Zenon Peter Karcz

Resident of Burlington, Ontario died peacefully, surrounded by love on August 31, 2022. Born on March 16, 1935 to the late Josephine and Antoni Karcz. Beloved husband of Ethel. Cherished brother of the late Max Karcz (2013). Loving father of Stephen of Calgary, Alberta, Kathy Dubetz of Calgary, Alberta, Peter (Pauline) of Sudbury, Ontario, Tom (Eileen) of Burlington, Ontario, and John of Burlington, Ontario. Proud Papa to Cassandra (Cam), Antoni, Justin, Tyler, Natasha (Kaidon), Meredith, Rachel and Ana. Survived by many nieces and nephews. Zeno had a zest for living and was revered by his family as a role model for how to live a positive and meaningful life. He was animated by deep religious faith. Both he and Ethel were active parishioners of St. Raphael's Roman Catholic Church for almost 50 years. Zeno was kind, caring, warm and humble and he loved to smile, laugh, and give out affectionate nicknames. He was dedicated to community service, coaching his own children and many other youth in hockey, baseball and football, volunteering in the church, and reading to school-age children at the neighbourhood school into his 70s. He presumed the best in others and brought out the best in all those lucky enough to interact with him. If you weren't a friend of Zeno's, it was because he hadn't met you yet. He was a passionate fisherman, and his children, grandchildren and friends spent many wonderful hours with him sharing stories and trying to catch supper. After his retirement, Zeno worked as a starter at Lowville Golf Course where he made many friends and shared his love of golf with his co-workers. He grew up in Windsor, Ontario where he developed his athletic gifts and grit as a star athlete in multiple sports including track and field, baseball and football, ultimately being inducted into the Windsor Sports Hall of Fame. He had a stellar ten-year pro career in the Canadian Football League with the Hamilton Tiger Cats; he was a member of three Grey Cup winning teams and was named as the league's Outstanding Canadian Player in 1965. After his CFL days, Zeno deployed his leadership, work ethic and interpersonal skills for over 30 years in the Canadian steel industry, first with Newman Steel and then with Samuel and Sons, becoming a vice president of sales and earning the reputation as a great colleague and mentor and one who would go above and beyond to serve the needs of clients. Zeno was married to Ethel, the love of his life, for over 65 years. In their extraordinary, shared life they honoured and supported each other, raised a family, and deeply touched and cared for an incredible array of friends. Some of their favourite activities were family camping trips, fun times at the cottage, golfing, playing cards, and cheering on the Ticats and the Blue Jays. In the late fourth quarter of his life, it was not a surprise that Zeno summoned grace and stoicism as he faced cancer. The family is grateful for the excellent care given to Zeno by his Family Physician, Dr. Adam Grzeslo, the Doctors and Nursing Staff of Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and the Joseph Brant Hospital, and the community support workers. Visitation at SMITH'S FUNERAL HOME, 1167 Guelph Line (one stop light north of QEW), BURLINGTON (905-632-3333) on Friday, October 14 from 5 - 8 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Raphael's Roman Catholic Church (4072 New St., Burlington) on Saturday, October 15 at 11 a.m. Reception to follow. Private interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Zeno's memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Society or the Oncology Department at OTMH or your charity of choice.
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