Obituary of Rafal Jerzy Zarin-Heydel

To view the livestream of Rafal's Celebration of Life, please click here.

With sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rafal Jerzy Zarin on Monday, July 28, 2025, at the age of 61. A life full of love, laughter, and purpose ended far too soon.

Raf is lovingly remembered by his wife Veronica Zarin, son Philip Zarin (Nicole); daughter Carolina Van Every (Adam) and cherished grandson Tage. He is also survived by his sister Kasia Daniel (Raphael), niece Martyna Daniel, nephews Viktor and David Daniel and cousins Ewa Ozimina, Elizabeth Heydel, Wojtek Heydel, and Rafal Mankoo-Heydel. Predeceased by his parents Bohdan and Krystyna (Heydel) Zarin. 

Raf who often introduced himself by saying ‘R-A-F as in Royal Air Force’ welcomed everyone with a booming laugh and the warmest embrace. His hands were rarely still—often fixing, building, or lending a hand to others. Raf’s legacy is one of kindness, ingenuity, and a heart as big as the outdoors he loved.

A true outdoorsman, Raf communed with nature and felt most at peace by the water with a fishing rod in hand. He found solace in the natural world and a passion for music, particularly the timeless sounds of classic rock—Pink Floyd held a special place in his heart.

Professionally, Raf was deeply dedicated to his work. He was a Landscape Technologist who graduated from the School of Horticulture and Green spaces in Warsaw, Poland and had a remarkable talent for transforming outdoor spaces. For 17 years, he served as a supervisor with the City of Kitchener, where he mentored many and played a key role in leading the construction of trails and playing fields. In the last decade of his career, he continued his public service with pride as a crew leader for the City of Guelph’s Public Works department, earning the admiration of colleagues for his leadership and work ethic.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. in the Fireside Reception Room at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo. Shared remarks will begin at 5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family donations in Raf’s memory may be made to the Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters, the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth or the House of Friendship may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or  www.erbgood.com