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Helmut Albin Franz Zaschke

May 19, 1922-May 23, 2012

Our Opa passed away peacefully at his home in Campbell River at age 90 with his son and daughter by his side. Our Opa was predesceased by the love of his life(Oma) Gerda Inga(1995) and his grandson Justin Webb(2011). Opa was born in Niederebersdorf, Czechoslovakia to his mother, Anna Fuertig, who died at his birth and his father Albin Zaschke. Opa was raised by his Grandmother, then stepmother. Opa had a colourful and interesting life growing up in Europe in a very troubled time in history working in a butcher shop as a very young man and then moving into landscaping. Opa was drafted into the military as a teenager and spent the next frew years serving in WW2 in Russia and France and as a POW. After the war, he served his apprenticeship as a bricklayer to rebuild the cities after the bombing and destruction. In 1952 he immigrated to Canada with $40 cash in his pocket, landing in Halifax, shortly thereafter moving to Victoria, working as a bricklayer. Opa met his wife of 40 years, Gerda Inga Zech, and they were married in Victoria in 1955. He later started a partnership with Hugo Hucker, building homes and commercial buildings in the Victoria area. Opa was very proud to become a Canadian citizen. He absolutely loved his new country and what it made possible for him and his family. He worked hard and enjoyed it immensely. Later he started HF Zaschke Masonry which he worked at for 35 years before retiring. Gerda passed away with ALS shortly after retirement. He moved to Campbell River after Gerda passed away to be wth his children Peter and Diane, who both lived in the area. At first he didn’t take to his new home as he loved Victoria, but as time went by, he learned to love the slower pace and life style. Opa is survived by his son, Peter Zaschke(Kim Wheeler), grandsons; Matthew, Stephen(Sara), great grandson Mason Helmut Zaschke, Dentin, Makalya, granddaughters; Kelly(Chad)(Jake), Jessie(Casey)(Opi), daughter Diane Zaschke(Art Webb), grandson Christopher. Opa was a great animal lover, from cats to dogs to wildlife. Don’t worry Opa, we will look after your Tiger! Opa will be greatly missed by all family members at dinner gatherings, birthdays and special occasions. He was the greatest father and husband anyone could ever wish for. His family meant everything to him and he would help when needed without question. We can only strive to be half the fathers, mothers, daughters and sons that this man was, and I hope all that knew him use him as a yard stick to measure their strength, compassion and love. It was an honour and privilege to be part of your life. You will be greatly missed! Donations in Opa’s name to the SPCA or Cameryn’s Cause would be appreciated in lieu of flowers. No service by request. Family celebration in Victoria at a later date.



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