With heavy hearts and endless love, we announce the passing of Alan Zahar, who passed away peacefully in his sleep, in the comfort of his home in Athabasca, Alberta, in the early morning hours of November 10, 2026, at the age of 76.
Alan was the beloved husband of Gerri Pellerito Zahar, with whom he shared 20 wonderful years of marriage. He was a devoted father to Kevin and Michael Zahar, stepfather to Alexander and Stephanie Crocker, and a proud grandfather to Avarie Zahar, Kristina Zahar, and Evelyn Crocker. He is also lovingly remembered by his sister, Marilyn Zahar, and her children, Lisa Makovichuk and Jareth Dussk.
Alan was predeceased by his father, James Zahar; his mother, Elsa Zahar; his sister, Debbie Zahar; and his nephews, Mark and Kain Milakovic.
To know Alan was to know someone truly extraordinary. Intelligent, accomplished, generous, and deeply loving, his greatest strength was found in his composure. He carried a quiet confidence and steadiness that brought comfort to those around him. He never needed to be the loudest person in the room to make his presence felt. His wisdom, kindness, and gentle nature all spoke for themselves. He was someone you could depend on, a mentor and father figure to many, whose presence made life feel a little more certain, a little more peaceful, and a little more like home.
Alan lived a life of purpose, generosity, and connection. As a longstanding Rotarian and Mason, he dedicated his time and energy to making a meaningful difference in the Athabasca community. He believed in giving back, building lasting friendships, and bringing people together. His contributions reached beyond the organizations he served, touching countless lives through his kindness and care for others. He leaves behind a community made better because he was part of it.
A man of many talents, Alan was mechanically inclined and took pride in a “do it yourself” approach to projects. He carried a wealth of life experience, with a story, a lesson, or a practical solution always close at hand. He shared that knowledge generously, helping others understand and learn something they could carry with them for the rest of their lives. Guided by a sincere desire to help, he gave people more than answers; he gave them confidence in their own abilities. Those moments of learning together became part of the lasting difference he made in their lives.
One of Alan’s greatest joys was bringing people together through his love of cooking. Cherished childhood memories of cooking alongside his mother grew into a lifelong passion that brought him tremendous pride, happiness, and success. Through Elsa’s Banquets and Catering, his amazing meals, including signature Prime Rib and Yorkshire pudding, brought thousands of people together, creating moments filled with laughter, conversation, friendship, and love.
For Alan, cooking was about the people sharing the meal. He had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and turning a gathering into a cherished memory. His food was made with love, and the warmth he brought to every table made people feel at home. Those fortunate enough to share a meal with him will remember both how wonderful it tasted and how he made them feel.
Above all else, Alan loved deeply and was deeply loved in return. To his family, he was a source of strength, a voice of reason, and a reassuring presence. His love could be felt in the countless quiet ways he cared, supported, and showed up for the people who meant the most to him.
Some people are simply irreplaceable. Their presence becomes so much a part of our lives that it is difficult to imagine the world without them. Alan was one of those people, truly one of a kind.
His life leaves an everlasting warmth in the hearts of all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. We will miss his steady presence, his warmth, his wisdom, and the comfort of simply knowing he was there.
Alongside our grief is a deep gratitude for the years we shared, the lessons he taught us, the laughter around his table, and the unconditional love he gave so freely. His legacy will live on in the family he loved, the friendships he cherished, the community he helped shape, and the traditions we carry forward in his honour.
Alan, thank you for the life we were fortunate to share with you. Though you are no longer physically beside us, so much of you remains within us. In every story we tell, every meal that brings us together, and every act of kindness inspired by you, your love will live on, forever.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex on Thursday, November 19th, 2026, at 11:00am.