HENRY ZELINKA
Peacefully, at his home with his daughters at his side on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, Henry Bela Zelinka passed away in his 96th year. Predeceased by Nancy (Lenke Szekely), his beloved wife of 58 years, and brothers Bernard and Joseph. Loving father of Richard (Marianne) of London, Gary (Janice) of Woodstock, Mark (Michele) of Cambridge, Patti Lewis (Tom) of Newmarket and Margaret of Tottenham; fun grandfather of Andrea (Dave), Deanna, Jessica, Jonah (Ginny), Emily, Sonia (Noah), Julia, Emma, Thomas, Jordan, Ben and Tim; great grandfather to Kayla, Cole, Anika, Brooke, Camille, Cathy, Elliot and Lilly. Loved and missed by sister-in-law, Mary, and by many nieces and nephews.
Born in Toronto, the youngest son of Hungarian immigrants, Joseph and Bertha Zelinka, family was always most important to Henry. He was a hard worker, but a fun-loving man. A kind, generous and gentle man who loved people, Henry was always welcoming, loved to make people happy, loved to dance, and was usually the life of the party.
Henry was a dairyman who knew every aspect of the dairy business. With his brother, Joe, he owned and operated Sunny Farms Dairy, a small Toronto dairy started by their father. After its sale, he worked for Findlay’s Dairy, Silverwood’s Dairy and Ault Foods, excelling in customer relations, as dairies changed from small, local producers to large international corporations.
Before retiring, he and Nancy moved to RR#2 Tottenham where they embraced a rural lifestyle, started a hobby farm and found much joy in the beauty of nature and the animals they cared for. Their home became a gathering place, creating happy memories for family, friends and neighbours. Being with Henry always left a smile on your face.
The family would like to thank Gloria Merklinger whose many years of caring support enabled Henry to continue to live in his Tottenham home, and Margaret Zelinka who devoted the past two years to her father’s full-time care. Thank you to his long-time neighbours, the Longlands. Special thanks to the Bayshore and the LHIN Teams, Mary of the V.O.N. Day Program, the Palliative Care Team and the Matthew’s House Outreach Hospice who provided support so that Henry could remain at home in his last weeks.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home in Tottenham. www.rodabramsfuneralhome.com
Due to COVID restrictions, a private family service will be held on Tuesday, January 18th. Please click here to be taken to our Facebook page to view a recording of the service.
Those wishing to make a donation in Henry’s memory may consider the VON Canada Simcoe County Adult Day Program, Beeton, or Matthew’s House Hospice, Alliston.
Service
Private Family Service
Ken and Bonnie Pratt says
So very sorry to learn of your dad’s passing I can remember both your parents well as customers in the Tottenham IGA. Your father,knowing the retail business always treated the staff with respect and kindness, with his warms Ile and soft voice. Good people will always be remembered and fondly missed
Jayne Lewis says
What comes to mind for Evan and I is Henry’s love of life and his deep devotion to family. Gatherings at the farm were a highlight as well as delicious Chritmas dinners.
A fond memory? Henry’s dad jokes.
Reat in peace Henry. You will be missed by your family and all those who had the pleasure of knowing you.
Sending love and prayers to you all,
With love,
Jayne Lewis and Evan Young
Tom and Karen Ellin says
Our condolences to the zelinka family We were saddened to hear of Uncle Henry’s passing He was a wonderful man and we are left with so many fond memories
I’m reminded of a verse I think will be comforting at this time
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me all of you and who are weary and heavy burden ,and I will give you rest
Take my yoke upon you let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart,and you will resting our souls for my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden will give you rest
Rip in peace uncle Henry and you will surely be missed
Phil Merklinger says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time. We always enjoyed seeing Henry when we were visiting the Longlands next door.
Phil/Ashley and Gavin Merklinger
Pamela says
To Henry family,
I was sorry to hear of Henry’s passing. I I knew Henry from the V.O.N.
He was such a unique man, very funny and such a sweetheart. He had a kind heart and always was trying to make a joke to help someone laugh.
Henry will be missed.
Laurinda Dorn says
To Gary and all his family,
Sorry to hear of your loss, there never are correct words.
Brian Purvis says
Dear Mark and all the Zelinka family,
Losing a loved member of the family is so difficult and we are never really able to prepare ourselves for the loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Kind regards.
Brian, Marion and Merlyn
Glenn and Moira Ellin says
Please accept the sincere condolences of cousin Glenn and Moira Ellin now living in Virginia.
In many ways we are sad to have lived very far from our extended family. One of those ways is that we could not visit Uncle Henry more than once or twice in several decades. But when we did, it surely was a pleasure. What a fine, jovial, entertaining person he was!
The apostle Luke said in Acts chapter 24, verse 15, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. We are certain that Uncle Henry will be among the righteous.
S Wyatt says
Thinking of the family during this sad time. May special memories give you comfort. With our sincere condolences,
Steve, Susan and Spencer Wyatt
Linda DiMatteo (Guthrie) says
So sorry for the loss of your Father..May you all find peace.
Donna Pettalia says
My heartfelt condolences to Margaret and the entire Zelinka Family on the lost of your most cherish Father and Grandfather. May memories warm your hearts at this most difficult time.