ZAZULA: Brent Daniel
August 13, 1971 - April 14, 2014
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Brent Zazula on Monday, April 14, 2014. Brent was born on August 13, 1971, and was the second youngest son of Metro and Helen (nee Winnichyn) Zazula. Brent was raised in Fosston, SK and attended Rose Valley School until 1986. At that time, Brent and his family moved to Humboldt where he completed the remainder of his schooling. It was while living in Humboldt that Brent's love for the game of hockey began. Brent loved all sports, but hockey was his passion. The Edmonton Oilers were his team and Grant Fuhr, his idol. Brent was a talented goalie himself, playing with teams throughout British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, and also with a league in California for a time. While playing in the Alberta Junior Hockey League for the Drayton Valley Crusaders, he set a record for facing the most shots in a game and that record stands to this day. Brent also shared of his time and talents with others while working in a hockey store, and later when coaching children's teams. Brent was also very creative-he had an eye for arts and design and throughout his life found ways to express this in some interesting ways. After leaving high school, he moved to California where he attended a design school to advance his gift of drawing and animation. After completing the first year of courses, he returned to Saskatchewan for summer work, and unfortunately, he sustained an injury to his hand that prevented him from pursuing his education in animation. However, rather than letting this setback be the end of his artistic expression, he chose to channel that gift in other directions using a variety of materials and techniques. He created unique artistic designs for goalie helmets as well as putting his signature art on hockey gloves. Brent had a gift for tile work and created many pieces of art using tile and grout mosaic designs, one in particular, his beautiful piece depicting the "Mother Mary" which is still in St. Augustine Parish today. Brent was presently residing in Humboldt and was employed at Schulte Industries. Brent will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his mother, Helen (nee Winnichyn) Zazula; four brothers, two sisters, and their families: Bradley and son David; Barry (Diane) and children Brittany and Tyler; Leann (Darryl) and daughter Payge; Lynn (Mike) and son Brandon; Brian; and Wesley (Cathee); numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and relatives; and also his hockey buddies. He was predeceased by his father, Metro Zazula; grandparents Alex and Mary Winnichyn and Steve and Ann Zazula; uncles: Johnny and Mike Winnichyn, Cec Irvine, and Lenny Zazula. The Funeral Mass was offered at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, Humboldt, on Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at 10:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Gregory Roth. Others taking part were: Brandon Karashowski, crossbearer; Michelle Lees-Senko and MaKenzie Senko, scripture readers; Cathee Badon, intentions; Brittney Zazula and Payge Galambos, giftbearers; Sharleen Therres and Angie Zwarych, memorial table attendants. Music ministry was provided by director Loretta Schugmann, organist Marie Aubin, and members of the St. Augustine Parish Funeral Choir. Honorary pallbearers were Brent's brothers Brad, Barry, Brian and Wes, and his nephews Brandon Karashowski, David Hilbig and Tyler Zazula. Active pallbearers were Doug Weninger, Robby Frank, Vince Twerdy, Jake Lees, Cory Therres, Gord Kieffer, Ray Strueby, Dennis Zwarych, Trevor Buchko, Rhett Trombley and Jeremy Timmerman. Interment will take place at BBA Cemetery, Fosston, SK, at a later date. Memorial donations may be directed to either St. Augustine Parish or Humboldt District Hospital. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
