Suddenly, Zenith Daiter passed away on May 27, 2012 at the age of 82. Zen is survived by his loving children, Debra Mayer and husband Norm, Sharon Heidinger and husband Garry of Ottawa, grandchildren Matthew (Erin), Jesse (Katrina) and Seth Mayer and Brandon Heidinger, and great granddaughter Calista Belle Mayer; brother Morley (Gloria) of Toronto, brother- in-law Irvin Plosker (Sandra), as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Belle, his parents Saul and Sarah, brother and sister-in-law Phil and Dorothy, and brother-in-law Morris Plosker.

Zen was born July 22, 1929 in Kenora, where he graduated from Lakewood High School. Later he attended Lakehead Technical Institute in Thunder Bay and Success Business College in Winnipeg where he met the love of his life, Belle. They married March 2, 1952 and shortly thereafter moved back to Kenora, where they were involved in the motel and grocery businesses. After their return to Winnipeg in 1962, they continued in the grocery business for many years, first with Variety Fruit Ltd. and then with Bluebell Grocers. Later in life, Zen worked in sales, finishing his successful career in the insurance industry.

At 6’2, Zen was larger than life, and was well known as a man of integrity, as someone to trust and depend on. Family was the centre of his life. He enjoyed spending time with his daughters, their husbands and his four grandsons of whom he was so proud. He was blessed with the chance to love and hold his great-granddaughter Calista Belle in his final months. Although diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in his late 50’s, for many years Zen lived his life fully with Belle by his side, sharing many pastimes especially travelling and watching figure skating.

He spent his final 8 years in the personal care home system; most of them at the Simkin Centre where his active role on the Residents’ Council and many good ideas helped other residents have a better quality of life. Zen’s family thanks the nurses an aides on Weinberg 3, the recreational and rehab staff, Carla Kehler and his companion Rosalina Hernandez for their care.

Zen’s funeral was held May 30 2012 at Etz Chaim Synagogue with internment at the Bnay Abraham Cemetery. Pallbearers were Norm Mayer, Garry Heidinger, Jesse and Seth Mayer, Brandon Heidinger and Sam Mayer. If so desired, donations may be made to Parkinson Society Manitoba in his loving memory.