Albert Edward Zemianski

Albert passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026 at the Morley House Personal Care Home in Shoal Lake, MB at the age of 94 years.

Left to cherish his memory is his son Rodney, daughter-in-law Julie, sister Phyllis Skabar, sisters-in-law Thelma Piercy and husband Wallace, Lillian Maximitch and husband Mal, Olive Matiation, Sylvia Raginski and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Albert was predeceased by his wife Janet Zemianski (nee Sitko), parents Alex and Mary Zemianski (nee Shurgot), brother Ernie and his wife Darcy, sister Cassie and her husband Walter Korol, sister Lena and her husband Stanley Waverick, brother-in-law Leonard Skabar. Parents-in-law Steve and Dora Sitko (nee Bachewich). Sisters-in-law Marcia Sitko, Joyce Niznowski and husband Peter. Brothers-in-law Bill Raginski, Frank Matiation, John Sitko and wife Beth, Frank Sitko and wife Stella, Mike Sitko and wife Sophie.

Albert Edward Zemianski was born on February 11, 1932 to parents Alex and Mary (nee Shurgot) Zemianski. He was the third child in a family of five children, which included Lena, Cassie, Albert, Phyllis and Ernie.

He was raised in the Horod area (LGD of Park) and educated at Flowers School. At the age of 18, the family moved to another farm in the RM of Rossburn, immediately south of the Farm Church.

Albert and Janet started dating when he was 22 years old and Janet 17 years old and in grade 11 at Elphinstone High School. It was then that Albert purchased his very own farmland. A quarter section immediately east of the farm where Janet was living. That same year he also started a career operating heavy machinery in road construction. They became a couple and a year later they married on July 16, 1955. They moved to Oakburn and began their life together. Their son Rodney was born on March 4 of the following year.

From 1954 - 1966, Albert worked for his brother-in-law Stanley with Waverick Construction. He built roads as an operator and later became foreman. We believe this to be his cause for his insistence that things be levelled properly. If he thought something wasn't level , you would certain to hear about it. He would often be gone for days at a time working on the job at hand and living in the construction camp. From 1967 - 1997, he worked for thr RM of Silver Creek, operating the grader and snowplough in the area. Albert had a very good reputation from the people whose roads he managed. Albert retired from the RM of Silver Creek in 1997, after 30 years. He had formed a strong ring of friendships in that area. Once back home from day on the job, he loved jumping on his tractors and other farm machinery. Maybe to do some levelling around his farm!

Albert was a gifted mechanic and was in his glory when he could repair something that was overlooked by others as being beyond repair. He would spend countless hours trying to make the impossible work. Time after time, Janet would have lunch or supper ready and where was Albert? Back at the shop of course! The thought of being beaten by a carburetor or engine was out of the question.  When he was stumped, he would appreciate advice from friends Wayne and Don. He was a personal mechanic for Rodney and together they repaired all the motors for whatever old Ford or Mercury truck or tractor that was being restored. He couldn't wait for spring to arrive each year so he could get his wrenches moving. Albert believed in getting things done right or not at all. He was a wise man. Anytime he gave advise it was worth listening to and was mostly right.

Albert had a soft spot for animals. He especially loved cats and would try to find a home for every stray cat he encountered. He rescued a stray and named it Kitty. Kitty was a wonderful companion for Albert for 17 years. Several years ago, he convinced their friend Karen Bergeson to adopt a stray. She agreed and named the cat Albert. He had an avid interest in birdwatching and was always so excited every spring to see the return of their Purple Martin colony.

Albert was quite a negotiator when it came to making a deal or setting a price on something he was wanting to buy. His comeback was always, "Now you go back and sharpen your pencil".

He kept physically active by riding his bicycle, walking, cross country skiing, curling and golfing. Albert tried golfing for the very first time when he was 65 years old. He picked up a club and sent that little white ball flying straight ahead and he was hooked! Albert absolutely loved to go fishing whether in summer or winter. Their annual trip to Lake of the Prairies with friends, camping in the motor home and boating/fishing was the highlight of their   summer. Fishing at Dauphin Lake with friends Susan and Calvin was always something he loved to do. Always more enjoyable of course if the fish were biting! When snow came, he would get busy grooming cross country trails just west of their house, for both of them to enjoy.

Albert was very involved in his town and community and was highly respected for the same. He always made an effort to be there for friends and family and to support various causes and events. Albert was a volunteer ice maker and caretaker at the rink for 20 years. He would think nothing of going to the rink at 4:00 a.m. to flood the ice and then leave for work at 6:00 a.m. He took great pride in the Oakburn Rink as well as work there. He was highly involved with the Oakburn Game and Fish Organization. Many hours of heard labor went into establishing the camping area at Seech Lake, which now enjoyed by many families. He served as President for the Oakburn Rink, the Oakburn Lions Club and the Pioneer Club. Albert was a charter member in the Oakburn Lions Club, formed in 1983. Janet also became an active member in the Oakburn Lions Club. They retired from the club in2022. Both were presented with the Melvin Jones Fellowship Awards during the club's 40th anniversary celebration in2023.

They both loved to socialize and entertain their many friends and family, either at their home in Oakburn or at their lot at Seech Lake. Many special friendships and memories were made at Seech Lake. Albert loved people and always enjoyed their company young or old. Socializing was his game.  Albert really enjoyed Halloween. While Janet focused on the treats for the kids, he was all about the tricks and pranks. Texas Hold 'Em poker games were thoroughly enjoyed with good friend Karen Bergeson and the rest of the Onanole group. They both enjoyed music and dancing. Watching them on the dance floor was something to admire as they just seemed to float gracefully. He often wished that he had learned to play a musical instrument. They loved to travel and enjoyed their trips and cruises, but he always felt so disheartened seeing underprivileged people, especially children. He had a caring personality and never liked seeing anyone unhappy. Some of their destinations included a motorhome trip to the east and west coasts , trips to Jamaica, Mexico and Greece as well as cruises to Alaska and the Panama Canal.

In the autumn of 2024, due to changes in their health, they both relocated to the Morley House Personal Care Home in Shoal Lake.

On July 16, 2025, Albert and Janet celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. A tea was held for them at the Morley House and also the Oakburn Community Hall. On both occasions, they got up and shared a dance together, much to the delight of their guests. 

Janet passed away in the Morley House Personal Care Home on December 25, 2025. Albert joined her 4 and 1/2 months later on May 11, 2026. For him, it likely felt like a lifetime. But they are together again, laughing and dancing. Remember them with smiles and laughter.