Obituary of Zak Magula

It is with profound sadness that the family of Zachary Valentine Magula announce his passing on May 5, 2021, following a very short and difficult battle with cancer.  He passed away in the arms of his father.  Zak will be lovingly remembered and forever in the hearts of: his parents, Steve and Jeannie; sisters, Jayne and Ali Lacki (Jason); niece, Marina; nephew, Tommy; cousin, Albert; and extended family, Jadyn and Jacob Lacki.  He also leaves numerous friends and coworkers from North Prairie and special neighbor Maggie.  

Zak was predeceased by furry family members Schooner, and Fluffy.   

Due to Covid restrictions, a private service and celebration will take place for immediate family members.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to light a candle, raise a glass in treasured memory and for those wishing to do so, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society for Pancreatic Cancer Research.  

The family would like to thank EMS and other first responders on May 5.  Thanks to Dr. Ahmed, the entire palliative team in the community, and the team at the Cancer Centre that Zak briefly got to know.  A special thank you to Shauna at the Cancer Centre, also, all of the nurses and doctors that helped Zak over the last month and a half.   

Zak was born in Saskatoon and spent his first few years in BC., then returned to Saskatoon with his family.  He grew up in Montgomery, with many special memories made.  Zak had many furry pets, and birds, aka love birds, turtles and other little animals he took great care of growing up.  

Upon graduation from E.D. Feehan, he started to work with his father.  He showed a natural talent and workmanship right from the beginning.  He developed a work ethic, tradesman ship and an eye for proportion and detail.  He visualized the steps needed in a job and completed it with the finest craftsmanship.  This work ethic was acknowledged by his peers and coworkers but most of all by his father, Steve.  Their duo was the ultimate pairing.  A father/son team that was unrivalled and unparalleled for the skills, professionalism, and quality of work they created and produced over more than two decades together.  He developed a comradery with his coworkers that held special meaning for him.

Zak took the DIY (do it yourself) jobs around the house and cabin to a whole new level.  If he needed to learn something, he would research it, YouTube it, and then do it.  His MacGyver skills were seen everywhere from adding a dimmer switch to a lamp for the ambiance, to doing all the electrical work at the cabin, and also if you needed some plumbing work, he was your guy.  Self-reliance was his signature trait, and this allowed him a strength that was exceptional and admired and only people that knew him could attest to.

Outside of work, he took his role of uncle with great pride.  Never missing a birthday, opportunity to play a game and giving the most original gifts ever, for example an opened bag of chips.  He wanted to make sure they were good.  As a brother, helping his sisters he took a proud role in.  From helping one of sisters to pay for her nursing license with no hesitation, to dropping everything to lend a hand, a ride or his time just because “I’m your brother”. 

Thank you for being our son, our brother, our family member, our friend, you were the best.  I hope you are with Schooner and Fluffy, and lots of corgies and nice trucks with good engines, and really good tools.  We love you!