Ted passed away peacefully at Kelowna General Hospital at the age of 79 on 24^th February 2023 following a brain bleed on 18^th February. Ted was surrounded by family and an outpouring of love and well wishes in his final days.

Born in Coleman, Alberta on 8^th December 1943, Tadeusz Michael was the youngest of five children for Michael Ziajka and Mary Simla. Ted was predeceased by his parents and siblings Annie, Joseph and Helen and is survived by his sister Josephine Virginia of Calgary.

In 1966, Ted met Phyllis Spence Gray who became his wife in 1968, they were married for almost 55 years. Ted will be deeply missed by his wife, Phyllis, his daughters, Sheelah Carlyn Ziajka of Istanbul, Turkey and Jennifer Sarah Nelson of Osoyoos, BC, and his grandson Tariq Alexander Ziajka of Istanbul who currently resides with him and Phyllis in Osoyoos. Ted is predeceased by his youngest grandson Callum Marcus Michael Ziajka and son-in-law Brian Wade Nelson.

Ted put a high importance on family and being there to support and celebrate each other so he will also be missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as his dear Aunt Marj.

Ted and his wife Phyllis moved to Osoyoos in 2006 following his retirement from the University of Calgary. Their move to Osoyoos was to be closer to Sheelah and Tariq in Vancouver and Jennifer in Osoyoos. Ted spent many enjoyable hours on the Osoyoos Golf Course and morning coffees with his McDonald’s group. He also found fulfillment working and volunteering with the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association, Ted joked that he would happily work for wine. His friendly, outgoing nature and ability to share knowledge without arrogance made him an excellent mentor.  His retirement also allowed him to frequently visit Sheelah and Tariq after they moved to Istanbul, Turkey and winter with Phyllis in Tucson, Arizona for 16 years.

Ted always looked for the best in people and thus had many friends, close relationships with extended family, and the ability to make people comfortable immediately upon meeting him; this special quality means his loss will be felt widely but he would want to be remembered through enjoyment of a glass of wine, a great game of golf, quality time with people who are special to you, and creating memories so you live on forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Ted in July when his oldest daughter, Sheelah, joins the family in Canada for his grandson’s high school graduation. In lieu of flowers the family asks for you to make a donation is Ted’s memory to JoeAnna’s House in Kelowna where families are able to remain close to their loved ones during treatments and traumatic circumstances at Kelowna General Hospital. https://joeannashouse.com/give/

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com