Obituary of Mickey Zwack
DOUGLAS GORDON MICHAEL “MICKEY” ZWACK
On November 20, 1943, Andrew and Ruth Zwack were happy to announce the arrival of their second son, Douglas Gordon Michael “Mickey” Zwack. Prince Albert’s west end was home for Mickey throughout his childhood. As a youth he spent many hours doing odd jobs, playing baseball and exploring the city.
On his 17th birthday, Mickey joined the army, did his basic training, and was posted to Calgary, before being shipped off to Germany. Later he redeployed to Cypress as part of the UN Peacekeepers. When he returned to Canada in 1966, he married Audrey Erdman. They lived in Victoria for a little over a year while Mickey finished out his military career. In February of 1967, they returned to Prince Albert, bought farmland at White Star and Mickey started his new career as a farmer. On November 30, 1968, their first son, Theodore “Ted” was born and just over a year later Lloyd came along.
Like many farmers, Mickey took on various jobs to supplement the family income. However, in February,1970 he hit the jackpot when he was hired at the Prince Albert Pulp Mill. He worked there for the next 35 years until his retirement in 2005.
In 1974 Mickey joined Scouts Canada and was an active member for more than 20 years. During that time, he attended a number of World Jamborees and was a key organizer for Beavers in Prince Albert. Mickey was recognized for his dedication to Scouts and received various medals and awards. A highlight of his many years with Scouts was attending the 1991 World Jamboree in Korea. Mickey also served as a Director at St. John Bosco Camp, and was a Board member for the Saskatchewan Forestry Association during which time he was instrumental in organizing “Walk in the Forest”, an annual 26 km walk through the beautiful Red River Park.
Cross-country skiing was a big part of Mickey’s winters. He enjoyed skiing the trails with his sons and brother George. He was recognized as the only skier who accomplished ten consecutive years without ever missing a race. After hanging up his skis, Mickey took up hiking and spent many happy hours walking the trails in P.A. National Park and around the northern lakes.
For a young man from the prairies the experience of serving impacted Mickey greatly and throughout the years he never lost his love for the “army”. Once settled in Prince Albert Mickey became an avid collector of all things military and over his lifetime secured a very impressive collection. When it came to the military, Mickey’s mind was a steel trap. He read and researched constantly and amazed us all with the extent of his knowledge. For a number of years, in keeping his link with the army, he held the position of Saskatchewan Director with the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping.
Because of his service, both military and community, Mickey received many awards, far too many to mention. Some included Scouts Canada National awards, 1982 Medal of Merit and 1991 Silver Acorn. In 2003, he was presented with the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and in 2024 his final volunteer recognition, the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Saskatchewan).
In 1991, he met Diane Maier and for the rest of his life she was his partner, caregiver and best friend. Mickey loved to travel and together they toured from coast to coast throughout Canada and the United States. They also travelled to other countries exploring the cultures of Thailand, Vietnam, China, Iceland and Costa Rica. Their keen interest in meeting people from other cultures always made for a great trip.
During their time together, Mickey became stepdad and “Grandpa” to Diane’s family and always enjoyed time spent with them.
Mickey left us very suddenly on February 16, 2025, after a brief and unexpected illness. The family wishes to thank all those who cared for him at River Breeze and special thanks to the 5th Floor nurses at Victoria Hospital. Their kindness and quality care during his last hours was very much appreciated.
Left to grieve are Mickey’s life partner, Diane Maier; his son, Ted (Renee) and daughters, Alysha (Jordan) and Samantha; his son, Lloyd and children, Heidi and Aiden; his step-daughters, Janet Maier-Denis (Paul), Tricia Maier, Andrea Caines (Cliff) and Kristie Heil (Scott); his brothers, George Zwack (Darlene) and Andy Zwack (Dorothy); his sister-in-law, Ilene Zwack; Ted and Lloyd’s mother, Audrey Zwack; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Mickey was predeceased by his parents, Andy and Ruth Zwack; his brother, David Zwack; his sister, Audrey Hucul; his brother-in-law, George Hucul, and his daughter-in-law, Val Zwack.
A Celebration of Mickey’s Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Prince Albert Armoury, 17 Exhibition Drive, Prince Albert. Interment at White Star Cemetery will follow the service. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Tracy-Lynn Lenchuk, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.
GOD BLESS HIS SOUL. MAY HE REST IN PEACE
