John Zarins Obituary

John Zarins CHARLESTON - John Zarins, 87, of Charleston, SC, passed away on August 24, 2025. He was born on November 5, 1937, in Liepaja, Latvia, to the late Augusts and Alise (Jansevskis) Zarins. John's early years were shaped by the upheaval of World War II. In 1944, as the Soviet Army advanced into Latvia, he and his family fled their homeland. They spent six years in displaced persons camps in Germany before being sponsored by a kind American family on a farm in Hicksville, Ohio. Through resilience and determination, the family worked tirelessly to repay their sponsors and eventually established a home in Defiance, Ohio, where they proudly became naturalized U.S. citizens. Arriving in the United States at the age of 12 with little knowledge of English, John embodied perseverance. By 19, he had graduated from high school and soon after enlisted in the United States Navy, eager to serve the country that had given his family refuge. His twenty-year Naval career took him around the world, where he often fondly recalled the friendships made and the joy of sharing "cold beverages" in faraway ports. Rising through the ranks, John served as a nuclear engineer and instructor, a role that reflected both his intellect and discipline. While stationed in Connecticut, John met Dorothy Mae Powers, who became his first wife. Together they raised two daughters, Nadine and Andrea, first in Arlington, VA, and later in Charleston, SC, where John was permanently stationed. Charleston quickly became home, and the family embraced the Lowcountry community. Tragically, Dorothy passed away in 1978, leaving John and the girls to navigate life without her. A few years later, John met Margaret Anne Thomason, who became his second wife and a beloved partner for many years. With their marriage, John welcomed her son, William Sawyer, into his heart and home, and Margaret embraced Nadine and Andrea as her own. Their blended family was a source of joy and strength, lasting until Margaret's passing after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Beyond his naval career, John discovered a lifelong passion for real estate. What began as modest investments grew into a business of more than 200 apartments and a dozen homes across North Charleston and surrounding areas. Known affectionately as "Mr. John" by many of his tenants, he managed the properties himself for decades, handling everything from paperwork to repairs with quiet diligence. At age 78, John retired after selling the properties he had so faithfully maintained. Those who knew John would describe him as quiet and humble, yet deeply kind and dependable. He was forgiving and resilient, with a strong sense of independence and an unwavering work ethic. His life journey-from a boy fleeing war-torn Europe to a U.S. Navy veteran, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, successful businessman, and proud American-was a testament to perseverance, family, and faith in new beginnings. John was predeceased by his first wife, Dorothy; his second wife, Margaret; and his brother, Andris. He is survived by his daughters, Nadine Zarins of Charleston, SC, and Andrea Zarins (Mark) of Jensen Beach, FL; his sister, Biruta (Jack) Kearns of Casper, WY; stepson, William Sawyer (Sandy) and his granddaughters, Grier, Grace, Betty Anne, and Paige. He will be remembered for his remarkable journey, his devotion to family, and his quiet but steadfast presence in the lives of many. Family and friends will remember John as a serious man but won't forget his funny "Latvian" sense of humor.