Zenon Gawron
January 9, 1954 – March 27, 2026

Zenon Gawron, of St Andrews, Manitoba, passed away at the age of 72, leaving behind a life marked by curiosity, wit, service, and deep devotion to family.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Irene, by his children Vladimir, Yvan, Valentina , Alexei, and Laressa and their families; each of whom carried a part of his heart forward. He is also remembered with love by his sister Donna and his nephew Lucas.

Born and raised in Winnipeg in the historic West Broadway/Armstrong Point area, Zenon grew up in a home shaped by strong Ukrainian roots and lively stories.

As a young man, Zenon was thoughtful, creative, and bright. He served as an altar boy into his late teens and graduated as valedictorian, already showing the intellectual curiosity and quiet determination that would define his life. In high school, he co-wrote a play with friends—part of a studious group who jokingly called themselves “the briefcase boys” including a production titled How are Ya' Hamlet - the Musical.

He went on to study History (BA Honours), where he could often be found sharing dim sum with friends between classes. While at UofM, he won an award in History. But Zenon’s education extended far beyond lecture halls. In his early adulthood, he set out alone as a backpacker, traveling through Europe, Northern Africa, and French Morocco.

Zenon spent five formative years working on the DEW Line, stationed at four different remote bases. It was a time that shaped him deeply, as he would later joke: “That’s where I learned to drink.” More importantly, it was where he learned resilience, independence, and the value of shared hardship.

Back in Winnipeg, Zenon’s life took a meaningful turn when he met Irene. Their story began simply- she was working late and he brought her coffee, and continued when they later met again at the union center and shared a beer. Through shared hardships, their connection grew in quiet, steady ways that would define their relationship and nourish their 35-year marriage.

Zenon then begin to build a career rooted in knowledge, access, and community. He worked with the Provincial Archives of Manitoba and the University of Manitoba Archives (Special Collections) as well as Aviation Museum and Oseredok Archives, contributing to the preservation of history. Later, he became a pioneer in Canada’s early internet landscape, helping organize and launch Blue Sky Freenet—bringing internet access to Manitoba at a time when it was still new and uncertain. He also designed web pages for distance education through Athabasca University, supporting learners in remote provincial areas and across the Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut, reconnecting him to the North.

Zenon continued his public service for 15 years with the NDP caucus at the Legislature, working on web development during the premierships of Gary Doer, Greg Selinger and Wab Kinew. His work helped shape how government communicated in a changing digital world.

He officially retired at 65 but never fully stepped away from contributing. He later worked with the Selkirk Library, continuing his passion for web design and access to information.

Above all, Zenon was devoted to his family. He shared a 35-year marriage with his wife, Irene, built on coffee and early mornings, laughter & adventurous family outings and a quiet understanding and enduring partnership. He was a steady and loving presence to his children taking pride in supporting each of them in their own unique ways.

Zenon was a man of deep intelligence and dry wit, someone who could move comfortably between history, politics, storytelling, and absurd humour. He carried both seriousness and mischief, often at the same time. He was curious about the world, devoted to learning, and never far from a good story.

Zenon will be remembered for his intelligence and his way of moving through the world with thoughtfulness and intention. He bridged worlds - between past and future, north and south, solitude and community, knowledge and connection.

And in the end, what he built was not just systems or archives or networks but a life of steady presence, quiet care, and enduring connection that will continue to ripple through the people who knew and loved him. 

Celebration of Life: April 25 in the Oseredok Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre, Winnipeg, MB from 1-3 p.m

Tributes: www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.