Wesley Nevin Zaboschuk
It is with sadness our family announces the passing of Wesley “Wes” Nevin Zaboschuk on May 25th, 2021.
Wes was born and resided in Edmonton, Alberta; the middle child of Nicholas and Helen Zaboschuk. Wes went home to be with the Lord very unexpectedly while resting in his home due to a failure in his beautiful heart. Wes survived numerous heart valve surgeries including being the longest survivor of an extremely rare heart valve lymphoma amongst 5 world-wide documented cases.
Wes resided his entire life in Edmonton, and had many life passions with the greatest being time spent with his children Sarah and Wyatt. Wes also enjoyed many other activities that included his career at NAIT, his students, being with family, playing hockey, fitness, home renos, media creation, and socializing with friends. Lastly, but not in the least, he loved taking care of his dogs Lincoln and Vyanka.
Wes is survived by his dear children (Sarah & Wyatt Zaboschuk), and his sister Karen Clarke (Megan, Tyler, Corey); however, he was predeceased by his father Nicholas (July 19, 1974), his mother Helen (Sept. 10, 2017), and his brother Marvin (Nov. 27, 2015).
Due to Covid Restrictions, a Memorial Service will be held for the family at 10:00 am on Thursday, June 3rd, 2021. The service will be live streamed. Click here for access.
The interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery where he will be laid to rest next to his brother Marvin.
So sad to hear this news. I have fond memories of Marv. He always made a point of chatting and catching-up whenever our paths crossed. He will be missed.
My heart will never be the same without Wes in my life. I am sure you are all feeling the same way and I hope your memories of him will comfort you during this difficult time. You are all in my prayers.
Wes was such an amazing life force. He put everything he had into anything he did personally or professionally. Always the quintessential ambassador for NAIT, always there for friend or foe. I will miss his voicemails, silly text messages, pictures and greeting one another with a big hug!
Sarah and Wyatt, you are so lucky to have Wes as your father. He lives on in both of you, don’t ever forget that – all the serious and silly moments will forever be in your hearts.
Love and light to you all – thank you for sharing him with the rest of us!
Your friend forever, Kathie.
Wes was such a funny and great guy. I think I remember him smiling at most interactions. He loved ed technology, always playing. My condolences to Wes’ family and close friends. Wes will be remembered!
Wes was an instructor to me, mentor, peer and friend.
I still remember taking his sales class at NAIT and thinking how cool it was that he had all this industry experience. Fast forward 15 years later, we went for a coffee and a month or so later, I was being mentored and trained by Wes to teach a course at NAIT. After teaching a class, we would spend time after class discussing sales, NAIT, Oilers and life with my wife usually texting me, asking if everything was okay because it was two hours after the class.
Wes was there for me when I had class issues, needed I.T help, and I respected how you always knew where you stood with Wes. Whether I was a student in his class or a peer, he would do anything to help you if you were trying.
Going to miss our conversations
Andrew Grieve – Gehring
I’m so saddened to hear this news. I remember Wes when he was a book rep and came to NAIT, and then as an instructor with NAIT. I worked across the hall from him and had many conversations with him, which I enjoyed very much. He was easy to be a friend with and fun to be around. He was so proud of his kids and quick to share stories.
My condolences to his family and I hope you can take comfort in knowing that he had a huge impact on many people.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wes will be greatly missed by the JRSSB Family. I’m going to miss joking around in the office, the random jib jab video creations he emailed, pictures of his pups and how highly he spoke about his family, especially his sister and kids. I’m glad I was able to see Wes over a video call recently and how happy he was. Also glad we got some jokes in and had some laughs. Rest In Peace buddy.
Dearest Karen, Megan, Tyler and Corey;
We are so sorry to hear of Wes’ passing and praying for comfort for you all as you go through this difficult time. Our love and prayers always . . . Robert and Ella
THANKS for Being a Friend Wesley and I’m Thankful for the many Visits I saw You in the Hospital over the Year’s and PRAYED Doctor JESUS / POPPA GOD too Heal You daily and Give you PEACE in All things and Yes PRAYERS Yes PRAYERS for PEACE for All Your Families and Friends like myself ” Robert ” and Yes We Will SEE You again in Heaven with Everyone we Know and THANKS Again Wesley for being a Friend since the 1980’s from Central Pentecostal , Men’s Hockey Groups and Other Events and I’m going too MISS You Friend and YES THANKS again for being a Friend !!
