June 17, 1937 - December 21, 2020
On December 21, 2020, Abe Zacharias, a loving husband and father, passed away in Victoria at 83.
Abe was born on June 17, 1937, near Winkler, Manitoba, to John and Helena (Peters) Zacharias. Before receiving his medical degree from the University of Manitoba in 1963, Abe spent his teens balancing school and working with relatives to sustain the family farm during his father's lengthy illness, followed by two memorable and challenging years in a sanatorium for tuberculosis.
In August 1963, he married Lynne Marie Kerr, "the girl in the Hudson's Bay coat." Abe's professional life included being a general practitioner in Manitoba, further specialization and work in Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, and Calgary before settling in Cranbrook, B.C., for 43 years as a radiologist.
Abe and Lynne raised two children, Mark and Shawn, in Cranbrook. The Kootenay outdoors were a source of great pleasure for Abe and his family, filled with hiking, canoeing, camping, downhill and cross-country skiing.
He passionately devoted significant time to developing radiology services for the city and surrounding region, singing barbershop, and teaching adult Sunday School. Abe and Lynne moved to Victoria, B.C., in 2015, where Abe continued his commitment to fitness by walking the neighbourhoods extensively, chatting with many he met along the way.
During the past few years, as Abe's cancer slowly progressed, he reflected deeply on his life in the writing of his memoir: When Its All Been Said And Done. Abe's love for his family was evident, and his strong life- long relationship with his gracious, faithful and loving God gave him peace, hope and strength in his final months. Abe is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lynne, son Mark (Karen,) daughter Shawn (Stan,) and grandchildren Samara, Samuel and Hayden.
Due to Covid restrictions, there will be no formal services for Abe at this time. Lynne, Mark and Shawn would appreciate messages or memories left on the Dignity Memorial Victoria page. Over 45 years, Abe sponsored 49 children through World Vision. His wish was for a donation link to World Vision to support their "Power of Her" program. https://donate.worldvision.ca/products/ donate-in-memory-of-abe-zacharias.
The family wishes to thank those at the B.C. Cancer Agency, Dr. Troughton and the Home and Palliative Care teams in Victoria for their compassionate and expert support. To the Friday morning coffee boys, family and friends from afar, a debt of gratitude for your sustaining companionship to the end.
Messages or memories to share with the family can be posted online at: https://www. dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/victoria-bc