Leonard Albert Zinyk
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Leonard Albert Zinyk on February 26, 2026, at the age of 92 years.
Len was born in Radway, Alberta to parents Wasyl and Anna Zinyk on May 25, 1933. He was the youngest of 12 children, with 7 brothers and 4 sisters. He maintained close relationships with all of his siblings throughout his life.
After grade 12 graduation, Len moved to Edmonton where he completed his Bachelor of Education Degree at the University of Alberta in 1956. Len met Doreen Carruthers while they were both attending the University of Alberta. Len and Doreen went on to be married in 1959. Len later added to his education by completing his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics in 1963. The majority of Len’s teaching career was spent as the head of the math department at Jasper Place High School in Edmonton. Len retired from full time teaching in 1988 but continued to work as a substitute teacher for many years.
After 27 years of marriage, Len lost Doreen to cancer on December 12, 1986. On the same day, Eva lost her first husband Jack, also to cancer. Through friendship and grieving Len and Eva developed their relationship that led to their marriage on July 18, 1987. Len and Eva were married for 38 years until Len’s passing.
Len had many hobbies. He loved to travel and was able to go on many trips throughout his life. He loved to be in his garden and would spend hours landscaping in his yards. Len enjoyed carpentry and wood working and even built his beloved cabin on Sandy Lake where he hosted many gatherings of friends and family. Len enjoyed following sports especially his Edmonton Oilers Hockey and Edmonton Eskimos Football.
Len was devoted to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His church and his faith were the cornerstone of his life.
Len was predeceased by his first wife and mother of his children, Doreen Zinyk (Carruthers), in 1986. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Eva Zinyk (Cooney), children Robin Nicol (Bob), Darren (Lisa), Dawn, and step-children Dave Cooney (Carmen), Russell Cooney (Sherri), and Patti Karaim (Scott). Len is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to express their deepest appreciation for the prayers and well wishes sent to Len and Eva during his short stay in hospital, and for the continued support and prayers for his family during this difficult time.
Celebration of Life
11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2026
West Meadows Baptist Church
9333-199 Street, NW Edmonton, Alberta.
A private family burial will take place prior to this celebration.
Memorial donations may be made to the Water For Life fund at lifetoday.org/give/.
Jim and I send our heartfelt condolences to Auntie Eva, Robin, Darren, Dawn and their extended families. We are sad for your loss.
THANKS for being a High School Teacher I had at Jasper Place High School and Knowing You from Various Churches since the 1980’s Mr. Zinyk and You will be Missed and Sending ALL Your Families / Friends Prayers for PEACE and Yes Thank You for being a Friend since the 1980’s !!
I’m also Thankful for the Many Chats and Prayers we had for Our Families too !!
REST in Peace till we Meet again !!
Your Friend
Mr. Robert Soloview
Len was my department head when I taught at Jasper Place School. I remember him for his thoughtfulness, kindness and intelligence. My condolences to his family. He shall be missed.
Jack and I also relay our heartfelt condolences to our beloved Aunty Eva and the extended Zinyk and Cooney family. I, Karen, hold wonderful memories of spending time with Uncle Len and Aunty Eva. Len was a true gentleman, a kind person who made every effort to affirm my strengths and encourage me in my Christian walk. I observed how Len and Eva found great fulfillment in serving the Lord as a couple, faithful to study God’s word and to quietly respond with compasson to the needs of others. It is a comfort to know that, by the grace of God, I will one day join Uncle Len in the Heavenlies. We rejoice in the assurance that though he is absent in the body, Uncle Len is present with the Lord Jesus. Sending our love, Jack and Karen
Mr. Zinyk was a kind and caring high school teacher and one that I respected greatly. He was my teacher for Bookkeeping 10, 20 and 30 I believe. That is so long ago. He wrote in my yearbook that I was an asset with no liabilities. May you rest in peace.
Sincerely
Deb Hageman Boelstler
I stand to be corrected. Mr. Zinyk was my math teacher and was a very patient man. I was not good at math. I miss identified him as my bookkeeping teacher. Mr. Zinyk was my teacher for Math 10 I believe. That was over 50 years ago now but he did make a difference in my younger years.
Sincerest condolences to your family. I think Robin was in some of my classes so so long ago.
Deb Hageman Boelstler
Dear Eva, Robin, Darren, Dawn, and families,
Sending our condolences and deepest sympathies on the passing of Uncle Len. We are sorry for your loss. Praying for his repose and you all during this difficult time.