November 8, 1935 - January 21, 2025
In loving memory ~
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of George Stanley Zabawa, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, who passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025, at the age of 89 in Kelowna, BC. George, born in Nelson, BC on November 8, 1935, lived a life marked by dedication to his family, career, and community.
George's journey began in the scenic town of Nelson, where he grew up surrounded by the beauty of British Columbia's wilderness. George's passion for the outdoors was evident in his love for fishing and hunting, activities that brought him closer to nature and provided cherished memories with family and friends.
A man of many talents, George was also known for his love of sports. He enjoyed years of bowling, playing baseball, coaching minor hockey and supporting the Nelson Maple Leaf's booster club. From 1972 to 1974, he brought his leadership and passion to the Fernie Rangers Hockey team as their manager, leaving a lasting impact on the team and the community.
George also made history within the Nelson Chapter of Elks Lodge as the youngest member to be honored as the exalted ruler, a role he took on with great pride and responsibility. His dedication to community and service was further evident through his years of volunteering with both the MS Society and the Telus Ambassadors. His green thumb was legendary; George loved to garden, creating a haven of tranquility and beauty for all to enjoy.
Family was the cornerstone of George's life, and he was a loving husband to Carolyn for 63 years. Together, they raised a beautiful family, including their daughters, Kathy Martel (Larry) and Carol-Anne Campbell (Richard), and their son Joe (Carola) who will carry forward his spirit of kindness and integrity. His grandchildren, Ryan, Connor, and Brendan (Martel), Jessica and Kaitlyn (Campbell), and Kendra & Jenna, as well his great-granddaughters, Gwen and Scarlet, all brought him immense joy in his later years. George is also survived by his sister, Rose-Anne Marshall, (& nephew Robert & family) who will fondly remember their shared moments and family bond. He was predeceased by his parents Kay and Stanley and brother-in-law Tom Marshall.
George retired after a fulfilling career of 37 years as a lineman and repairman with BC Tel, where he not only dedicated himself to his craft but also formed lifelong friendships. His colleagues knew him as a man of reliability and warmth, a person who could always be counted on, both on and off the job. After retirement, he and his wife Carolyn embraced their love of travel by exploring Canada and the United States in their RV.
For years George fought a long and courageous battle with multiple sclerosis and dementia. Though these illnesses gradually took so much from him, they never took his dignity, his love for his family or the warmth he gave others.
In his passing, George leaves behind a world that he made brighter with his smile and kinder with his actions. We take comfort in knowing that his spirit will forever roam the mountains and rivers he so dearly loved, and that his memory will continue to inspire us to live life to the fullest.
Our hearts are broken, and our lives have been changed forever. As we navigate this new reality without George, we take comfort in the fact that he will always live in our hearts, and his memories will be cherished for eternity. Rest in peace, George.
A Celebration of Life will be held later this summer in Nelson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the MS Society, Alzheimer's or a charity of your choice.