Wes, you were a friend and more importantly a brother. When I join you in heaven we will laugh again about our memories of Japan. You’re with Jesus now, I know you are singing and praising HIM louder than you ever have before..
My deepest condolences to Wes’s family. He will be missed at NAIT by both faculty and students.
So very sad to hear this news. Wes was initially a coworker of mine when I worked at NAIT and he very quickly became a friend to both me and my husband Joe. He was great to be around, always with a smile, genuine honesty, and his quick wit guaranteed lots of laughs. We will always remember the get-togethers , the long talks about everything and nothing, and the great times we shared with him! He will be sorely missed.
Our sincere condolences to your family.
Joe & Cheryl McHugh
Wes was a wonderful member of the Marketing team and appreciated his colleagues at NAIT. Always friendly, always had a kind word for students or staff. He was a fighter. I will never forget how hard he worked in his fitness classes. He was amazing! I couldn’t keep up with him and always was happy to see him smiling. I am very sorry for your loss and our loss.
Wes was an outstanding individual, a truly remarkable individual. I still hear his irresistible laugh, full of life. So missed.
Wes had so much passion for all facets of his life, and I loved this about him the most. His office is right beside mine. With similar work habits, we often worked “the late shift” together, as he liked to call it. I will miss this so much, not only for all the spontaneous professional chats but also the fun story exchanges about his beloved dogs, our kids, and our mutual love of hockey, among many things. He had a great sense of humour, with a quick, big easy laugh, which was such a wonderful part of his character.
Wes helped make me a better instructor. He was always quick to share new technology tips or innovative classroom ideas. He worked hard to stay current in his field. Through his teaching, he has positively influenced the lives of thousands of students.
We will miss you Wes.
Please accept my sincere condolences. I was shocked and saddened by Wes’ passing. Wes’ passion for the marketing program, the courses he taught and his students was amazing. Wes was a dear colleague and friend, he will be missed by many. I hope happy memories bring you some comfort during this very difficult time.
So sad to lose Wes at such a young age. We enjoyed many good times with him at NAIT as well socially. Wes will be missed.
Vic and Gail Hartfield
So sorry to hear about Wes’ passing. It was a shock and completely unexpected! I will miss Wes’ dry sense of humor and infectious smile. He will be missed!
My sincere sympathy to everyone that knew Wes, a passionate human and a true expert in his field. This is an enormous loss.
Wes has such a fantastic presence and we will greatly miss him in the School of Business. His passion shone in everything he did and collectively we were better because of him.
My sincere condolences to Wes’s family at this time. He spoke often of his children and sister and his pride was so evident in those stories. May you find peace in your memories of him.
JRSSB family has lost an amazing member and a great colleague.
We will dearly miss you, Wes!
Deepest sympathies to the grieving family and friends. May the peace that surpasses all understanding prevail in your heart and soul!
My deepest condolences and prayers for Wes’s family. I know that Wes is dancing and singing with the angels in heaven!
I will miss your gregarious laugh and bright smile.
My thoughts and prayers for Wes and his family.
Wes was the first person I met in person when I joined the team at NAIT. He was a great support as I began a new career. I asked him many questions and he was always very patient and helpful.
Wes will be missed.
Wes had a huge impact on so many of us at NAIT. He worked tirelessly to bring new ideas into the classroom and was a leader when it came to embracing new technology. His students loved “Uncle Wes” and his passion for teaching always shined through.
Wes told me once that “I’ll always have your back” and “we are family in marketing at NAIT” and he stayed true to his word. He never hesitated to help when asked, and he always did so with his quick wit and humour…with a belly laugh could be heard across the room. Wes is already so missed, but we will make sure his legacy lives on at NAIT.
