries, including prime ministers and royalty when they visited Manitoba.
As a liaison officer in Europe, he earned the respect of members of the Justice system in many countries. While overseas he and Gloria enjoyed the challenges of representing Canada. He often spoke that his work on war crimes was a highlight, sifting through records in Berlin and sharing his findings with Interpol. He and Gloria developed many lifelong international friendships. While in Europe, Jack and family travelled and enjoyed the visits of many friends and family. He retired at the rank of Inspector in 1993, when he and Gloria chose to move to Cranbrook, BC to be close to mountains and where his brother Abe and family lived. They enjoyed the time hiking and reconnecting.
In 2002 they returned to their roots in Manitoba, to be closer to family.
In his retirement years, he was fortunate to have the pleasure of being part of the annual harvest at the farms of his brothers-in-law, first with Jake near Plum Coulee, then with Norman and son Kelvin southwest of Morden. He had started his life on the farm and was able to enjoy his passion for the hard work of the harvest until recent years.
Food was always a particular pleasure. He enjoyed a perfectly barbequed steak, Mennonite sausage or a big fry of Gimli pickerel fillets; and, of course, Gloria's gourmet dinners.
He was very proud his children and the lives they have built for themselves. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow into young adults and encouraged them to follow their ambitions.
Hockey played an important role in his life, starting with time playing in Winkler with the Royals. He continued playing whenever he could, including with a senior league in Bern, Switzerland. His last game was with the Stonewall Oldtimers league in early 2020, at the age of 81.
One of the highlights of the last few years was a hiking trip he took with his sons to Europe. They spent time hiking in the mountains of Switzerland and Italy. He always encouraged his sons to travel and this last major trip with them highlighted the joy he had exploring the roads less travelled.
He spent a number of years writing his memoirs, publishing in 2012. He and Gloria worked together on many facets of the book, reliving wonderful memories of their lives together.
A quote from his memoir: "There is no power that can control love, it has to be freely given and I have received that in abundance."
His love and pride for his family and friends, his respect for others, and his underlying faith guided him throughout his life.
Special thanks goes to Dr. Ben Fultz and his team of specialists, the ALS Society of Manitoba, and all the staff of Palliative Care for their support, guidance and compassion throughout Jack's illness.
Cremation has taken place. There will be no funeral service at this time. Jack has chosen to be laid to rest at the RCMP cemetery in Regina, at a future date.
Donations may be made to the ALS Society of Manitoba or Gimli Lutheran Church in Jack's memory.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 27, 2021
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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Believe or not, there is another John Zacharias. I was born in Winkler, grew up in the village of Reinland south of Winkler. Exactly how John and I are related is a a bit of a mystery so far. What I do know is that John's Dad and my Mom's first husband were brothers. Both died of the dreaded TB at the time. My Mom was married to Peter J Zacharias, brother to John J Zacharias, Jack's Dad. My Mom was left with 5 daughters. These were first cousins to Jack. I was a more distant. The last time I saw Jack was at the Corn and Apple Festival. John (Jack) tapped me on the shoulder and said: "I hear you and I have the same name." True. My family, Mom and Dad and siblings Lawrence, Irvin Edna and myself visited this other Zacharias family when they lived on First Street in Winkler. I always loved visiting them. When John joined the RCMP this move was not a popular one with the Mennonite Church. Quite frankly, I was envious of John. I would have loved to join the RCMP but I did not have the eyesight required to qualify. Note: My Mom was married to Peter J. Zacharias and then, after his death she married Peter P Zacharias who became my Dad. Gloria, if you're reading this, I would love to meet you or converse with you via email or telephone. jrzach1960@gmail.com 204-362-0865 My wife Marge and I live in Winkler at 681 South Railway Ave., across from the Senior Center and the Buhler Active Living Center. God bless you. - Posted by: John Zacharias (Cousin) on: Dec 04, 2022
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Dear Gloria and family, the four of us just met once in our life in 2007, when you both stayed with us in Germany for just a couple of days. After MP Mulroney's visit to Germany (1991?), Jack and I managed to stay in touch for many years. Unfortunately we lost contact in 2013. My wife Claudia and I sending our prayers and condolences at this sad time. We very much regret not taking the opportunity to keep in touch furthermore. Now only memories remain. - Posted by: Heiko and Claudia H. (Police officer from Germany) on: Apr 05, 2021
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Dear Gloria and family, We wish you our prayers and condolences at this sad time. We have fond memories of Jack playing hockey and gatherings with the Stonewall Buffaloes. Let’s not forget the ladies lunches, hope we can still do that again Gloria. - Posted by: Murray and Lynda Wilkie (Good friends) on: Apr 03, 2021
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Dear Gloria and Family. We are deeply saddened at the loss of Jack from our RCMP family. He was an exceptionally proud and dedicated member of the RCMP who was very well respected by all who knew him. I had the pleasure of reading his most interesting life story in which he so eloquently included his loving relationship with his wife and family. Always regarded as a good hockey player who will be sadly missed by our Stonewall Oldtimers. With love: Fred & Laura - Posted by: Fred & Laura Ross (Friends) on: Mar 29, 2021
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Gloria and family. I was shocked and at a loss of words when I learned of Jack's passing! He and I shared a common birthday and I have always felt a special closeness to him. He was my Trainer and Mentor when I first arrived at Portage la Prairie detachment in 1962 and I learned many things concerning policing from him. Jack was also my" Best Man" and had to leave the occasion early due to difficulties Gloria was having with Jeff's possible early arrival! I am proud to have had Jack as a lifelong friend and I will miss his friendship and easy-going manner of socializing. He was a one-off guy and a true gentleman. There will be a new star in Heaven when John arrives! Gloria Peace be with you! - Posted by: NEIL COLLETTE (RCMP friend and groom for whom Jack was Best Man) on: Mar 27, 2021
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Was assisted many times during overseas trips by Insp ZACHARIAS while working in the War Crimes Section of the RCMP. RIP My deepest condolences to his family. - Posted by: Robert Fnukal (Fellow RCMP member) on: Mar 27, 2021
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Dear Jeff, Our deepest condolences on the passing of your Father. - Posted by: Rudy&Andrea Rempel (Friends ) on: Mar 27, 2021
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Gloria & Family, we send our sincerest condolences to you all. A life well lived and loved. May Jack Rest In Peace. - Posted by: Ken & Jan Fedorchuk (Family aquaintances) on: Mar 27, 2021
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Len and I were very sad to hear of Jack's passing. We have many memories of our time spent in Portage together. We will be thinking of you at this sad time. Len and Carole Bacon - Posted by: Lenard Bacon (Co-Worker) on: Mar 27, 2021
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A well accomplished individual from reading his obituary. RIP fellow member and brother with my condolences to his family. - Posted by: Kevin Duckett (Co-Worker) on: Mar 27, 2021
