This is an entry from Ruth, Zale’s wife. As Zale has outlined in detail in past posts on this site, he had a range of health issues over the last 5 years, many of them stemming from prostate cancer and the cancer treatments. His quality of life had been diminishing, particularly over the past year and half, and he finally decided that ‘the party was over’ and it was time to ask for MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying). 

He died on Wednesday, September 25 around 8:30pm in our home, surrounded by family and friends. In the three days leading up to his death, many friends and neighbours came by in the afternoons to spend time with us. Close friends and family were here in the evenings. People shared memories, songs, laughter, joy and love with us. We had what amounted to a Celebration of Life, with Zale in attendance. It was exactly the sendoff that he wanted, and it was his final gift to us — sharing love and building community.

Good-bye Zale; you are missed.