I have very fund memories of Wes from our junior high and high school days! Always smiling and laughing. A great friend to all. My deepest condolences to all that knew him and especially his family. Keep his memories close to your heart.
My sincere condolences to Sarah, Wyatt, Karen and the rest of Wes’ family. He loved his family so much and spoke about all of you. He will be missed.
Wes I miss you my friend! I have shed my tears and now rejoice with you in the reunion of you and your brother and your parents! I cherish our memories and will see you again!
Wes and I had been at NAIT for about the same amount of time. We had been through the various crises at the school, and I actually saw him dance with glee in the hallway in the Tower once 🙂 He was dedicated to his students, his classes and was always looking for ways to make his classes better, stronger and more interesting. His love of the Oilers was legendary. As a member of the “NAIT Night Shift” you will be missed.
My condolences to his family for this sad, sad, loss.
So saddened to hear this. Wes you were a fun, ever smiling huge, amazing guy. Whenever I would run into Wes the warmth and laughs were abundant. It was always like next to no time had passed even though it was usually years between us seeing each other.
The last time I saw Wes was a couple of years ago when he came over to our home for a bbq. Our kids had so much fun with him and he had a glint in his eyes as he told us how amazing his two children were. Sarah and Wyatt, although I have never met you I can tell you your Dad loved you both so much and was tremendously proud of you.
Friend you will be missed and I look forward to seeing you again in heaven.
Sad news; indeed, taken much too soon. Wes was a good man, a good friend, and a good caring father. Sincere condolences to his family, friends and especially his children.
I only spent one year teaching at NAIT, but Wes made a big impact on me. He welcomed me into the marketing group, always gave me great advice, and made me feel welcomed. We shared our love for hockey, and I’ll always appreciate him for introducing me to NAIT staff hockey. You always had to keep your head up whenever Wes shot the puck, but I’ll always remember Wes for how friendly and easy he was to talk to.
Very sad to hear this tragic news. Wes has passed far too young and he will be missed by family, friends and colleagues. I admired the passion he brought to virtually everything he got interested in. He got involved. I remember well the coffee room discussions on curriculum, politics, sports or just the topic of the day. Wes cared about people, really cared about his students and absolutely adored his kids. Rest in peace Wes.
Wyatt, Sarah, Karen, my condolences to you and your family. I am saddened to hear of Wes’s passing. May your pain lessen as the days months and years pass while the memories of your loving father/brother will last forever. I worked with Wes at NAIT and he will leave lasting memories there and in our hearts.
My sincere condolences to all family members who were blessed with the presence a part of their lives. As his cousin, I can say he always made me laugh and put a smile on my face. I will never forget the act he put on imitating my dad on an Anniversary Celebration for my parents, I laughed and laughed so hard and so did they. Wes was all about having a little fun and goofing around and he will be deeply missed. Big hug to everyone in the family!
Wes was someone who put his all into everything he did. He was spirited, engaged, loyal, and completely dedicated to the people and commitments in his life which mattered most. There was nothing halfway about him.
I will miss our ongoing banter and talks. I remember visiting with Wes in his backyard one weekend. His kids happened to be there, whom I had not yet met. Without hesitation, he said, “Let me introduce you to my kids…they’re my whole world.”
To Sarah, Wyatt, and the rest of Wes’ family, please accept my sincere condolences.
Rest easy, Wes #1. While your presence will be missed, your legacy will continue.
Wes was a mentor, confidant, and best friend.
I met Wes in the summer of 2001 when he was a book rep for McGraw-Hill, and I started as a new instructor in NAIT’s JR Shaw School of Business. The following year, he joined the Marketing Program where he primarily taught introduction to marketing, business to business marketing, and professional selling principles.
Occasionally in life you meet a person with such a large personality that they go on to define a name. This was certainly the case with Wes; however, I feel that he really should have been named Max. If you knew Wes, you know that he lived life to the Max. On the ice, in the classroom, and in life, he always gave 200%.
During his 19 years at NAIT he would have taught over 5,000 students. Through his teaching and mentorship Wes changed lives as he shared his passion for marketing. Wes wasn’t the kind of instructor you simply took a class from or taught out of a textbook. He shared his experience and insights, developing his own activities and materials.
