John Edward (Ted) Van Zant

John Edward (Ted) Van Zant was born October 8, 1935, in Toronto, Ontario. Death, Ted's last big life adventure, came on February 28, 2025. Ted was at home surrounded by people who loved him. He is survived by his loving wife Nancy Martens, with whom he spent the last 29 years of his life; and his children, Leslie (John Poole), Mark, Eric and Erin (Kevin Bradley) and grandchildren James Elliott Van Zant (who was a treasured a gift to Grandfather who often quipped, "if I'd known grandchildren were so much fun, I'd had them first."), Braven Van Zant, and Marylynn Elise Van Zant, and his sister Helen (Tony) Cribben in Toronto, his two nieces and their families. Ted is also survived by Nancy's three sisters and their families. Ted specifically thanks his sister-in- law Norma who wrote him a weekly letter for the almost two years he was in Long Term Care.

Ted loved following Canadian & US politics and had a wicked sense of humour. We wonder if the earthquake on March 1st was the result of Ted challenging god about the dire state of human rights and geopolitics in the world.

Ted embraced life. Ontario Cottage life held a special place in the lives of his children and his two nieces. Ted always set himself goals (SCUBA ticket, bungee jumping, hand gliding, parasailing, parachuting, obtaining his private pilot's license) but once achieved, he considered the mountain climbed. Ted enjoyed motorcycling, and he enjoyed playing golf, which in later years he referred to as “sissy golf”. Ted valued his lifelong friendships with Bob, Blair, Barry and Charlie and thanked them for respecting and supporting his decision to the very end.

Physical fitness was important. For over 45 consecutive years Ted was at the gym seven days a week. His physical fitness made a huge difference, especially after he was told he was cancer free, and in the same week was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease.

The Victoria Ballroom Dance Society played an important role in Ted & Nancy's life where many close friendships were made leading to years of rotating dinner parties & game nights. Nancy & Ted loved their adventures on Cox Bay near Pacific Rim National Park & in Tofino. The Heron Rocks Camping Cooperative Association on Hornby Island provided years of pleasure camping in nature's beauty. Ted's love of traveling and his aptitude for languages was valuable in their many home exchanges throughout Europe and Great Britain.

Ted volunteered with several community organizations in Victoria to help others. He volunteered with the Victoria Coast Guard Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, and Project Literacy Victoria (he met Nancy in volunteer training). Ted and Nancy were members of Dying with Dignity Canada, the Victoria Secular Humanist Association, and Amnesty International prior to meeting.

Ted and Nancy specifically thank Dr. Stefanie Green for providing him with support and comfort after his Parkinson's Disease diagnosis, as he was in control of his life. The W5th floor staff at the Heights at Mt. View are greatly appreciated for their conscientious, respectful and compassionate care throughout Ted's life in LTC.

Ted’s approach to life was summarized by the British author Vivian Greene, who wrote, "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning to dance in the rain." Ted left a deep impression on people who knew him. He will be missed.

If desired, please donate in his name to the https://parkinsonswellnessproject.org/