Percy George Zeiler

ZEILER - Percy George

Percy Zeiler, 79, of Didsbury, AB passed away suddenly on Saturday, April 19, 2014 at Rockyview General Hospital in Calgary, from cardiac arrest following a successful urinary bladder surgery. Percy was born on November 17, 1934 at Rabbit Lake, SK. He married Lorraine Brossart on October 2, 1957 in Allan, SK. Percy is survived by his wife Lorraine of 56 years, 8 children: Deborra Kwan, Michele Hassen (Perry), Kelly Hansen (Brad), Patti Bildfell (Darren), Tracy Block (Doug), Cynthia Gruber (Andreas), Janell Kopplhuber (Libert), Graeme Zeiler (Laura); 20 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers; Reynold (Doreen), Edwin (Irene), Leo (Gayle) and numerous nieces and nephews. Percy is predeceased by his parents Roy and Helen Zeiler. Percy was raised on the farm outside Allan, but in his early 20’s moved to the city. He pursued a career in meat cutting with Safeway in Saskatoon and later selling life insurance for Crown Life in Regina. Percy became a successful businessman and entrepreneur. He owned and operated the Imperial Hotel and Dairy Bar in Fillmore, SK, the Imperial Hotel - Percy’s Palace (bar) and the Westwind Motel in Swift Current and finally Parkland Agri Services (1981) Ltd. in Didsbury. Percy was a community minded individual and actively involved in the Lions Club and Knights of Columbus for many years. He had a public life as Alderman for the City of Swift Current, and was Chairman of the 1976 Saskatchewan Summer Games held in Swift Current. He loved to travel with Lorraine; touring Great Britain, Europe, Russia, Latin America, Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand. He enjoyed driving and RVing, and over the years, he and Lorraine logged tens of thousands of kilometres travelling throughout Canada, US and Mexico. After retiring, he eagerly looked forward every fall to spending their winter in Mesa, AZ. He was a downhill skier and avid golfer, however in later years passed his time wood working, playing cards, and meeting for morning coffee with his buddies. He was a huge football, curling, hockey and baseball fan. Spending time with family was especially important to him, in particular seeing his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will always be remembered as a loving, caring, generous man with a sense of humour and twinkle in his eye. He will be greatly missed by all. Prayer Service and Visitation on Tuesday April 29 at 7:00 pm, St. Stephen’s Catholic Church on 4302 57th Ave, Olds, AB. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so from 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm. The Celebration of Life on Wednesday April 30, 2014 at 11:00 am, St. Stephen’s Catholic Church. Private family interment of the ashes Wednesday afternoon. In lieu of flowers, donations in Percy’s memory may be made to Southern Alberta Institute of Urology, Rockyview General Hospital, 6th Floor Parking Structure, 7007 14th St. SW, Calgary, AB T2V 1P9. The family thanks Dr. Martin Duffy and the nursing staff on Unit 82, and Dr. John Kortbeek and the ICU team for their dedication and exceptional care.