Al Zaba well known for his charitable work, support of military

Illness wasn't enough to steal the honour of a veteran.

Despite months of poor health, 83-year-old Al Zaba stood proudly and took the salute from passing troops during Sunday's Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Zaba died Wednesday morning after several months of declining health.

"He stood and took the salute along side Brig.-Gen. Louis Meloche," said Rob Warman, who worked with Zaba at the Veteran's' Club of Barrie. "He was asked by the legion in Barrie to attend and it was something that he wanted to do."

That tenacity was a keystone in how Zaba faced life either with the military or as his years as a businessman.

Zaba's relationship with the area goes back to 1960 when he was an independent grocer, opening three stores, A&M Super Food Mart in Barrie and Angus.

"He was very proud of his store and it showed," said Barrie lawyer and longtime friend Bruce Owen. "He was the salt of the earth, very forthright. He never presented himself as something that he wasn't."

Charities in the area also knew Zaba's generosity.

"Regardless of the charity, if he thought he could help, he would," Owen said. "If the charity was selling hot dogs at their event, he would donate them.

"He was a titan in the community."

Barrie MP Patrick Brown doesn't mince words when he talks about the former businessman, veteran and charity supporter.

"I saw him at the cenotaph on Sunday and I had hoped that his health had turned around. I am saddened to hear about his passing," Brown said.

"You know, he was a real asset to the community. The first time I met him was at a pancake breakfast with Joe Tascona, when I was 15 or 16 years old, and I found out that he was a good friend of my grandfather, Joe Tascona Sr.

"I got the impression that day listening to him talk about my grandfather that he knew everybody in town, and that's really why Barrie still has that small town feeling, those connections."

Zaba was always proud of his career with the Canadian Forces and showed it in a lot of tangible ways.

"He was instrumental in refurbishing the war memorials in both Barrie and Angus," Brown said. "He was a titan in this community, not only with his work as a businessman, but with charitable causes like cancer research and others.

"It really is a black day in the community."

Memorial arrangements have not been finalized.

jt.mcveigh@sunmedia.ca

Source: http://www.thebarrieexaminer.com/2012/11/14/al-zaba-well-known-for-his-charitable-work-support-of-military

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