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. A video recording of the service will be available through the funeral home web site.
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.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Henry Zelinka 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Tottenham, Province: Ontario