Obituary for Mr. Victor Alphonse Zelinski
I
t is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Victor Alphonse Zelinski. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025 at the age of 81 years old. His beloved wife of 60 years was by his side throughout his illness and held his hand as God took him to his eternal resting place.
Victor was born on a small Saskatchewan farm and was the youngest of a large family of 13 children. When his parents Peter and Barabar Zelinski retired, they moved to Wynyard, Saskatchewan with his two brothers Leo and Eddie where the boys graduated from High School.
Victor took one year of Normal School (teacher’s college) and was hired as the sole teacher at Levant school, a one room school house near Wynyard, for students grades 1-9. Victor was only 18. After one year, Victor attended the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon where he completed a B.A in history. It is here that he reconnected with his High School sweet heart, Bernice Wasylenko, and on September 11, 1965 they were married and remained devoted to each other for the next 60 years.
During his university years he joined the folk singing group “The Troubadours Three”. They toured the prairies, gaining popularity with crowds singing cover tunes and original songs. They achieved some popularity but family life obligations called to each member of the group. His connection to music remained a lifelong celebration as most people will remember Vic with a guitar in his hand, singing with a beautiful melodic voice. Music and his wife were his 2 greatest loves.
In 1966, Victor took a teaching position with Calgary Catholic School District where he taught High School Social Studies, primarily at Bishop Carrol High School. He later became a curriculum supervisor until his retirement in 1999. Victor completed a Masters of Education and went on to a Doctorate degree. Victor was an author and well-read person, who engaged intellectually on a variety of platforms and topics throughout his life.
Vic and Bernice spent 20 wonderful years as snow birds as well as traveling to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, Mexico and many US destinations. They loved their home in High River with its small-town convenience, close nit network of excellent friends and close proximity to their children and grandchildren in Calgary.
Victor is survived by his loving wife Bernice. His three children Jason (Debbie), Deana (Ken) and Jamie. Along with their Grandchildren Emma, Keaton and Janaya. Victor left this world a better place than when he entered it. Building strong friendships, beautiful music and a loving family to carry forward his memory. He will be deeply missed. The family is grateful for the out pouring of kindness and support during this time of loss.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church (206 9 Ave SW, High River, AB, T1V 1A4) on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with reception to follow. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed via Victor's tribute page at www.lylereeves.com.
