ZDUNICH
Dion
April 22, 1976 - January 3, 2019
Dion Zdunich passed away unexpectedly in Victoria, BC, on January 3rd, 2019. If anyone’s earned the right to RIP, it is him. Dion crammed more living into his 42 years than most people do in 142. Born April 22, 1976 in Calgary, he lived a purposeful, meaningful life, eschewing material trappings in favour of people, relationships and experiences. And he was doing it long before living mindfully, in the here and now, became so trendy. For Dion, there were no shades of grey. He had clear beliefs, stands and opinions on virtually everything. And was a lion in more ways than his shock of red hair and regal stature. When it came to fighting for the people, events, initiatives, and causes he
believed in, Dion was a force of nature. He gave his entire being to them—his fiery passion, his inimitable creativity, his time, and his money. In a world where thousands supposedly “have your back”—Dion Zdunich actually did, regardless of the personal cost. He is survived by his parents, Allan & Lucille Zdunich, June Evans & Tom Wilson, his sister, Jillian Zdunich, several aunts and uncles, and numerous cousins. And he is predeceased by his grandparents, Ernie & Velma Evans, John & Olga Zdunich. Also, his aunt Marlene Zdunich, uncles Ken Moore, John Nordlee, and Alex Wilson, and infant cousin Bobbi Jo Obrigavitch. Dion will be achingly missed by his family and friends, who, thanks to his nomadic lifestyle, stretch from the west coast to the best coast. And he will leave an equally large hole in the worlds of many thousands of Canadians in the marketing, music, theatre, and craft brewing communities, whose lives he touched, deeply, through his imaginative writing, quick sense of humour, tireless charitable work, and passionate pursuit of putting things right. There will be a Farewell to Dion Service on Sunday, January 27th, at 2pm at Kenaston Place in Kenaston, SK. We will then be remembering Dion the way he would have wanted—surrounded by family, friends, and refreshments, during a Last Call With Dion on Sunday, February 3rd, between 2 and 5 p.m., at the Royal Canadian Legion in Calgary; 116, 7th Avenue SE. All those who knew him are encouraged to join us for one, or both, these occasions. For those who can’t attend either, and are searching for a way to honour and remember him, the solution isn’t flowers or donations. Just carry on his spirit and legacy of selfless generosity. Take someone less fortunate for lunch or a coffee, pop some coins in a homeless person’s cup, reward a busker, or just listen attentively to the story of someone who is outside your day-to-day frame of reference.
Written by Dion’s friend, Charles Blackwell
