In Celebration of Harry Zarins

December 30, 2016

A man of integrity, loyalty, and generosity, Harry was the best father, husband, son, brother, and friend you could have. He died in Ottawa with complications from Lymphoma with his family by his side. 
He was married to Jane Kelly and had two wonderful children, Nicholas (Montreal) and Alexa (Antigonish, N.S.), a brother, Peter (Maryse) and several nieces and nephews. 

Born in Montreal to immigrant parents Elisabeth Wurdinger (Germany) and Nikoljas Zarins (Latvia), he was a proud Canadian. He attended Darcy McGee High School, then McGill University. He worked enthusiastically in the field of athletics at McGill University, University of Victoria, and Concordia as Director of Athletics. He later moved to Ottawa and worked with Water Polo and Soccer associations. He became the Executive Director of Brain Injury Canada and with passion he brought the association from a small grass roots organization to national conference status. 
An avid Football fan, he became a certified referree in which he enjoyed the camraderie of the team and was involved in both the amateur level and the CFL. 
In his last month he discovered that he loved painting through the encouragement of May Court Hospice. He was optimistic and determined to the end. 
“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” 
In Harry’s memory please consider a donation to May Court Hospice Ottawa or Brain Injury Canada.