Early on in his career Wes was promoted to Associate Chair and helped guide the Marketing Program into what it is today, was the leading force behind the development of DRIVE sales training, and a pioneer in the adoption of simulation and business software in course delivery. His reach was felt far beyond the classroom being a vocal advocate on the NAIT Academic Staff Association communications committee, faculty advisor of the student club Business Connex and an enthusiastic player on the NAIT men’s staff hockey team.
I got to know Wes personally as we completed our Master of Education at the University of Alberta. It is here that I first saw the axis on which the rest of his life revolved. Wyatt and Sarah were the most significant relationships in his life. His entire demeanor would brighten when he would spend time with his children.
Second only to the love of his children would be the affection that he had for his two dogs Lincoln and Vyanka. My fondest memories with Wes would be having a BBQ and with our dogs playing in the yard.
While his time on Earth was cut short, Wes had an impact in excess of his 53 years because he lived life to the Max. We are all poorer with his passing.
You are already missed! Rest easy my friend.
Condolences to Wes’ family. He was an outstanding man.
I’m going to miss you on the ice Wessier!!
We are saddened to hear of Wes’s passing. We recall the day when Wes and his children Sarah and Wyatt moved into the Spruce Avenue community. It was a breath of fresh air to have a young family living among us. Wes was a good neighbor always thinking of others. In my recent chat with him over the back gate he was talking about you, Sarah and Wyatt and how proud he was of your accomplishments as well he was concerned about his students and how online instruction may be impacting them. Our hearts are with you Sarah and Wyatt. Henry and Verna
Karen, I was so saddened to hear of Wes’s passing. Years have gone by but fondly remember visits with your mom and whole family growing up in Fulton Place. I do hope you and your family are keeping well.
I am saddened to hear of Wes’s passing. I remember him being hired at NAIT and even then his reputation preceded him. He was known through his book sales before coming to NAIT as an Instructor. I remember being told that he would be an excellent Instructor because of his character. Wes, you’ve lived up to and beyond those expectations. I extend my sincere condolences to Wes’s family, friends and colleagues. Rest In Peace Wes.
I was very shocked to hear of the passing of Wes! I have Worked with Wes in the Marketing program for a very long time. He was my boss when he was the Associate Chair of the Marketing Program!
I remember seeing Sarah and Wyatt when he would bring them to the office! He was sooooo so proud of his kids! Wes was a great instuctor for the Markeing Program as he had lots of Life experience in Marketing that he shared with the student. Wes will be Dearly missed by man from the NAIT students and Staff!
Rest in Peace You have been a faithful Servent for God Wes
I was so very sad when we heard about Wes’s unexpected passing. He was a very enthusiastic and entertaining instructor when I took his sales class in 2006, and I really enjoyed working with him at NAIT subsequently in the marketing program (thank you for hiring me, Wes, and for mentoring me in DRIVE!). His personality was very larger than life, and as a result, we are all feeling that he has left a very large and noticeable hole in our team. We miss him greatly!
I know that the loss we have experienced is nothing compared with the loss his family is feeling. Hugs to all of you, and especially to his kids!!!
My sincere condolences to Sarah, Wyatt, Karen and the rest of Wes’ family. I was deeply saddened when I heard of Wes’s passing. The last time I saw Wes was on the golf course about 7 yrs ago where we enjoyed a round together. It was a great day!!! I have alot of great memories of us during our times going to Youth group at Central. One of my fondest memories of Wes was when he picked me up in his Lada… Wow! I will never forget driving home in the middle of the night from Sylvan…We laughed all the way home…!! I will always cherish our time together Wes!! To….Wyatt and Sarah, Your Dad was awesome!!!
I know this is late, but I was just looking up my notes from a Professional Sales class I took in Fall of 2020. I ended up looking Wes up and was shocked and saddened to find that he had passed away last year. He was a great professor with so much experience; I still remember many of the things we learned from that class. Hope he knew that he made an impact on many people around him. My condolences to the family.