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Zachary (Zach) was born in Marshfield, WI on June 2, 1977. He spent his first 7 years there, before moving with his family to Vancouver, WA where he graduated from Mt. View High School in 1995. He spent 4 years in the Army deploying to Bosnia. His post-secondary education was interrupted by the events of 9/11. Serving in the Illinois National Guard at the time, he was sent to Germany. Upon his return to Illinois, he worked in the service industry and began a career at Home Depot. He transferred to the Salem Home Depot Distribution Center in 2011 where he achieved a supervisory position.
Zach's positive impact on others was readily apparent to anyone who got to know him. His humor, intelligence, and generosity were evident to all. Zach was physically tough, but privately was a tender and sensitive soul. His eclectic interests ran the gamut from bonsai to the natural world, from astronomy to sports.
Zach's passion for the Chicago Cubs was legendary. Dip the pennants at Wrigley Field for a minute in Zach's honor because the Cubbies have lost one of their biggest fans and a true master of Cubs history and statistics.
Zach's passing on February 11, 2017 will leave a void in the lives of many. We will never understand why friends and family were unable to help him, but must accept his decision to end his pain and despair.
Survivors include his parents, Steve and Charlene of Scappoose, OR; brothers Nick (Carol) and niece, Anya of Paris, France; Jared (Susan) of Vancouver, WA. Best friend, who was like a brother, Scott (Kylie) Golden of Columbia, MD. Fiancee, Kassandra Freeman and her children of Stayton, OR.
Consider donations to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (afsp.org)
May you find peace dear Zachary.
Zach you made most of the days in the Army we shared together bearable and humorous. RIP.
You would have been 40 tomorrow. I wish we could celebrate that. Sorry that your pain wasn't known.
When I think about the time we spent together, I can't help but smile. You were always sweet, funny, generous, and kind. I can't imagine how you felt, but I wish I could have been someone for you to reach out to, as do all your family and friends. It had been a while since we spoke, and I wish that hadn't been the case. I regret not reaching out. I'll always remember you. Next month you would've been turning 40, old man... I'll pour one for you. Goodbye Zach.
We are very sorry for your loss. Please know that your friends and family are there for you during this difficult time (Proverbs 17:17). For additional comfort please try and throw your anxieties on God because He does care for you (1 Peter 5:7). May your loving memories bring you a smile in the days ahead. Your family has our sincerest condolences.
Rest in peace, cousin. We had some great times. Will probably never understand why you did what you did but am trying to stop asking why. I wish you were still here with us.
Zach my good high school friend gone to soon.. rest in peace.
Zach, you were a large part of my life during high school. You taught me companionship and empathy, while always encouraging me to be more impulsive. We were young and found ourselves "in trouble" quite often together! You had the natural gift of making those around you smile and laugh. Thank you for the memories - too many to list. My heart goes out to your family and friends. May you find comfort and peace.
I'm so sorry for your families loss, very heartbreaking.
Zach, I first met you in 7th grade in Miss Botalodo's Core class. That long 2 hour block of English and Social Studies. You at lease made it funny and interesting. The first day of class the teacher made us play one of those 'new class activities' where all us kids had to silently, with no words put ourselves in a line up based upon where we assumed we should be based on last name order. This was very difficult as not many people knew each other yet. Of course, you went straight to the end of line . I was right next to you as I was a "W" back then. Trying to communicate between the two of us using hand signals was hilarious because we both thought we should be at the end of the line. You of course, were correct. Haha!
Rest In Peace Zach. It was nice getting to have at least few funny moments with you.
You were a great friend, I'm so sorry to hear such traffic news