We Remember
ZERBIN, John
—
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to John Zerbin. He was a husband, father, Opa, brother, friend, and “the funniest guy we know”.
John passed away at Kelowna General Hospital on January 8, 2022, at the age of 72 after a short battle with cancer. Born in Winnipeg, MB, he was the late Emil and Wanda Zerbin’s youngest of five children; he came after Ed (d.), Adolf, Henry and Trudy. In early 1970, John moved to Vancouver, BC and on November 16th of that same year started working for CP Air (later known as Canadian Airlines International, then merged with Air Canada) he stayed with them until he retired in 2000. He helped to form the Training & AV Department for the company. Audio Visual work became a lifelong passion for him; managing the department really let him express his creativity at work. In 1976, he met Carol, the love of his life. They married in ’79 and later welcomed two daughters, Lindsay & Kristin, into their family. Work took them to Calgary, AB (or as they would say on the job “YYC”), where they stayed for 25 years and made many special friends.
John found a way to balance his love of working, spending time with his family, and pursuing his many passions. One such passion was music. While in Calgary, John was part of a garage band, he played guitar, and he was a good singer too. He also took up wine & port making with his “brother from a another mother”. John loved playing darts, and he became very skilled at building surrounds for dart boards; he made thematic ones, some he gave away as gifts, others were custom orders from his friends. And, travel was a large part of John and Carol’s lifestyle, as might be expected when working for an airline. Enjoying different experiences in exotic locations, as well as spending downtime on cruises, were some choice moments.
After retirement and then relocating to Lake Country, BC, John was really able to bring his creativity to one of his best-loved activities, spending time with loved ones – his family and his friends. He found more “Amigos” to make wine with, and his bottles of fine port became coveted by friends and family. Organizing and cooking for gatherings were a joy as he was a natural host, and he created delightful dishes. He and buddies in the neighbourhood would host “Ladies Nights” to spoil the ladies in their lives, everyone would have an excellent time. Not to be missed were the New Year’s Eve Theme Parties, the unforgettable “Rockstar NYE” was a favourite. He continued growing musically, and he had his own band in Lake Country. John loved life and was grateful for all the people that he was lucky to become friends with in all the places he went. The last 7 years he was alive was icing on the cake of life for him, it was as sweet and as wonderful as possible.
John leaves behind his beloved Carol, his wife of 45 years; his children Lindsay (Colin) and Kristin (Liam); his granddaughter Emily; and his siblings Ad (Barb), Henry (Megan), and Trudy. Each of them will miss his unique soul.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 27, 2022 in Lake Country.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”. You are also welcome to send them directly to jzerbintribute@gmail.com.
In John’s words… “No More Mr. Nice Guy”.
Service
July 27, 2022
Location
Lake Country
So sorry to hear about John. Sending condolences to you Carol and your family.
John, we will miss you. The original CPAIR group has remained connected. The years we all spent celebrating many special moments in all of our lives, the travel we all did apart or together are memorable for having Johnny Venture(as we called you) with us. Your ability to entertain us and keep the laughter going will never be forgotten. We know you will be watching over your family forever and they will have your singing, laughter and smiles to always remember. xoxo
It’s not goodbye our dear friend, it’s See You On The Other Side. Those dart nights….the patio parties we had.for several years; John we will never forget you. Carol, , we are here for you and your family. We love you.❤️❤️
Carol and family we’re so sorry for your loss. Know you’re surrounded with love and support.
Steve and Laura Albrecht
John was both a highly respective airline colleague and a good friend. Along with other friends, we toasted John after hearing the news of his passing. While our retirement paths crossed infrequently, they were always with joy and happy memories of our lives, well lived, Condolences to his family.
I enjoyed working with John and recontacting, through the CAIRE Group, .when he and Carol moved to Lake Country .
My deepest condolences to you Carol and to your family. I first met John during our CP Air Initial Agent Training Course in Vancouver. We were both posted to Prince Rupert at the same time. Although our airline careers led us in different directions, our early shared experiences and memories served us well as we each did our best to make a difference. John’s talents and skills was integral in making C.P. Air and later Canadian Airlines a most respected company. I know he is rocking the heavens. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Although we didn’t meet John until we joined CAIRE we felt like we were old friends immediately. John, along with Carol , were so welcoming and fun. We enjoyed the times we spent together, especially joining in the famous jam session. We are so happy we had one last visit at the Christmas lunch, even though not feeling well he still was able to flash his big, happy smile. The world has lost a very special, talented and loving guy. Our thoughts are with you Carol and family,
Dear Mrs. Zerbin,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the passing of your husband, John. I think we met you and your husband at one or more of the Okanagan Pionairs’ luncheons where our husbands swapped a few stories about their work place experiences. Perhaps when the Pionairs get started again with the luncheons, we can reconnect.
Thinking back on our lives, Roland and I have realized what a large role John played. We had so much fun and adventure with John. From our early C P Air days, through PWA, Wardair and finally – for us – Canadian Airlines. John was always there for us and with us. We worked with him, we created with him and we certainly learned from him.
He opened up a view of airlines that we had never known – also music, wine, Winnipeg, or Winterpeg as he called it.
Our world and lives are better for knowing you John. Peace. Until we meet again. Luv Gay and Roland.