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Verner Zinik Obituary
Verner was born in Denver, CO. He moved to Salt Lake City at age 15 and graduated from East High School and the University of Utah. He served in the US Army as First Lieutenant Infantry. He met his future wife Dona in 1949, they married in 1950. He loved the great outdoors (skiing, tennis, fishing, golf). He ran Zinik's Sporting Goods retail stores (1936-1972), and Zinik Manufacturing (1976-1990) making fashion skiwear. He was an active member of the Jewish Community and a member of the Salt Lake Rotary Club for over 50 years. He took his family on many memorable vacations. He was a caring father, a devoted husband, and an ethical man with integrity and a wonderful dry sense of humor. He is survived by wife Dona, children Debra Zinik (Ed Boxer), Gary Zinik (Lucy Harper), Steve Zinik (Shari), and Davette Zinik (Dan Dorenfeld), grandchildren Rachel, Jacob, Alexandra, and Matthew, and great grandchildren Charley and Orin. Verner died at the age of 95. A private graveside service was held for the family. Contributions may be made to Congregation Kol Ami, 2425 E. Heritage Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84109.
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Memories and Condolences
for Verner Zinik
Leslie Densley
June 12, 2019
Thinking of you Donna & your family on this day. May your hearts be full of loving & fond memories of Verner. Funny how as such a small child a man & memories created around this man could stick with a person this long. Verner & what an amazing, fine, talented, smart, kind, driven man he was talked about always at my home by my dad... In our eyes my dad made Verner out to be a hero. I am grateful that the great qualities, business savvy, work ethics & all that was good rubbed off on my dad & I'm grateful that it was Verner that believed in my dad as a young man & salesman & gave my dad the opportunity to learn from the best & set the future for my dad to himself one day be a business owner & open Anglers Inn. My dad Gean was not only my hero but my very best friend & biggest fan, I wanted you Donna & your children to know my father was so very fond, proud & amazed by everything that was Verner Ziniks. Bless you all♥ Leslie Snow Densley
Brett Sutherland
February 7, 2018
Vern was a great member of the Rotary Club of Salt Lake for many years. He is always missed.
Bob Casey
June 25, 2017
I'm a friend of Vern Zinik's son, Gary. I never met the father, but want to send condolences to this fine family.
Liz Paige
June 21, 2017
Donna,
My heart and thoughts go out to you and your family. My your memories of Verner be a comfort to you.
Sincerely,
Liz Paige
Michael McDaniel
June 20, 2017
Verner Zinik was a kind and gentle soul. A great man. I will miss him.
Debbie Hall
June 19, 2017
I only met Vern when he was admitted to The Lodge. He was very kind and gentle and it was a pleasure to work with him. Condolences to your family. He sounds like he was a wonderful man.
Debbie Hall
at The Lodge
Leslie Snow Densley
June 19, 2017
When I read this name, I stopped & was overcome with emotions. Donna & kids if I may address you. My horribly missed amazing, loving Dad, Gean Snow spent 25 years working for Verner at Zinik's. My mind is just flooded with memories of being in the store as a child & teen. Verner was always so sweet & fun when I would come to see my dad at work. He would always have me stand in front of the White Polar Bear & act like he was taking a picture of me the big hunter that bagged the bear... He always had a treat or snack that he would go in his office & get me to snack on. I remember meeting & being at several functions growing up & spending time with darling Donna. The name Verner was spoke of like a hero figure in the Snow house. My Dad respected & looked up to Verner more than I ever knew he was aware of... He educated & mentored my dad in all facets on running a retail business, but respected & allowed my Dad as manager to change, alter & embraced new & different ideas Dad had to better the business.... I so fondly remember, because Dad let me be there to watch several of the the BIG EVENT of "The Big Buck Contest" Jeep & Gun giveaway! Wow, would Zinik's be the place to be... the store would be bustling with men, women, kids, media, I remember Paul James, the sportscaster at the time interviewing my dad for an article in the Tribune... The hype & excitement was contagious in the store & hunters of all ages would submit their prized bagged hefty rack as they & all others in the crowds would wait in anticipation as Verner & Dad would take the measurements of the racks & issue its score! Can you imagine giving away a Jeep back then as a prize.. well Verner did it & for years the focus & excitement each year throughout Utah as deer season would roll around, would be everyone wanted to bag the biggest Buck to enter into Zinik's "Big Buck Contest "Jeep giveaway! Verner was a founder & pioneer in the industry & a man to be respected & admired. His willingness & desire to foster my Dad at a young age & through all the 25 years share with him his wisdom, life stories, what will work, what wont, why its done this way & so on,never give up, work harder & smarter... Verner's dedication, years spent fostering dad & his belief in my dad & his abilities was paramount in my Dad years later opening his own Fishing Store... My dad looked up to your dad like a father & never ever had but the highest praise & deep gratitude for your dad, that Verner took this young man, new out of the service, who Verner saw Dads deep commitment to conservation & his deep passion & love of the outdoors.... Plus dad could catch a fish out of anybody of water you put him in front of... Thank you Donna for your friendship with my parents, your kindness shown to me as their child.. I hope you kids know what an instrumental part your Dad played in making mine...May your tender hearts & pain felt loosing your daddy, soon be replaced with joy , pride & the gift you were given because he was your dad....Wish I could have attended the service to give you all a hug...sending courage, hope & a warm embrace....Leslie Snow ♥
Sheila Wilson
June 19, 2017
So sorry to hear about Mr. Zinik. It was a great honor to work for such a wonderful person.
Ruth Rech
June 17, 2017
We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Verner. A husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather are such huge accomplishments and a life well lived. We will miss him.
Ruth and Greg Rech
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