Obituary of Joseph Edward Zatylny

ZATYLNY, Joseph Edward - Peacefully in London, Ontario, on December 26, 2008, in the loving embrace of his son. Born on October 7, 1921, he was the son of Josephine and Michael Zatylny of Brandon, Manitoba. A resident of Sarnia, Ontario, Joe was the beloved husband of 55 years of Anne (2007). Cherished father and friend of Ted of Sarnia and Jane Nahirny and her husband, Mark, of Salt Spring Island, B.C. Much loved “Grandpa Joe” to Victor Nahirny. Predeceased by his sisters Theresa and Bernadine, Joe will be deeply missed by his loving sister Lynn, aunts Sister Virgillia and Polly, sisters-in-law Frances and Denise, brothers-in-law Eric, Ed, and Carl. Joe will also be sadly mourned by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as many friends and associates. Raised in Brandon, Joe worked at the Rivers Air Force Base as a surveyor. He moved to Sarnia, Ontario in the early 1940s, eventually joining Polymer Corporation (1943), where he worked until his retirement. A warm, socially gregarious individual, he established countless friendships through his work, social life, and volunteer activities. Joe was a Certified Human Resources Professional and enjoyed attending conferences and meetings with many organizations, even after his retirement. He served on a wide variety of boards and committees and was instrumental in establishing the Lambton County Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. Joe was a lifelong learner who also taught retirement planning for more than 20 years at Lambton College. He enjoyed genealogy, computers, fine dining, travel, theatre, music, and was an accomplished photographer. But as the thousands of photographs Joe captured over a lifetime attest, people were always the first consideration in his life. A positive influence on the lives of so many, Joe was a true friend and a loving father and brother. Blessed with the good health and mental acuity that allowed him to continue to enjoy his activities, friends, and family, Joe enjoyed working outdoors at his home and was active until the last day of his life. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 N. Christina St., Sarnia on Thursday, January 1st from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. where prayers will be offered at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be held at Sacred Heart Church, 1465 Lecaron Avenue, Sarnia, on Friday, January 2nd at 11:00 a.m., celebrated by Father Len Desjardins. Interment at a later date. If desired, donations to the Ontario Heart & Stroke Foundation (888) 473-4636, would be much appreciated by the family. Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com. A tree will be planted in memory of Joseph Zatylny in the McKenzie & Blundy Memorial Forest. Dedication service Sunday, September 20th, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area.