Former Garden River Reeve Bernie Zurakowski remembered for community service

Zurakowski served two terms as a councillor (1999 – 2004) and one term as reeve (2008-2012), giving 12 years to municipal government. Scragg said one of Zurakowski’s major contributions came during significant flooding in the RM, when he helped guide the municipality through the aftermath.

In 2000, Zurakowski fell from a combine in a farm accident. Scragg said the accident caused lasting mobility challenges and Zurakowski was eventually confined to a wheelchair, but he did not let that stop him from serving the community.

“He actually served on RM council following the major farm accident and never let it be a deterrent to his leadership and to his service to the community,” Scragg said.

Scragg said Zurakowski was an example of someone willing to raise his hand for public service despite the demands of running a busy farm and supporting a family.

According to his obituary, Zurakowski worked in bridge construction, at Peters Motors in Prince Albert and in the forestry industry before returning to farming. He was also a member of St. Mark’s Knights of Columbus.

Scragg said Zurakowski’s commitment to community service was reflected in his family, including his son Ted, a former longtime Prince Albert city councillor, and his daughter Michelle, a teacher.

Zurakowski is survived by his wife Peggy, children Michelle, Ted and Jeff, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and friends.

Scragg said the community’s thoughts are with Zurakowski’s family.

“The hearts and minds of everybody in the community is with them at this time,” he said.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

by Susan McNeil

Former Garden River Reeve Bernie Zurakowski remembered for community service

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