In Memory Of

Zane Martin Sakal

Oct 4, 1943 - Sep 15, 2026

Service

Monday, September 21, 2026
1:00 pm
Eckville Community Centre

Obituary

In loving memory of

Zane Martin Sakal

It is with great sadness we share that Zane passed away at the Rocky Mountain House Hospital on Tuesday September 15th 2026, at the age of 82.

Zane was born on October 4th, 1943 in Canora Saskatchewan. He was the 4th of 8 children born to William and Sadie Sakal. He spent his early childhood years in Mikado and White Beach, Sk until his family moved to “the farm” in Renwer, Manitoba. In his later teenage years, Zane went to work with his Dad, cutting pulp around the Swan Valley. At the age of 19, Zane moved to Langley, BC, and lived with his sister Lee and worked as a salmon fisherman with his brother in law Bill. After returning to the Swan Valley, came his love of operating heavy equipment. He worked for the Department of Highways and the Town of Swan River where he spent 33 years as the heavy equipment operator. Zane also had many other talents, like butchering meat, a skill he has passed down to his Son-in-law and Grandson. You could often find him on his ford tractor working on his acreage or doing gardens for many people around Swan River. When the work was done, Zane enjoyed nothing more than to get out into nature; camping, fishing and hunting with family and friends.

Zane married his “pretty girl from Pretty Valley”, Ruby Kowalevsky, on August 30, 1969. Together they enjoyed 57 years of life together, welcoming two daughters, Christine in 1972 and Judy in 1976.

Zane’s biggest priority was his family and he made a point of ensuring his girls got to enjoy family vacations every year. Those family trips continued with the addition of his two son-in-laws and four grand children. As well as, many trips Zane and Ruby enjoyed with their siblings and extended family.

Zane found fulfillment in doing companion work with residents of the Personal Care Home. He would take residents out for coffee and lemon pie, played checkers with them and even took a few out to the bar for a drink. (family approved).

Zane leaves his life’s memories with his loving wife Ruby Sakal (nee Kowalevsky); daughters Christine (Cory) Cooley and Judy (Randy) Cowan and his four grandchildren; Samantha (Jackson) Morrison and great grandson Bennett. Tyler Cooley (girlfriend Caleigh). Courtney (Braedy) Peacock and great grandson Hudson. Austin Cowan (girlfriend Trinity)

Sisters: Lee Leung, Sonia Kereluk (Bill) Brothers; Lawrence, Bill (Elaine), Eugene (Gail) & Leonard (Denise) . As well as numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Zane was predeceased by his parents William & Sadie and sister Elaine Mudry
brother in laws: Peter Leung, Victor Kereluk, Mike Mudry, Sister in laws : Gwen Sakal and Elsie Sakal.

Zane’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Memory Lane at the Good Samaritan Care Home in Rocky Mountain House for the loving care Zane received over the last four years.

Condolences

Marilyn Roberts:

So sorry to hear that Zane has passed away.
We have many fond memories of Zane and his family.
Deepest sympathy to Ruby and family, sisters, brothers and loved ones.
I know what a beautiful and kind couple Zane and Ruby were.
May he rest in eternal peace.
Will always remember!

Nikki Johnson:

Just want to send my condolences to Ruby and family. My dad Cleve and Zane sat at a table together for a while at meal time. Zane seemed like such a kind man. There was a dinner where I helped Zane get some food on his fork and then I offered to open his ice cream sandwich for him. When the HCA came to check on the table, I had them all eating their dessert before eating their supper. Haha. When she questioned it, Zane replied “ we are adults, we can do what we want.” It was so funny. I used to like stirring up some trouble with humor with them. They liked the laugh. Rest in peace Zane.

Edna Brookes (Yarowy):

Oh my, I am SO lost for words. Thought we had more time for another facetime.
My deepest condolences to the whole family.
Zane and Ruby, we go back so many years. Ruby - from childhood days in Pretty Valley, growing up on the farm, going to school together and always in touch from far away all these many years. Ruby, I knew you met your soulmate way back then. So many treasured years.
So many captured memories will never be lost.
Till we meet again, RIP Zane.

Lorraine Westcott:

My dearest sympathy to my wonderful sister Ruby and all the family at your time of grief. Rest in peace Zane.

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