Victor W. Zariski

   

 

Married to Ina (Waller) Zariski, the first woman radio operator in western Canada. He and his wife worked as intercept radio operators at Lulu Island during WWII. Also worked as a Radio Operator in the Yukon, Alberta and later Ottawa. He was also a Justice of the Peace in the Yukon.

Marié à Ina (Waller) Zariski, première femme opératrice radio dans l'Ouest canadien. Lui et sa femme ont travaillé comme opérateurs radio d'interception à l'île Lulu pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Il a également travaillé comme opérateur radio au Yukon, en Alberta et plus tard à Ottawa. Il a également été juge de paix au Yukon.

 

 

In late '46 Victor married Ina (Waller) Zariski who had worked with him at Lulu Island as intercept radio operators during World War II. I believe at war's end Vic was posted to a station up the B.C. coast somewhere.

 

Olive Carroll

December 2009

 

 

Victor Zariski of Edmonton passed away on January 26 2014 in hospital from complications arising from a fall.

 

Victor was born in Garson Mine, Ontario, but grew up in Kirkland Lake where he first encountered his abiding passion - telecommunications - as a young man broadcasting Sunday church services for the local radio station. He went on to obtain his radio operator's licence and his wartime service involved tracking enemy submarines on both the east and west coasts of Canada. It was in British Columbia that he met his wife of almost 60 years, Ina, who was also an accomplished radio operator. Victor remained with the Department of Transport for 40 years in positions in the Yukon (where he was a Justice of the Peace), Alberta, and later Ottawa.

 

After retirement he was employed by the United Nations as a technical instructor in Qatar and Bangladesh. Victor was a lifelong learner with many interests including curling, square dancing, wine making, mandolin playing, weaving, judging figure skating, learning to fly, and growing tomatoes. He was a graduate of the University of Alberta (member of MUGGS) as a senior.

 

Victor's most enduring pursuit, however, was amateur radio. He was a licensed "ham" for over 60 years ( VE6DEG ), later teaching others for the Northern Alberta Radio Club. His wife Ina was also a ham radio operator  ( VE8IZ ). On occasion Victor was seen on the roof of his house fixing antennas for better broadcasts. In later years he lived at the Churchill Residence downtown where he made many friends playing cards and bingo, and dancing on Friday evenings.

 

A remarkable life! He was predeceased by his wife Ina and son Mark. He is survived by sons Archie (Kim), Tom (Jean), and grandchildren Deanne, Ross (Leah), Randy and Ryan.Victor was concerned about climate change and supported many causes and charities. If you wish to do something in his memory please help one close to your own heart.

 

Links   -   Liens

His wife Ina (Waller) Zariski