ZINN – Donald Otis - The family of Donald Zinn are deeply saddened to announce his sudden passing on July 4th, 2026. Donnie was born June 12, 1937, in Cabri, Sask. to Holly and Marie (Robertson) Zinn. He was brought home to Hazlet where he spent most of his life. Donnie loved the farming life. In fact, it was a mutual decision between the teachers and Donnie that his career would be farming and not higher education.

Donnie married his childhood sweetheart, Edith Parker, November 2, 1956. Son Barry was born in 1957 and daughter Teresa followed quite sometime later in 1972. Always together, Donnie and Edith farmed and raised cattle. They enjoyed camping, hunting, boating and spending time with friends and family. They were lifetime supporters of the Hazlet Elks baseball team. Grandkids Corey and Kristin remember spending untold hours down at the farm helping Grampa and Grandma with the cow/calf operation. Grampa taught them both how to drive, a definite perk in helping out. Donnie was devastated when he lost his beloved Edith to cancer in 1991.

Donnie was a season ticket holder for the Swift Current Broncos for several years- partnering up with Bill Westman (Finn), Barry and often great granddaughter Ericka making an event out of the home games. He also spent time fishing, golfing and a bit of traveling. He was always on call as a chauffeur for great grandchildren to get to appointments and sporting events. This was a job he took great pride in. Donnie spent time with Teresa and Jeff in different locations where Jeff was posted. He enjoyed the bonfires, happy hours, getting to know their friends and neighbors and touring. He would even indulge in a bit of quading. A trip Donnie often spoke of was when four generations of Zinn’s journeyed to Toronto and watched several Blue Jays games. Now, wasn’t that party! Lots of fun was had sharing lunchtime meals with Harvey and Gail. Sundays were often spent in Hazlet with Barry, Nola and on occasion other locals who stopped in for a visit. He always enjoyed the meal, especially when there were leftovers to take home. Almost daily chats and sharing the latest pictures of the grand puppy and life from Teresa was much anticipated.

A very big part of Donnie’s daily life was coffee row. He surely loved getting together with friends and teasing the girls at Springs Garden Restaurant that served them. Thanks to a very caring network of individuals Donnie was able to stay independent in his own home. These include lawn and yard care experts, his home cleaner, water delivery and premade prepared meals delivered to him. Donnie so appreciated all of you. Donnie fell at his home the night of July 2nd, resulting in a broken hip. He was taken to Moose Jaw hospital, but he did not survive the surgery that was attempted July 4th. Donnie looked forward to each day as it came. He enjoyed the simple pleasures life brought him. Coffee row with good friends, a Jays game, mashed potatoes and gravy, and happy hour. He loved to play practical jokes. He was easy to please, positive and even tempered. He was always regarded as one of the nicest people you could know. For someone with such a quiet presence he cast a big shadow. We are sure going to miss you, Donnie.

Donnie is survived by his son Barry (Nola), daughter Teresa Harrold (Jeff), grandson Corey Zinn, granddaughter Kristin Carlson (Andrew) Great Grandchildren- Kennedy, Elyssa, Avery, and Griffin Zinn, Ericka, Lucas and Kenzie Carlson. Donnie also leaves behind his sister Gail and brother-in-law Harvey Horn, brother-in-law Bob Parker, several nieces and nephews. Donnie was predeceased by his beloved wife Edith, his parents, brother-in-law Boyd Zeller, Allan Parker and sister-in-law Stella Zeller. There will be no formal service as Donnie said, “Hell No”. There will be a family graveside service at a later date. Memorial donations in Donnie’s memory can be made to the Hazlet Regional Park.

Donations in memory of Donald can be made to the Hazlet Regional Park - hazletregionalpark@gmail.com

For further information, to leave a condolence for the family, or to read the full obituary when it becomes available, visit www.parksidefuneralhome.com or phone 306 773 2931

Arrangements are in care of Parkside Memorial Funeral Home – Ryan Cappelle, Hayden Cappelle, Bob Cappelle.