I still miss you Giovanni. I hope you are eating well in heaven. 🩵

So sorry to hear about the passing of  your father. I first met your dad (he wanted me to call him John and not Mr. Zen) in the early 1990s at a trust company where I was involved in the mortgage financing on some of his properties. We reconnected in the early 2000s after I moved to work at CMHC. I always looked forward to our many luncheon meetings; I would get a phone call late in the morning  that he was going to pick me up for lunch; not sure whether to look for the Honda Accord or the Rolls!!! He was so proud in talking about his family which was intertwined  with lots of stories and laughs to go along with our business dealings where I always found him to be a man of his word. 
He also never forgot my family at Christmas - a gift bag would suddenly appear at my office filled with some nougat, panettone bread and, of course,  a bottle of wine!!!
I consider myself very fortunate to have met such a man and cherish the fond memories that I have of  him and know he will always be there in spirit.
God Bless

Carissima Manuela & Family,
We are sorry to hear of your father Giovanni’s  passing.  
Our deepest condolences to you and your family in Canada & Italy.
Un forte abbraccio,
Jackie & Nicola 

My condolences to Giovanni's family. I enjoyed knowing Giovanni, and his love of life. He was a great story teller, and a genuine character. The world is poorer today.  I will miss him.  

Commandante Giovanni Zen  De Republica Italia, was a wonderful man, big of heart, kind and generous and devoted to his family and Church.
To me he was first and foremost a Spiritual Brother, a good friend and business associate.
I pray  for his onward journey to be one with the Lord, Amen
In the words of Rumi, No one is dead until forgotten.
May God Bless his soul, and comfort  his family at this time of deep sadness, Amen

Sincerely Farouk Verjee


To the Zen Family,
We were so sorry to learn of the passing of Giovanni. Giovanni was more than an employer - he was a very good friend ...... but more like a brother.
When Erasmo came to Canada, Giovanni and Family were like his second family.

Rest in peace Giovanni and thank you for all your kindness.

Condolences to all the family,

Erasmo and Julie Paoletti

Zen Family,

John, you are a great guy and I look up to you and I am very thankful for all you for the many things you decided to do for me and my Family.

You will be missed and not forgotten.

One million and more prayers for you my Friend.

Troy the Roofer and the Family

I first met Giovanni in the mid 1970s but our relationship really became much closer during the past 20 years or so.  I share the thoughts of others with respect to his generosity, kindness and love of a good meal with people he truly loved, and was very honoured to be included many times.
When I was hospitalized a few years ago Giovanni visited me every morning on his way to work.  He came very early, outside of visiting hours and announced his presence with a booming "Hello beautiful girl, how is my friend today?"  He then walked straight to my room, nobody could possibly keep him out.  That persistence and determination was a part of his character that made him so successful in all that he did.  He just kept "pushing ahead" as he said.
One year he appeared at my door with a handsaw and took me into the woods and cut a Christmas tree for me.  We must have looked ridiculous, two old men in the rain and snow and mud hacking away at scrubs in the bush.  I will always remember that Christmas and especially that very beautiful little tree.   
My most sincere condolences to the entire Zen family.   I share your sadness, John  was a very special person, larger than life itself and he leaves behind so many lives touched forever.

On behalf of the Peretti, Pozzato and Soligo families we would like to pass on our sincere condolences to the Zen family.   Our hearts are saddened to learn of your loss, please know we are with you in our thoughts and prayers.  Warm Regards.

To all of the  Zen family , our condolences to all of you. He will be dearly missed 

I shared a few lunches with Giovanni, and he always had great stories  , some dinners , and also went to midnight mass with him. 

And he asked me to do a collection. , so I did. And he said you did a good collection 

Now go back and do another collection, we raised a lot of money for the church that night , and had fun . 

Rest In Peace Giovanni, we need more people like him 

Giovanni was a kind  and respectful , helpful  , and humorous humble ,bigger than life character  🙏🙏🙏



It is with great sadness that I have lost a good friend who always brought a good message, with laughter and love. I will miss you my old friend, until we meet again.

Regards,
Walter Porcellato and family

To the Zen Family

Sending our condolences to you

Maria Camazzola & Family

OUR FAVOURITE NEIGHBOUR..ALWAYS DROPPING OFF VEGETABLES OR SALAD     WE ALWAYS KNEW WHEN JOHN WAS HOME BECAUSE HIS WONDERFUL BOOMING VOICE WOULD CARRY OVER TO OUR PATIO.    HE WAS A PLEASURE TO KNOW AND A GREAT FRIEND TO HAVE    WE THOUGHT HE WOULD BE AROUND FOREVER.     IRENE AND BARRY KIRKHAM

Cara Famiglia Zen,

My children loved being with Nicolas, Nolan and Giorgia when Nonno was visiting.  He was full of love and admiration and provided generously to their car washes, lemonade stands or just going for ice cream ... 

A couple of times, Roger and Karen invited us for dinner alongside Nonna and Nonno Zen - evening were always filled with laughter + great conversation.  I recall Giovanni watching me pour wine into my glass with the bottle cap still on - he just smiled and giggled with me:) 

We love you all and send our deepest condolences, 

Nadia Vidas and Doug Hammond + Abby + Aidan

Roger, Moreno and family
We first met John about 20 years ago.  In that time we shared many stories of our family and his Italian History and of course his keen business sense.  He always greeted us with a smile and shaking hands with him was like putting your hand into a large but warm shovel!  Enjoyed many Saturday mornings at the Refinery with him sharing  stories, Tim Hortons coffee and doughnuts, and John telling us how things "Are Really Done".  He always greeted  my wife, Angie,  with "Hello Lovely Lady - with a huge smile".  John was a man we could trust.  Firming up a real estate deal with a hand shake was the way he liked to do business.   His greatest joy was his family and his wife who was his life partner, in good times and bad.  He spoke often of his family  back home in Italy and loved to go home.  John,  your life has made a huge difference to your family and you will be missed.   We know your kindness will carry on with your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and so on.  Love and God Bless you.  Our deepest condolences. Don and Angie MacDonald

A true gentleman, he made the Jardines feel special. Deepest condolances

I have known Giovanni for over 50 years and  have  nothing but fond memories of the time I have spent with him. He was a man of his word as one did not need a piece of paper to witness the deal 
Sincere condolences to the Zen family 
Nelson Skalbania 

Our deepest condolences to the Zen Family of the loss of Giovanni. Our prayers are with you. 
Famiglia Rancan

My sincerest condolences to Carla, Moreno, Manuela, Roger and their respective families.  Mr. Zen was larger than life, both as a family man and a business man.  I spent many dinners with the Zen family and their guests and Mr. Zen was the consummate host.  Lots of wine, lively discussion, and laughter.  Though his size and presence could be intimidating to some (including me at times!), his love for his family could reduce him to sentimental tears.  I am so sorry for your loss.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Comm. Giovanni Zen

23 janvier 1935 – 27 juin 2021

Hollyburn Funeral Home

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