Joseph Zeman

Gary, Dale, Brenda, and Kevan ... please accept our heart-felt condolences. Your Dad was a very special man, and we're sure you're as proud of him as he was of you.

Take Care,

The Bannisters (Lyn, Leigh, Brooke & Brent)

We were very sorry to hear of Joe's death. He helped run the Optomist Oratory Contest in about 1958 when John was a nervous young participant. In later years we kept meeting him in both sport and heritage circles. Joe was a strong supporter of the Saskatoon Heritage Society and, of course, a member of the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame. We remember his enthusiasm for preserving the Normal School and the University barn. "88 Years of Puck-Chasing in Saskatchewan" that he wrote with Brenda is amongst the best sport histories in the province. Some people ARE hard to replace. Joe is definitely one of them.

The Zeman Family; Please accept my condolences in the passing of Joe. Many fond memories of City Park "D", "C" Division "Juvenile", and Saskatoon Macs will remain with many of us forever. Always there when we needed guidance and assistance, Joe will be rembered always.
Glenn Ivison

I remember Joe attending functions here in Kenaston, my home town. He visited many times with my Dad John Benko, who was from Slovakia. He was at my aunt's funeral in Saskatoon a few years back. He was always very interested in happenings and people around Kenaston. I know if he was able he'd have been here next year for Kenaston's 100th birthday celebrations first weekend of July. Sincere condolences to all his family and friends.

I have many memories of time spent with Joe. After moving to Calgary almost 40 years ago we managed to keep in touch. I owe a great deal of thanks to Mr. Zeman. He kept me involved in sports as a volunteer and allowed me to have a career in media relations at the University of Calgary. Gary,Dale, Brenda, and Kevan, your father had a profound influence on many people. My thoughts are with you.

My deepest sympathies go out to the Zeman Family. I grew up within a block of the Zeman residence and went to King Edward Public School with Kevan. I have many fond memories of being at their house with Kevan and Brenda. I can't remember a time that I didn't see Joe with a deck of cards in his hands, playing Solitaire. I know Joe was always involved in sports but I was probably too young to realize how much volunteer work he did. I know that he will be missed by all.

Gary, Dale, Brenda and family

I was extremely sorry to hear about your father's passing -- he was a great fellow. He and I worked together with different teams, mainly hockey and baseball. We travelled a lot of miles and had some good conversations. Joe did the organizing, I coached, and then the two of us and the particular team ate together. We served on the Sask Amateur Hockey Association, and, again, we travelled and talked, and talked.

I also had the pleasure of knowing three of you so it makes it even sadder. But take comfort, he led a good and long life.

Ken Sauer

Over the past week or so, we have noted the passing of several famous people. None contributed more to this world than Joe Zeman.
I never played for Joe as the sports boundaries of Saskatoon allocated me to being coached by Tom Campbell, another legend in amateur sports circles. We played against teams coached by Joe many times. Sometimes we won, sometimes we lost but we always respected Joe for his dedication, his intelligence and his sportsmanship.
Sincere sympathies,

Dear Brenda, Gary, Dale, Kevan and Family,
On behalf of the Board and staff of the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, I would like to extend my sincere sympathies to you all on hearing of Joe's death. Joe did much to further sport in Saskatchewan and he will be remembered for his dedication. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this period of sadness, but also celebration, as you remember a full life lived well.
Sincerely,
Sheila Kelly
Executive Director

Canada and Saskatchewan has lost a sporting legend. Joe was a friend and a mentor. He was the reason why I got involved in coaching hockey and later as a hockey administrator. As a past president of Saskatoon Minor and a past director of the SHA, I could always count on Joe for good council and guidance and the sometimes well deserved bit of constructive criticism. I always enjoyed listening to Joe's stories and like Joe on Wednesday I will wear my Mac's Jacket with the same pride that Joe wore his.

Bill called me from work to say his sister, Elaine, had called to tell him of Joe's passing. I know Bill will be sending his thoughts, so I will add mine here. It was 40 years ago this July 4 that Bill and I met and started dating. Joe and Jessie became part of my life at that moment. Bill had great years living with your family. I will always remember Joe and his beat up cards playing solitaire on the coffee table and his interesting life stories. They must have had patience because Bill and I tied up their phone line for hours at a time. Joe (and your Mom and family) will always have a special place in my memories and heart. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. The obituary was exceptional and will be kept in a special place. Jean Hajt

My mum & I were so very sorry to hear about Joe's passing. Having grown up in the sports community in Saskatoon throughout the 60's and 70's, I can't remember a time or occasion when Joe was not present. He leaves many legacies and good memories among those who knew him. Our thoughts & prayers go out to Brenda and her brothers.