06/01/2026
The Mel Jr. & Marty Zajac Foundation and Zajac Ranch Mourn the Passing of Founder Mr. Mel Zajac
Vancouver, BC — May 29, 2026 — The Mel Jr. & Marty Zajac Foundation and Zajac Ranch are deeply saddened to announce the passing of their beloved Founder, Mr. Mel Zajac, who passed away at the age of 98.
Mr. Zajac was a visionary philanthropist, community leader, builder, and devoted champion for children, families, seniors, and communities across British Columbia and beyond. Following the tragic loss of his two sons, Mel Jr. and Marty, Mr. Zajac transformed profound personal grief into a lasting legacy of generosity, compassion, and service to others.
Through the Mel Jr. & Marty Zajac Foundation, Mr. Zajac helped bring Zajac Ranch to life — a fully accessible, medically supported camp in Mission, British Columbia, for children and young adults with complex medical conditions and disabilities. For more than two decades, Zajac Ranch has provided campers with the opportunity to experience the joy, freedom, friendship, confidence, and belonging of summer camp, often for the very first time.
Mr. Zajac believed deeply that every child deserves the opportunity to participate, be included, and experience the magic of camp, regardless of medical, physical, financial, or social barriers. That belief continues to guide the work of the Foundation and Ranch today.
“Mel’s impact is immeasurable,” said Sepideh Tazzman, Executive Director. “He built more than organizations and spaces — he built a legacy of care, dignity, inclusion, and hope. His vision will continue to live on through every camper, every family, and every community member touched by the work he helped create.”
Mr. Zajac’s philanthropic work extended beyond Zajac Ranch, touching the lives of countless children, youth, young adults, seniors, families, and communities. His legacy is one built not only through bricks and buildings, but through kindness, courage, compassion, and an enduring commitment to service.
This Saturday evening, as the community gathers for Zajac Nights, the Foundation’s signature fundraising gala, Mr. Zajac’s life and legacy will be honoured. While the evening will carry the weight of this tremendous loss, it will also be a celebration of his extraordinary life, his remarkable accomplishments, and the mission he helped build.
In true Mel fashion, the evening will also include joy, music, and dancing. Mr. Zajac was a wonderful dancer, and he and his beloved wife, Wendy, shared many joyful moments on the dance floor. The Foundation and Ranch hope the evening will reflect the spirit Mr. Zajac carried throughout his life: one of generosity, community, movement, joy, and celebration.
Mr. Zajac’s legacy will continue through the work of the Mel Jr. & Marty Zajac Foundation and Zajac Ranch, and through every camper and family who experiences the support, belonging, and possibility that he believed every child deserved.
About the Mel Jr. & Marty Zajac Foundation and Zajac Ranch
The Mel Jr. & Marty Zajac Foundation supports children, youth, young adults, seniors, and communities through programs rooted in inclusion, care, dignity, and opportunity. Through Zajac Ranch, the Foundation provides fully accessible, medically supported camp experiences for children and young adults with complex medical conditions and disabilities, helping remove barriers so campers can experience the joy, confidence, friendship, and belonging of camp.
Media Contact:
Sepideh Tazzman
Executive Director
The Mel Jr. & Marty Zajac Foundation / Zajac Ranch
[email protected] 604-739-0444 www.zajacranch.com
