It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Richard (Dick) Zala on April 8th after a valiant 4-year struggle after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke and heart attack in 2016. He leaves behind his wife Judy; his children Jeff, Tracy (Drew), and Rob (Tara); his beloved grandchildren Jackson and Emma; his sister Dot (Wayne), sister-in-law Mary, and nieces and nephews.
He had a brilliant mind and a successful professional life. After completing a BA degree, he articled and obtained his CA degree. He worked with Price Waterhouse and subsequently joined the Farmer Group of Companies and retired as their Vice President of Finance in 2000.
Handsome in a tux, but always happiest in gum boots and old shorts, his best days were spent on the water, fishing, prawning, and crabbing. Maui was close to his heart and he enjoyed many holidays there when his children were small, and in later years he and his wife returned as often as they could. His last trip was to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary with his wife, sons, our much loved DIL, Tara, and his grandchildren, little Emma not quite a year old.
He was a man of great personal integrity who worked very hard to provide a good life for his family.
“If ever there comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever”
~ A.A. Milne
We would like to especially thank the exceptional care provided by Dr. Richard Kennedy, Dr. Jeremy Prenger, and everyone on South Ward at Saanich Peninsula Hospital for their empathy and kindness.
There will be a small gathering of family and friends when we can meet again.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Rod Munro
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Gillian Gray McClellan Jeff, Tracy and Rob,
I’m so very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I have many fond memories of Piers and our summers together as neighbours but more like a summer family. Thinking of you and sending lots of love to you and your mom.Love,
Gillian and Molly
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Gordon Gray So sorry to hear that you dad passed away Tracy, Jeff, and Rob. Many happy memories on Piers Island at the cabins.
Love you folks and your mom.Love
Gord and Carole
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Terrie-Leah Aunty Judy, we are so very sorry for your loss. Uncle Dick was a kind and wonderful man and we will all miss him very much. Thank you for coming to Cameron’s game when he was playing for the Braves… I was so happy I got to see you, especially as it was after Uncle Dick’s stroke; I had been very worried about both of you and it did my heart good to see you both in person. Love and hugs to you, Jeff, Tracy, Rob and their spouses and children.
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Jessika I’m so saddened to learn of Uncle Dick’s passing. Thinking of you Auntie Judy, and all of you. Sending you love.
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Kathy and Haydn Richardson We were so very sorry to learn of Dick’s passing. It was a pleasure to have know him over the years. Condolences to Judy and the rest of the family.
Dick was an inspiration to me as a young articling student and now that I’m in a similar role to his at Farmer I sometimes ask myself – “I wonder what dick would do”. Dick showed great patience and understanding and at one point saved my skin during an audit on what now seems an amusing anecdote. my condolences to the family.