Obituary of Donald 'Don' Zabel

November 15, 1928 – Webb, Saskatchewan
November 11, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

We are saddened to announce the passing of Don Zabel of Calgary, AB, on Remembrance Day, November 11, 2021 at the age of 92 years; four days short of his 93rd birthday.
 
Don was born in Webb, SK, and lived on his family’s farm in nearby Braddock before moving to Calgary and training to become a heavy-duty mechanic.  He joined the Canadian Army in May 1951 and fought in the Korean War from May 1952 to June 1953.  On his return, he left the army, became a bus driver for Calgary Transit, and married his first wife, Jean.  He worked as a mechanic starting in the early 1960s, with eight years as a service manager in Lethbridge before moving back to Calgary in 1971.  
 
Don lived a life of service to others and was always available for anyone in need.  His optimism and positive attitude made a powerful impact in combination with his ready smile.  He had his share of joy and sorrow, having lost family members including his first wife Jean in 1987.  He was a devoted member of Central United Church for many years where he and his second wife June assisted the bereaved and ministered to the downtown core.  In later years, Don and June joined Foothills Alliance Church where he was active in their wonderful men’s prayer group. He was also a very active member of the Korean Veterans Association - Unit 54 Foothills Calgary.
 
Don became an author only recently when he and June wrote a book entitled “Amazing Life Stories, Some Miraculous, from the Korean War”.
 
Don is survived by his loving wife June, son Gord, daughter Barb (John), stepsons, Mark (Lori), David (Mandy); his sisters, Bernice (Ervin), Doreen; his sister-in-law Barbara (Norm); and brothers-in-law, Barrie and Jim (Bea).

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, November 22, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. Due to Covid restrictions, this service is by invitation, and family and friends unable to attend are invited to join via this live stream.
link: https://livestream.com/accounts/4034818/events/9944136 which can be accessed at the time of the service or anytime afterward.  In place of a reception, a celebration of Don’s life is planned for early next year. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Donald Zabel, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

Thank you for joining us for the live-streaming of this event 
Unfortunately there are times when the internet connection at the venue or where you are viewing from may cause interference and buffering.
We apologize if this is the case with today’s live-stream but we want to assure you that this service will be recorded and uploaded following the service.